Patent ID: 6131912
Filing Date: 2000-10-17
Classification: F16J

Abstract:
A split mechanical seal for providing fluid sealing between a housing and a rotating shaft, said seal comprisinga first seal ring having at least two seal ring segments and a radially extending first seal face,a second seal ring having at least two seal ring segments and a radially extending second seal face, said first and second seal faces being opposed to one another,one of said first seal ring and said second seal being connected to said rotating shaft to rotate therewith, the other of said first seal ring and said second seal ring being connected to said housing,means for introducing a fluid to said first seal face and said second seal face, wherein said means for introducing includes a groove formed in one of said first and second seal faces and a fluid conduit formed in one of said first and second seal rings, andsplit support means having at least two support segments for coupling said first seal ring to one of said housing and said rotating shaft,wherein said split mechanical face seal is adapted to operate according to one mode of operation as a split contacting mechanical seal and is adapted to operate according to another mode of operation as a split non-contacting mechanical seal.