Pump system with variable-pressure seal
US6783322B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 23, 2002 |
| Grant date | Aug 31, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 7, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF04D29/108
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A pump system, including an impeller and an impeller shaft, which has one end secured to the impeller and another end that may be coupled to a motor to drive the impeller. The pump system further includes a substantially liquid-proof barrier which has an opening through which the impeller shaft extends. The opening in the barrier is sealed with a shaft sealing system that includes a supply chamber fluidly coupled with a cavity. The cavity surrounds, and is at least partially bounded by, the impeller shaft. The shaft sealing system further includes a pressure mechanism that is configured to pressurize lubrication matter contained within the supply chamber and cavity, so as to inhibit liquid from passing along the impeller shaft through the cavity and thereby penetrating the liquid-proof barrier. The pressure mechanism is further configured to vary pressure of the lubrication matter based on atmospheric pressure surrounding the pump system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.