Patent Description:
This Summary is not intended to identify key factors or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

One or more techniques and systems described herein can be utilized to help mitigate fluid loss or leakage from a fluid pump with a rotating shaft driving a pumping mechanism, such as in a gear pump, for example. In one implementation, a packing gland component and bushing component may be formed as a one-piece, packing gland-bushing component, instead of typical two-piece components. In this example, the packing gland-bushing component can have an internal seal that allows for use of lubricants at higher pressures. Further, in this implementation, a face of the packing gland portion may have removal components that allows for easier removal of the packing gland-bushing component from a pump shaft.

As another example, the one-piece packing gland-bushing may be configured to be used without packing material, essentially comprising merely a bushing component. In this example, the packing gland-bushing component may have a slip-fit configuration with the shaft of the pump. For example, a plurality of O-rings may be used to provide a seal, and allow for pressurized lubricant to be introduced along the bushing portion, at higher pressures. In some configurations, this may allow for the elimination of packing material in the shaft seal.

The invention concerns a device for sealing a pump shaft of a pump, according to claim <NUM>, and a pump comprising such a device, according to claim <NUM>.

In one implementation of a system for sealing a pump shaft, a one-piece, combination packing gland and bushing component can be used to seat in a shaft casing along a rotating pump shaft. In this implementation, the packing gland and bushing component can comprise a proximal end that is situated on the shaft near a pump motor coupler portion of the shaft, and a distal end that is situated distally on the shaft from the pump motor coupler. The packing gland and bushing component can further comprise a packing gland portion at the proximal end to provide for compression of packing material in the shaft casing. Additionally, the packing gland and bushing component can comprise a bushing portion at the distal end in order to provide a bearing surface for the rotating shaft. In this implementation, the bushing portion can comprise an inner gasket channel that is disposed proximate a proximal end of the bushing portion. The inner gasket channel can be used hold a gasket between the inside of the bushing portion and the rotating shaft to mitigate leakage of a lubricant from the proximal end of the inside of the bushing portion. In this implementation, a packing material can be disposed proximate the distal end of the packing gland and bushing component to mitigate leakage of a fluid from a pumping chamber. The packing material can be subjected to compression force that is provided by the packing gland and bushing component.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the following description and annexed drawings set forth certain illustrative aspects and implementations. These are indicative of but a few of the various ways in which one or more aspects may be employed. Other aspects, advantages and novel features of the disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the annexed drawings.

The claimed subject matter is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are generally used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the claimed subject matter. It may be evident, however, that the claimed subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate describing the claimed subject matter.

As an example, pumps can be coupled to a motor by a rotating shaft. The motor typically rotates the shaft, which, in turn, rotates a pump rotor to move the fluids through coupled conduits. However, the location at which the rotating pump shaft enters the pumping chamber, comprising the pump rotor, offers a location for leakage of the pumped fluid from the pump chamber. A system can be devised for sealing a rotating pump shaft entrance to the pumping chamber. In one implementation, the pump can comprise a pump shaft casing, or pump shaft packing box, or the like, disposed proximally (e.g., proximally in relation to the connection of the shaft to the motor) from the entrance of the pump shaft to the pump chamber. In this implementation, the pump shaft is disposed inside the pump shaft casing, or pump shaft packing box, etc..

<FIG> illustrate one implementation of an example system for sealing a rotating pump shaft in a pump. <FIG> illustrates an example pump <NUM>, in an elevation, rear view from the pump's motor toward the pump rotor. <FIG> illustrates one implementation of a system <NUM>, showing the example pump <NUM> in a top a cut-away view, along the A-A line of <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates one implementation of a system <NUM>, showing the example pump <NUM> in a close up of a portion of the top a cut-away view of <FIG>. In this implementation, a one-piece, combination packing gland and bushing component <NUM> can be used to seat in a shaft casing <NUM> along a rotating pump shaft <NUM>. In this implementation, the packing gland and bushing component <NUM> can comprise a proximal end <NUM> that is proximate a pump motor coupling portion <NUM> of the shaft <NUM>. Further, the packing gland and bushing component <NUM> can comprise a distal end <NUM> that is distal from the pump motor coupling portion <NUM> of the shaft <NUM>.

