Patent ID: 7379825

Claim:
A device for checking and managing the operating and diagnostic conditions of a mechanical seal in a machine, where the device automatically and continuously regulates a first pressure inside the mechanical seal depending on a second measured pressure in the machine in order to keep constant an optimum difference between the first pressure and the second pressure, the device comprising: a) one or more than one pressure regulator operatively connected on one side to a pressurization line and on another side to a supply line for a fluid for the mechanical seal; b) one or more than one transducer which detects a measured value of the first pressure in the mechanical seal; c) one or more than one converter which drives the pressure regulator; and d) one or more than one microprocessor, the microprocessor running a regulating algorithm for the converter, the pressure regulator and the one transducer; where the regulating algorithm enables the device to perform one or more than one of the following functions: i) regulating the first pressure in the mechanical seal detected by the transducer and the second pressure in the machine by comparing the first pressure with a desired pressure setpoint value, the setpoint value being the sum of the second pressure and an optimum set pressure difference recommended by a manufacturer of the mechanical seal; ii) regulating a flow-rate of the mechanical seal; iii) checking the integrity of the mechanical seal based on detection and evaluation of actual pressure leakage; iv) checking for anomalies in the mechanical seal; v) counting operating hours of the mechanical seal; vi) displaying and recording data for the mechanical seal; and vii) interfacing with other apparata or automated systems; where the pressure regulator comprises a 2-way proportional valve.