Abstract: A method of operating a sealing monitoring system for a seal of a rotatable shaft including a flushing liquid system, the seal disposed between the rotatable shaft and a stationary housing. The sealing monitoring system includes a liquid detector to detect a presence of a flushing liquid in the flushing liquid system. The method includes detecting the flushing liquid presence status in the flushing liquid system with the liquid detector, and when the flushing liquid presence status is affirmative, transmitting the flushing liquid presence status for processing using a wireless data communication system with a first data transmission interval between the transmissions, and when the flushing liquid presence status is negative, transmitting the flushing liquid presence status for processing using the wireless data communication system with a second data transmission interval being shorter than the first transmission interval between the transmissions.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the condition of a piston rod sealing system of a piston compressor, the system having at least two annular chambers arranged one behind the other in a longitudinal direction and each having a sealing element arranged therein. A piston rod running through the sealing elements and the annular chambers is moved back and forth in the longitudinal direction, sealed by the sealing elements. The system has an inlet side and an outlet side, between which a difference in pressure occurs, and said difference in pressure has static and dynamic pressure component. When there is leakage gas in the annular chambers, at least the dynamic pressure component of the leakage gas is measured in the piston rod sealing system. A change in the condition of at least one of the sealing elements is determined from a change in the dynamic pressure component as a function of time.

Abstract: An improved top pot assembly utilizes an attachment body for attaching the rubber to a bearing assembly for rotation with the inner barrel. The attachment body simplifies the replacement of the rubber on the drilling assembly. The attachment body provides a guide that slopes downward into the central aperture and the bore to guide the mandrel and drilling string towards the bore. The attachment body also provides a stripper receiver for attachment of the rubber to the attachment body. The attachment body attaches to the housing which attaches to the bearing assembly for rotation of the rubber and the inner barrel.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a sealing component of a gas turbine engine, comprising: collecting oil leaked from the component; detecting a volume of the collected oil upstream of an oil return path of the gas turbine engine; and signalling for inspection of the component when the volume of the collected oil exceeds a threshold volume. Also disclosed is an oil leakage monitoring system for a gas turbine engine, comprising: one or more sealing components to be lubricated by oil; a valve downstream of the one or more components and fluidly connected to an oil system; a reservoir downstream of the one or more components to collect oil, the reservoir upstream of the valve; and a volume measurement device configured to detect the oil collected in the reservoir, and to signal for inspection of the one or more components when the oil collected in the reservoir exceeds a threshold volume.

Abstract: A sealing device (10) for providing a fluid-tight sealing of a joint comprising a first part (30) and a second part (32) with a relative movement in between. The sealing device (10) comprises: an outer sealing part (12) designed to contact the first part and the second part, an inner sealing part (14) designed to contact the first part and the second part, and a spacing structure (16) connecting the outer sealing part (12) and the inner sealing part (14). The outer sealing part (12) and the inner sealing part (14) define an intermediate space (18) between the outer sealing part (12) and the inner sealing part (14). The outer sealing part (12) and the inner sealing part (14) are being configured to seal off the intermediate space (18) from both an exterior and an interior of the joint, and the intermediate space (18) is configured to be influid contact with both the first part (30) and the second part (32).

Abstract: Disclosed is a flanged manifold frack delivery system, or manifold assembly, for distributing fluids to a well wherein the assembly comprises at least one high pressure output studded or flanged connection in the absence of rubber seals. The high-pressure connection consists of cross-blocks and spools connected in series to each other. Described is a combination of high and low-pressure conduit configurations disposed along the length of the chassis; the high-pressure conduit assembly is made up using studded or flanged iron connections terminating at the opposite end to the low-pressure inlet with a studded or flanged iron connection so that a spool can be attached at the height of the well head to route the fluid to the well head. The assembly may be pre-fabricated to the user's needs and assembled on site, or may be mobile and delivered to the desired site for use.

Abstract: A stuffing box assembly for a fluid end of a hydraulic fluid pump includes a stuffing box unit having a plunger bore configured to receive a plunger of the hydraulic fluid pump and a plurality of seals. The plunger bore extends from a first axial end of the stuffing box unit to a second axial end of the stuffing box unit. The plunger bore includes a first portion configured to receive the plurality of seals and a second portion extending between the first portion and the second axial end. The stuffing box assembly further includes a sensor coupled to the stuffing box unit and configured to determine a fluid pressure within the second portion of the stuffing box unit.

Abstract: A supply system of a sealing system of a turbomachine, wherein the sealing system which are suppliable with a seal gas. The supply system comprises, for each sealing sub-system, four seal gas lines: a first seal gas supply line, via which process gas extracted from the turbomachine is suppliable as first seal gas to the respective sealing sub-system. A second seal gas supply line, via which second seal gas is suppliable to the respective sealing sub-system. A seal gas discharge line, via which the first seal gas and the second seal gas are dischargeable from the respective sealing sub-systems. A safety discharge line, which is closed during the normal operation and open in the event of a fault, to discharge at least one part of the first seal gas and of the second seal gas from the respective sealing sub-system via the same in the event of a fault.