Additionally, in this implementation, the packing gland and bushing component <NUM> can comprise a packing gland portion <NUM> disposed at the proximal end <NUM>. The packing gland portion <NUM> can provide for compression of packing material in the shaft casing <NUM>. The packing gland and bushing component <NUM> can also comprise a bushing portion <NUM> that is disposed at the distal end <NUM>. The bushing portion <NUM> can provide a bearing surface <NUM> for the rotating shaft <NUM>. In this implementation, the bushing portion can comprise an inner gasket channel <NUM> that is disposed proximate a proximal end of the bushing portion <NUM>. The inner gasket channel <NUM> can be used to hold a gasket between the inside of the bushing portion <NUM> and the rotating shaft <NUM> to mitigate leakage of a lubricant from the proximal end <NUM>, from the inside of the bushing portion <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the example system <NUM> can comprise packing material <NUM> that is disposed proximate the distal end <NUM> of the packing gland and bushing component <NUM>. The packing material <NUM> can be used to mitigate leakage of a fluid from a pumping chamber <NUM>. Further, in this implementation, the packing material <NUM> can be subjected to compression force provided by the packing gland and bushing component <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, with continued reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, in one implementation, the gland portion <NUM>, of the packing gland and bushing component <NUM>, can comprise two fastener couplers <NUM>. In this implementation, the fastener couplers <NUM> can respectively be configured to receive a compression fastener <NUM> to facilitate compression of the packing material (e.g., against a packing retainer or rear seat of a packing chamber or shaft casing), such as by using the packing gland and bushing component <NUM>. In one implementation, the pump can comprise a packing retainer, which may be removable from the pump rotor side of the shaft casing or packing chamber. In this way, for example, the packing material <NUM> may be removed (e.g., and replaced) without removal of the packing gland and bushing component <NUM>.

As an example, the combination packing gland and bushing component <NUM> may be used to replace current two-piece bushing and packing gland systems in the shaft casing of a fluid pump. For example, two-piece packing gland systems, which are often made of two different materials, can be more difficult to remove from the shaft casing, for maintenance, and/or replacement of packing material. That is, using the example system <NUM>, both the packing gland and bushing portions <NUM>, <NUM> can be removed at the same time; and a one-piece, combination packing gland and bushing component <NUM> can be easier and less costly to manufacture in a single unit (e.g., machined, formed, etc.). Whereas current and prior two-piece systems have two separate pieces that are manufactured separately (e.g., and sometimes using different materials), and may need to be removed separately. Further, for example, the location of the inner gasket channel <NUM>, with an accompanying gasket (e.g., O-ring), may allow for higher pressures of shaft lubricant pressure without causing typical lip seal failure of bushing found in current two-piece systems.

<FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG> illustrate various views of one or more implementations of one or more portion of the example system <NUM>, as may be utilized in an example pump <NUM>. In one implementation, the packing gland and bushing component <NUM> can comprise an outer gasket channel <NUM> that is disposed proximate the proximal end <NUM> of the bushing portion <NUM>. In this implementation, the outer gasket channel <NUM> can be used to hold an outer gasket <NUM> between the outside of the bushing portion <NUM> and a wall of the shaft casing <NUM>. As an example, the outer gasket channel <NUM> with the outer gasket <NUM> can help mitigate leakage of lubricant (e.g., and/or pumped fluid) from the proximal end <NUM> of the packing gland and bushing component <NUM>, around the external surface <NUM> of the bushing portion <NUM>.

