Patent ID: 11054036

Abstract:
A fluid sealing system for a rotary mechanical device includes a pillar lantern ring having two end caps with pillars or columns connecting the end caps. A bushing or bearing seal element is positioned at the bottom of the seal cavity and the pillar lantern ring is positioned adjacent the element at the flush port with compressible packing rings between the lantern ring and the gland follower. The pillars or columns are axial supports to prevent the ring from being crushed when the gland follower is tightened down. The pillars allow for a larger reservoir volume of flush in case of temporary flush loss compared to a conventional lantern ring with holes between the outer and inner groove surfaces of the lantern ring. The outer surface of the lantern ring is closely dimensioned to the inner bore of the stuffing box. In one embodiment the lantern ring is a suspended lantern ring with an inner diameter greater than the shaft to avoid any and all contact with the shaft in order to extend its working life.