Hub seals for thrust-assisted centrifugal pump
US4278396A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 15, 1978 |
| Grant date | Jul 14, 1981 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 15, 1998 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16J15/3224
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
This invention relates to a centrifugal pump characterized by a pair of novel self-aligning impeller hub seals located in the high pressure cavity and subjected to the influence thereof to maintain them in fluid-tight sealed contact with the adjacent cavity walls to which they are loosely fastened. The invention also encompasses a novel thrust-type hub seal subassembly that is continually biased into fluid-tight sealed contact with an annular abutment on the impeller hub, the latter element being the only surface in relatively movable frictional engagement with the seal with such engagement being face-to-face so that the thrust compensates for any wear therebetween. Another feature of the invention is the cooperative relationship between the self-aligning impeller hub seals, the thrust-type hub seal and pressure relief passages in the impeller hub whereby the thrust seal is isolated from the relatively higher fluid pressure in the high pressure cavity. Finally, one version of the pump has a jet-assisted impeller wherein radial passages therein discharge the working fluid into an annulus which, in turn, discharges into the high pressure cavity through tangentially-directed jets, the…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.