In one implementation, as illustrated in <FIG>, the packing gland and bushing component can comprise a lubricant channel <NUM> that is disposed around the external surface <NUM> of the bushing portion <NUM>, distally on the bushing portion <NUM> from the inner gasket channel <NUM>. The lubricant channel <NUM> can be configured to operably receive bushing lubricant <NUM>, such as provided by a lubricant source (e.g., injector). Further, in this implementation, the packing gland and bushing component <NUM> can comprise a lubricant port <NUM> that is disposed through a wall <NUM> of the bushing portion <NUM>, between the lubricant channel <NUM> and the interior of the bushing <NUM>. The lubricant port <NUM> can be configured to operably transport lubricant <NUM> from the lubricant channel <NUM> to the interior of the bushing portion <NUM>.

As one example, the pump (e.g., <NUM>) may comprise a lubricant provider, such as lubrication pump, injector, or the like, that provides a lubricant source. In this example, the lubricant source can be fluidly coupled with a port located in the wall <NUM> of the shaft casing <NUM>. Further, in this example, the port located in the wall <NUM> of the shaft casing <NUM> may be aligned with the lubrication channel <NUM>, thereby providing a source of lubricant to the lubrication channel <NUM>. Additionally, the lubrication port <NUM> can provide a fluid channel for the lubricant between the lubrication channel <NUM> and the interior of the bushing portion <NUM>. In this way, for example, the bearing surface <NUM> of the bushing portion <NUM> can be provided with lubrication, at least while the shaft <NUM> is operably rotating during operation of the pump <NUM>.

As one example, a location of the outer gasket channel <NUM>, used with an accompanying gasket <NUM>, can mitigate leakage of the lubricant to the proximal end <NUM> of the packing gland and bushing component <NUM>, along its outer surface <NUM>. Further, in this example, the location of the inner gasket channel <NUM>, used with an accompanying inner gasket <NUM>, can mitigate leakage of the lubricant to the proximal end <NUM> of the packing gland and bushing component <NUM>, along its inner surface (e.g., the bearing surface <NUM>). Additionally, the location of these gaskets <NUM>, <NUM>, in combination with the one-piece combination of the packing gland and bushing component <NUM> may allow for lubricant to be used at a higher pressure than prior. In this way, leakage of the pumped fluid from the pumping chamber <NUM> may also be mitigated by using higher lubricant pressures. As one example, the location of the gasket channel <NUM> and inner gasket <NUM> can provide a dynamic seal against the shaft <NUM>. In this example, lubricant provided to the interior of the bushing portion <NUM> can help cool and lubricate the gasket <NUM>. The gasket channel <NUM> and inner gasket <NUM> can also serve as a secondary containment to mitigate leakage from the pumping chamber <NUM>, for example, if the packing material <NUM> would fail.

In one implementation, as illustrated in <FIG>, and <FIG>, the packing gland and bushing component <NUM> can comprise a packing gland and bushing removal component <NUM>. In one implementation, the packing gland and bushing removal component <NUM> can be disposed on the packing gland portion <NUM> to facilitate removal of the packing gland and bushing component <NUM> from the pump shaft casing <NUM>. As an example, the packing gland and bushing removal component <NUM> can comprise an access opening that allows a pulling tool to engage with the packing gland portion <NUM>, to pull the packing gland and bushing component <NUM> from the pump shaft casing <NUM>.

In one implementation, the packing gland and bushing removal component <NUM> can comprise a threaded portion to further facilitate removal of the packing gland and bushing component <NUM>. For example, the access opening of the packing gland and bushing removal bushing removal component <NUM> to facilitate in removal. As another example, a pulling tool can be coupled with the jack screws to provide for easy removal of the packing gland and bushing component <NUM>.

In one aspect, a device may be devised that can be used for sealing a pump shaft of a pump. <FIG> illustrate one or more portions of an example device <NUM>, in accordance with the invention, and one or more implementations of the example device <NUM> as used in an example pump <NUM>. According to the invention, as illustrated in <FIG>, the example device <NUM> comprises a tubular portion <NUM>. The tubular portion <NUM> comprises a distal end <NUM> that may be disposed adjacent a back seat <NUM> of a pump shaft packing box <NUM>. Further, according to the invention, the example device <NUM> comprises a proximal end <NUM> that may be disposed adjacent a proximal end <NUM> of the pump shaft packing box <NUM>. That is, for example, the length of the tubular portion <NUM> can be configured to fit (e.g., and fill entirely) the length of the pump shaft packing box <NUM>.

