Patent ID: 6029695
Filing Date: 2000-02-29
Classification: F16L,Y10T

Abstract:
A rotary union for transmitting fluid under pressure, said rotary union comprising:a relatively fixed upper housing having an upper end having a fluid passage defined therein, said fluid passage having an upper opening for receiving fluid, an axis of flow, and a lower opening for emitting fluid;a cylindrical silicon carbide rotor, said rotor having an inner wall defining a fluid passage and an outer wall, said rotor fluid passage having an upper opening for receiving fluid, an axis of flow, and a lower opening for emitting fluid, said rotor upper opening in communication with said upper housing fluid passage lower opening;a lower housing, the upper end of said lower housing defining an opening through which the upper end of said rotor passes, said lower end of said lower housing including an internal cylindrical chamber having an inner wall;metal fasteners for securing said upper housing in relation to said lower housing;at least one bearing provided with close tolerance between said rotor outer wall and a lower housing cylindrical chamber inner wall for rotatably bearing said rotor about said axis of flow;a first fluid-tight seal provided between said upper housing and said lower housing and contacting said rotor, said first fluid-tight seal being a filled Teflon seal;a vent channel communicating through said housing between said rotor and atmosphere, through which vent channel any fluid bypassing said first fluid-tight seal is vented to atmosphere;a second fluid-tight seal provided between said rotor and said lower housing for preventing said fluid bypassing said first fluid-tight seal from contacting said bearing; anda gland plate provided between said upper housing and said lower housing, said gland plate having an upper surface, a lower surface, an inner surface, and an outer surface, said gland plate fastened to said upper housing via metal fasteners.