Thermally response controlled gap seal device

A controlled gap seal device adapted to surround a shaft, the device comprising:

• an annular seal element;
• a ring positioned on an outer surface of the seal element, the ring adapted to modify a diametrical dimension of the seal element by thermally expanding/contracting as a function of temperature variations;
• and
• a housing assembly having an interior enclosing the seal element and the ring, with the seal element configured to be generally stationary in the interior, the housing assembly having an air passage defined by at least one air inlet open to a surrounding environment, a first passage portion extending from the at least one air inlet to a chamber radially outward of the ring, and a second passage portion distinct from the first passage portion and extending from the chamber to at least one air outlet distinct from the at least one air inlet, the at least one air outlet being in direct fluid communication with the surrounding environment, the controlled gap seal device configured for inducing, during use, a flow of gas from the surrounding environment into the at least one air inlet, at least a portion of the flow of gas directed sequentially onto the ring to controllably cool and shrink the ring, into the second passage portion and directly out to the surrounding environment via the at least one air outlet.