According to the invention, tubular portion <NUM> comprises an external diameter <NUM> that is sized to fit inside the pump shaft packing box <NUM>, and an internal diameter <NUM> that is sized to receive a pump shaft <NUM>. That is, the tubular portion <NUM> is configured to fit over the pump shaft <NUM>, and to fit inside (e.g., and fill) the pump shaft packing box <NUM>, such as in a slip-fit arrangement. In this way, for example, packing material may not be needed.

The example device <NUM> comprises a flange <NUM> that is disposed at the proximal end <NUM> of the tubular portion <NUM>. According to the invention, the flange comprises two fastener couplers <NUM>, that are respectively configured to receive a fastener <NUM> (e.g., a compression fastener, such as <NUM> of <FIG>). Further, the example device <NUM> comprises a first gasket channel <NUM> that is configured to receive a gasket. The first gasket channel <NUM> is disposed around the external surface <NUM> of tubular portion <NUM>, proximate to the distal end <NUM>. Additionally, the example device <NUM> comprises a second gasket channel <NUM> that is configured to receive a gasket. The second gasket channel <NUM> is disposed around the external surface <NUM> of tubular portion <NUM> proximate to the proximal end <NUM>. The example device <NUM> also comprises a third gasket channel <NUM> that is configured to receive a gasket. The third gasket channel <NUM> is disposed around the internal surface <NUM> of tubular portion <NUM>, between the first gasket channel <NUM> and the second gasket channel <NUM>.

In one implementation, the example device <NUM> can comprise a fourth gasket channel <NUM> that is configured to receive a gasket. The fourth gasket channel <NUM> can be disposed around the internal surface <NUM> of tubular portion <NUM>, proximate to the distal end <NUM>. Further, in one implementation, the fourth gasket channel <NUM> can be disposed between the first gasket channel <NUM> and the distal end <NUM> of the tubular potion <NUM>. In one implementation, a plurality of O-rings <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be used as gaskets, to provide a slip-fit for the tubular portion on the pump shaft <NUM> in the pump shaft packing box <NUM>. In this implementation, the plurality of O-rings can comprise a first O-ring <NUM> disposed in the first gasket channel <NUM>; a second O-ring <NUM> disposed in the second gasket channel <NUM>; and a third O-ring <NUM> disposed in the third gasket channel <NUM>. Additionally, a fourth O-ring <NUM> can be disposed in the fourth gasket channel <NUM>.

As an example, as illustrated in <FIG>, the plurality of O-rings <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> disposed in their respective gasket channels <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, can not only facilitate the slip-fit of the tubular portion <NUM> on the shaft <NUM> in the packing box <NUM>, but can also mitigate leakage of fluid. For example, gaskets <NUM> and <NUM> may facilitate containment of lubricant <NUM> between the shaft <NUM> and the inner surface <NUM> of the tubular portion <NUM> (e.g., the bearing surface); and may also mitigate leakage of pumped fluid along the inner surface <NUM> of the tubular portion <NUM> toward the proximal end <NUM>. As another example, the gaskets <NUM> and <NUM> may facilitate containment of lubricant <NUM> between the external surface <NUM> of the tubular portion <NUM> and the wall of the pump shaft packing box; and may further mitigate leakage of pumped fluid along the external surface <NUM> of the tubular portion <NUM> toward the proximal end <NUM>. As another example, the proximal gasket <NUM> can provide a secondary containment of liquid from the pumping chamber (e.g., <NUM> of <FIG>) in the event that the distal gasket <NUM> were to fail.

