Patent ID: 6454523
Filing Date: 2002-09-24
Classification: F04D

Abstract:
A pump seal for sealing the impeller shaft of a centrifugal pump, the pump seal comprising:(a) a seal housing for surrounding the impeller shaft, the housing comprising a forward end, a rearward end and a reservoir chamber disposed therebetween, the reservoir chamber having a drain port for discharging liquids from the reservoir chamber; (b) a forward sealing seat disposed at the forward end of the seal housing; (c) a forward seal element disposed around the impeller shaft and in abutment with the forward sealing seat; (d) a forward spring for urging the forward sealing element against the forward sealing seat so as to seal the impeller shaft from the flow of liquids therealong; (e) a rearward sealing seat disposed at the rearward end of the seal housing; (f) a rearward seal element disposed around the impeller shaft and in abutment with the rearward sealing seat; and (g) a rearward spring for urging the rearward sealing element against the rearward sealing seat so as to seal the impeller shaft from the flow of liquids therealong; wherein the centrifugal pump has a suction side and a discharge side, wherein the pump seal is disposed around the impeller shaft and wherein the drain port is disposed in fluid tight communication with the suction side of the pump.