Abstract: A rigid drive chain comprises a plurality of links connected end-to-end. The links have a block end including a pair of receptacles, a driving face and a driven face. The links have a connector end including a tongue. The block end and connector end are one-piece members that include a plurality of gear teeth along one side of both the block end and connector end. A plurality of protrusions or pins connect the tongues to the receptacles. The links are adapted to be pivoted by a driving gear between a driving orientation of the links with the driving face engaging the driven face of an adjacent link in a forward direction.

Abstract: A rigid drive chain comprises a plurality of links connected end-to-end. The links have a block end including a pair of receptacles, a driving face and a driven face. The links have a connector end including a tongue. The block end and connector end are one-piece members that include a plurality of gear teeth along one side of both the block end and connector end. A plurality of protrusions or pins connect the tongues to the receptacles. The links are adapted to be pivoted by a driving gear between a driving orientation of the links with the driving face engaging the driven face of an adjacent link in a forward direction.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump including a motor connected to a volute housing. The volute housing is configured to receive a pumping mechanism that includes an impeller rotatably connected to the motor. The volute housing may also include a removeable cover that provides access to the interior of the volute housing and to components of the pumping mechanism. In one exemplary embodiment, the removeable cover is connected to the volute housing by fasteners, such as bolts. By removing the cover, the impeller, wear plate, and other components of the pumping mechanism may be disassembled and, if necessary, serviced, without the need to remove the motor from the volute housing. In another exemplary embodiment, a gasket having an integrated flapper valve is secured between the cover and the volute housing. The flapper valve is positioned to align with a fluid inlet formed in the cover and acts as a check valve, substantially preventing fluid within the volute housing from exiting through the inlet.

Abstract: A high temperature centrifugal pump includes non-linear fluid flow paths between the pump housing and seal housing to reduce fluid flow therebetween. In another aspect, the invention provides a drive shaft of variable diameter to compensate for different amounts of thermal expansion to maintain a more consistent gap profile between the drive shaft and thermal insulators or other components positioned around the drive shaft. In yet another aspect, a tube heat exchanger may be placed in fluid communication with the seal housing to re-circulate and cool the fluid therethrough.

Abstract: A high temperature centrifugal pump includes non-linear fluid flow paths between the pump housing and seal housing to reduce fluid flow therebetween. In another aspect, the invention provides a drive shaft of variable diameter to compensate for different amounts of thermal expansion to maintain a more consistent gap profile between the drive shaft and thermal insulators or other components positioned around the drive shaft. In yet another aspect, a tube heat exchanger may be placed in fluid communication with the seal housing to re-circulate and cool the fluid therethrough.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump including a motor connected to a volute housing. The volute housing is configured to receive a pumping mechanism that includes an impeller rotatably connected to the motor. The volute housing may also include a removeable cover that provides access to the interior of the volute housing and to components of the pumping mechanism. In one exemplary embodiment, the removeable cover is connected to the volute housing by fasteners, such as bolts. By removing the cover, the impeller, wear plate, and other components of the pumping mechanism may be disassembled and, if necessary, serviced, without the need to remove the motor from the volute housing. In another exemplary embodiment, a gasket having an integrated flapper valve is secured between the cover and the volute housing. The flapper valve is positioned to align with a fluid inlet formed in the cover and acts as a check valve, substantially preventing fluid within the volute housing from exiting through the inlet.