Patent ID: 6454530
Filing Date: 2002-09-24
Classification: F04D

Abstract:
High-temperature fan apparatus for circulating high temperature gas within a chamber defined by wall structure, the fan apparatus configured to limit heat transfer through the fan apparatus without the need for separate fan-cooling apparatus comprising:a frame having support surfaces configured to support the fan apparatus at an opening in the wall structure; a fan shaft rotatably secured with respect to the frame by at least one bearing member at a position outside the chamber, the shaft having first and second ends and a shaft outer surface therebetween, the shaft being sized to support a fan element through the wall opening and within the chamber, the shaft further including at least one bore positioned trans-axially through at least a portion of the shaft at a position between the chamber and the at least one bearing member to limit heat transfer across the bore; at least one fan element secured along the shaft first end; and thermal barrier material secured with respect to the frame, the thermal barrier material having portions positioned about the shaft and shaft-contact surfaces in direct contact with the shaft to limit heat transfer through the frame and along the shaft outer surface.