Patent ID: 6203294
Filing Date: 2001-03-20
Classification: F04D

Abstract:
A hermetically sealed pump comprising a motor, a motor housing, a gas supply port, a drive shaft, first and second rotational supports, an integrated adapter, a pump housing, a seal assembly, and an impeller, wherein:said motor is arranged to impart rotational movement to said drive shaft;said first and second rotational supports are arranged to support said drive shaft;said second rotational support is accommodated by said integrated adapter;said drive shaft is coupled to said impeller such that rotation of said drive shaft causes rotation of said impeller;said motor housing is disposed about said motor and defines a front end, a rear end, and a motor cavity;said pump housing is disposed about said impeller and defines a process fluid cavity;said integrated adapter is arranged to define an adapter cavity and to couple mechanically said rear end of said motor housing to said pump housing;said motor cavity and said adapter cavity are in fluid communication with one another and collectively define a hermetically sealed pressurized gas cavity having a motor cavity portion and an adapter cavity portion;said gas supply port is arranged to introduce pressurized gas into said pressurized gas cavity; andsaid seal assembly is arranged to inhibit the passage of fluid from said process fluid cavity to said adapter cavity and to permit the passage of pressurized gas contained in said adapter cavity portion of said pressurized gas cavity to said process fluid cavity.