The example device <NUM> can comprise a lubrication channel <NUM> that is configured to operably receive lubricant. In this implementation, the lubrication channel <NUM> can be disposed around the external surface <NUM> of the tubular portion <NUM>, between the first gasket channel <NUM> and the second gasket channel <NUM>. Further, the example device <NUM> can comprise a lubrication port <NUM> that is configured to operably transport lubricant <NUM> between the lubrication channel <NUM> and the interior <NUM> of the tubular portion <NUM>. In this implementation, the lubrication port <NUM> can be disposed through a wall <NUM> of the tubular portion <NUM>, between the lubrication channel <NUM> and the interior <NUM> of the tubular portion <NUM>. In this way, for example, an external lubrication supply can be fluidly provided to the lubrication channel <NUM>, which, in turn, fluidly provides the lubricant <NUM> to the interior <NUM> of the tubular portion <NUM>, by way of the lubrication port <NUM>. The lubricant <NUM>, for example, can be used to operably lubricate a bearing surface between the interior <NUM> of the tubular portion <NUM> and the pump shaft <NUM>; and may also operably provide lubrication for the dynamic seals between the inner gaskets <NUM>, <NUM> and the rotating pump shaft <NUM>.

In one implementation, the example device <NUM> can comprise a seal removal component <NUM> that is disposed on the flange <NUM>. The seal removal component <NUM> can be configured to facilitate removal of the device <NUM> from the pump shaft packing box <NUM>. For example, the seal removal component <NUM> can comprise an access opening that allows a pulling tool to engage with the flange <NUM>, to pull the example device <NUM> from the pump shaft packing box <NUM>. As another example, the seal removal component <NUM> can comprise a threaded portion to further facilitate removal of the example device <NUM>. For example, the access opening of the seal removal component <NUM> may comprise internal threads that allows for engagement with an external threaded component. In on example, jack screws may be threaded into the seal removal component <NUM> to facilitate removal of the example device <NUM>. As another example, a pulling tool can be coupled with the jack screws to provide for easy removal of the example device <NUM>.

In one aspect, a pump can be devised that provides for improved sealing of the pump shaft of the pump, and ease of maintenance of the pump seal. In this aspect, in one implementation, as illustrated in <FIG>, the pump <NUM> can comprise a pump shaft <NUM> that rotates. For example, the rotation can be provided by a motor that is coupled to the shaft by way of a pump motor coupler <NUM>. Further, the pump <NUM> can comprise a pump rotor that is disposed in a pump chamber <NUM>. The pump rotor <NUM> can be operably coupled with the pump shaft <NUM>, and can be configured to move fluid as a result of the rotation of the shaft <NUM>. The pump <NUM> can also comprise a shaft casing <NUM> that is disposed around the pump shaft <NUM> to hold fluid seal system <NUM>.

In this aspect, in one implementation, the pump <NUM> can comprise a fluid seal component <NUM> that is disposed between the pump shaft <NUM> and the shaft casing <NUM> to mitigate fluid leakage from the pump chamber <NUM>. The fluid seal component <NUM> can comprise a one-piece, combination packing gland and bushing component <NUM> that comprises a proximal end <NUM> proximate the pump motor coupler <NUM>, and a distal end <NUM> distal from the motor coupler <NUM>. The packing gland and bushing component <NUM> can comprise a packing gland portion <NUM> at the proximal end <NUM>. The gland portion <NUM> can comprise two fastener couplers <NUM>, that are respectively configured to receive a compression fastener <NUM> to facilitate compression of packing material <NUM>.

The packing gland and bushing component <NUM> can also comprise a bushing portion <NUM> disposed at the distal end <NUM> that provides a bearing surface <NUM> for the rotating shaft <NUM>. Further, the packing gland and bushing component <NUM> can comprise an inner gasket channel <NUM> that is disposed at a proximal end <NUM> of the interior <NUM> of the bushing portion <NUM>. Additionally, the packing gland and bushing component <NUM> can comprise an inner gasket <NUM> that is disposed in the inner gasket channel <NUM> between the inside <NUM> of the bushing portion <NUM> and the rotating shaft <NUM>. The inner gasket <NUM> can be configured to mitigate leakage of a lubricant from the inside of the bushing portion <NUM>. In one implementation, the pump <NUM> can comprise packing material <NUM> that is disposed in the shaft casing <NUM> at the distal end <NUM> of the packing gland and bushing component <NUM>. The packing material <NUM> can be subjected to compression force provided by the packing gland and bushing component <NUM>, to mitigate leakage of fluid from the pumping chamber <NUM>.

