Patent ID: 8491841
Filing Date: 2013-07-23
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A purge seal for an analytical furnace comprising: a combustion furnace having an input port for receiving a holder for an analytical sample for the combustion of the sample for the analysis of the byproducts of combustion; a purge block coupled to said input port of said combustion furnace, said purge block having an input end for receiving said holder and a gas inlet and a gas outlet, said input end of said purge block having an annular channel; a door for selectively closing said input end of said purge block, said door including an annular flange which extends within said annular channel of said purge block; a pair of axially spaced annular cup-shaped seals positioned in opposed facing relationship on opposite sides of said gas inlet and said gas outlet coupled within said annular channel of said purge block and extending radially between said purge block and said door; a source of purging gas coupled to said gas inlet of said purge block for pressurizing said seals; and said gas outlet of said purge block communicating with said seals to allow purging gas to escape the area of said seals.