Thermal barrier for use in a mechanical seal assembly
AssigneeSundyne Corporation
InventorMichael K. O'Shea
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A mechanical seal assembly is adapted for use with a shaft supported by a bearing, the mechanical seal assembly being located near the bearing. The mechanical seal assembly includes a rotating member attached to the shaft and stationary member engaging the rotating member so that, when the shaft rotates, frictional heat is generated. The mechanical seal assembly includes a thermal barrier for reducing the amount of frictional heat reaching the bearing, thereby reducing the effect of the frictional heat on the lubrication of the bearing.
Claims21
A seal assembly for a shaft rotatably supported in a bearing, comprising
- a stationary seal member positioned about the shaft;
- a mating member mounted on the shaft for rotation therewith and having a face in contact with the stationary seal member at which heat is developed during movement of the shaft;
- and
- a thermal barrier disposed between the mating member and the bearing.
A mechanical seal assembly for use with a shaft rotatably journaled in an inboard bearing, the assembly comprising:
- a stationary seal member positioned about the shaft;
- a mating member supported for rotation with the shaft and having a face engaging the stationary seal, frictional heat being generated between the mating member and the stationary seal member as the mating member rotates with the shaft;
- and
- a thermal barrier sized to fit between the mating member and the inboard bearing, the thermal barrier comprising a non-heat-conductive material to prevent a portion of the frictional heat from conducting from the mating member to the inboard bearing.
A pump for use with a motor, the pump comprising:
- a rotatable shaft adapted to be coupled to the motor;
- an impeller attached to one end of the shaft;
- a housing enclosing a portion of the shaft;
- a bearing disposed inside the housing and journally supporting the shaft;
- a mating member attached to and rotating with the shaft, the mating member positioned near the bearing;
- a stationary seal member positioned to engage the mating member to form a mechanical seal, a frictional heat being generated between the mating member and the stationary seal member when the mating member rotates with the shaft;
- and
- a thermal barrier disposed between the mating member and the bearing, the thermal barrier comprising a non-heat-conductive material.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.