In one implementation, in this aspect, the packing gland and bushing component <NUM> can comprise an outer gasket channel <NUM> that is disposed proximate the proximal end <NUM> of the bushing portion <NUM>. The outer gasket channel <NUM> can be used to hold a gasket between the outside of the bushing portion <NUM> and a wall of the shaft casing <NUM>. As an example, the outer gasket channel <NUM> can hold an outer gasket <NUM>, such as an O-ring.

Further, the packing gland and bushing component <NUM> can comprise a lubricant channel <NUM> that is configured to operably receive bushing lubricant <NUM>. In this implementation, the lubricant channel <NUM> can be disposed around the external surface <NUM> of the bushing portion <NUM> at a location that is distally from the inner gasket channel <NUM>. Further, a lubricant port <NUM> can be configure to operably transport lubricant <NUM> from the lubricant channel <NUM> to the interior <NUM> of the bushing portion <NUM>, such as to the bearing surface <NUM>. The lubricant port <NUM> can be disposed through a wall <NUM> of the bushing portion <NUM> between the lubricant channel <NUM> and the interior <NUM> of the bushing portion <NUM>.

In one implementation, in this aspect, the example <NUM> can comprise a threaded packing gland and bushing removal component <NUM> that is disposed on the packing gland portion <NUM>. The threaded packing gland and bushing removal component <NUM> can be configured to facilitate removal of the packing gland and bushing component removal component from the pump shaft casing. For example, a pulling tool or jack screws, may be coupled with the packing gland and bushing removal component <NUM> for easy removal of the packing gland and bushing component <NUM> from the shaft casing <NUM>.

Moreover, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use of the word exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this application, the term "or" is intended to mean an inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or. Further, At least one of A and B and/or the like generally means A or B or both A and B. In addition, the articles "a" and "an" as used in this application and the appended claims may generally be construed to mean "one or more" unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form.

Also, although the disclosure has been shown and described with respect to one or more implementations, equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art based upon a reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. The disclosure includes all such modifications and alterations and is limited only by the scope of the following claims. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described components (e.g., elements, resources, etc.), the terms used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component which performs the specified function of the described component (e.g., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the herein illustrated exemplary implementations of the disclosure. In addition, while a particular feature of the disclosure may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms "includes," "having," "has," "with," or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising.

Claim 1:
A device for sealing a pump shaft of a pump (<NUM>), comprising:
a tubular portion (<NUM>) comprising:
a distal end (<NUM>) to be disposed adjacent a back seat (<NUM>) of a pump shaft packing box (<NUM>);
a proximal end (<NUM>) to be disposed adjacent a proximal end (<NUM>) of the pump shaft packing box (<NUM>);
an external diameter (<NUM>) sized to fit inside the pump shaft packing box (<NUM>); and
an internal diameter (<NUM>) sized to receive a rotating pump shaft (<NUM>);
a flange (<NUM>) disposed at the proximal end (<NUM>) of the tubular portion (<NUM>), the flange comprising two fastener couplers (<NUM>), respectively to receive a fastener (<NUM>);
wherein the tubular portion (<NUM>) and the flange (<NUM>) are formed as one piece;
a first gasket channel (<NUM>) to receive a gasket, the first gasket channel disposed around the external surface (<NUM>) of tubular portion (<NUM>) proximate the distal end (<NUM>);
a second gasket channel (<NUM>) to receive a gasket, the second gasket channel disposed around the external surface (<NUM>) of tubular portion (<NUM>) proximate the proximal end (<NUM>); and
a third gasket channel (<NUM>) to receive a gasket, the third gasket channel disposed around the internal surface (<NUM>) of tubular portion (<NUM>) between the first gasket channel (<NUM>) and the second gasket channel (<NUM>).