Abstract: A polished rod sealing device for an oil pumping machine includes a built-in stuffing box. The built-in stuffing box is arranged inside oil pipe enlargement press cap and can seal the polished rod of the oil pumping machine. The sealing device maintains dynamic coaxiality between the polished rod and the stuffing box, and reduces eccentric wear of the sealing packing resulted from the polished rod. The sealing device also provides lubrication between the polished rod and the sealing packing.

Abstract: An improved top pot assembly utilizes an attachment body for attaching the rubber to a bearing assembly for rotation with the inner barrel. The attachment body simplifies the replacement of the rubber on the drilling assembly. The attachment body provides a guide that slopes downward into the central aperture and the bore to guide the mandrel and drilling string towards the bore. The attachment body also provides a stripper receiver for attachment of the rubber to the attachment body. The attachment body attaches to the housing which attaches to the bearing assembly for rotation of the rubber and the inner barrel.

Abstract: Systems and methods of monitoring a condition of a pump. One or more characteristics of a fluid flow of a fluid is monitored in a flow path of the pump to determine a fluid leakage flow rate. The fluid leakage flow rate is compared to a nominal flow rate for the pump. The pump efficiency for the pump is determined based on the comparison of the fluid leakage flow rate to the nominal flow rate. The pump efficiency is compared to a pump efficiency threshold and the condition of the pump determined based on the comparison.

Abstract: A structure allowing a gasket to be mounted on a fluid device is provided. The gasket includes an annular attaching portion that has a first slope at an axial end. The fluid device includes an annular attached portion with a second slope that contacts the first slope. The first slope at least partially includes a contact area that contacts the second slope to seal a gap between the first slope and the second slope. The contact area has an annular bulge protruding toward the second slope in contrast to other portions of the first slope so that the bulge is the earliest contact portion with the second slope when the contact area is brought into contact with the second slope.

Abstract: A structure allowing a gasket to be mounted on a fluid device is provided. The gasket includes an annular attaching portion that has a first slope at an axial end. The fluid device includes an annular attached portion with a second slope that contacts the first slope. The first slope at least partially includes two or more pressing areas, which are partitioned by annular steps. The second slope at least partially includes two or more pressed areas, which are partitioned by annular steps to fit the steps between the pressing areas.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flanged manifold frack delivery system, or manifold assembly, for distributing fluids to a well wherein the assembly comprises at least one high pressure output studded or flanged connection in the absence of rubber seals. The high-pressure connection consists of cross-blocks and spools connected in series to each other. Described is a combination of high and low-pressure conduit configurations disposed along the length of the chassis; the high-pressure conduit assembly is made up using studded or flanged iron connections terminating at the opposite end to the low-pressure inlet with a studded or flanged iron connection so that a spool can be attached at the height of the well head to route the fluid to the well head. The assembly may be pre-fabricated to the user's needs and assembled on site, or may be mobile and delivered to the desired site for use.

Abstract: Embodiments include an apparatus and techniques for operating an electromagnetic cartridge seal. Embodiments include operating a cartridge seal in one of a plurality of modes, and receiving a signal at a force applying mechanism of the cartridge seal, the force applying mechanism being coupled to a primary sealing component of the cartridge seal. Embodiments also include controlling the force applying mechanism based at least in part on the received signal.

Abstract: Provided is a wellhead sealing device of a sucker-rod pumping machine, including a flexible connection unit, and further including a blowout prevention unit, a closing unit, a declination rectification unit and a lubrication unit, wherein the flexible connection unit is arranged between a wellhead and a packing box, and includes a lower flexible sealing sleeve (37), a lower flexible sealing sleeve housing (12), a sealing steel ring (11) and an upper flexible sealing sleeve (10). Portions above the flexible connection unit follow integrally a polished rod (7) constantly to swing, such that a packing (9) is dynamically coaxial with the polished rod (7) and the problem of eccentric wear of the packing can be completely solved. Furthermore, the device can also solve the problems of static coaxiality and lubrication between the polished rod (7) and the packing (9), as well as the problem of blowout prevention when the polished rod (7) is broken off.

Abstract: Systems and methods determine a pump efficiency of a fluid pump. A characteristic of fluid flow of a fluid is monitored at a first point and at a second point on a flow path of the fluid pump. Fluid leakage that is a difference in the characteristic of the fluid flow at the first point and the second point is determined. The fluid leakage is compared to a nominal fluid flow for the fluid pump. The pump efficiency for the fluid pump is generated based on the comparison of the fluid leakage to the nominal fluid flow. The pump efficiency is an indicator as to an amount of fluid leakage that is leaked from the flow path as compared to the amount of fluid leakage when operating with the minimal amount of fluid leakage.

Abstract: An improved top pot assembly utilizes an attachment body for attaching the rubber to a bearing assembly for rotation with the inner barrel. The attachment body simplifies the replacement of the rubber on the drilling assembly. The attachment body provides a guide that slopes downward into the central aperture and the bore to guide the mandrel and drilling string towards the bore. The attachment body also provides a stripper receiver for attachment of the rubber to the attachment body. The attachment body attaches to the housing which attaches to the bearing assembly for rotation of the rubber and the inner barrel.

Abstract: A housing of a dual rubber cartridge attaches at least one rubber to an inner barrel for rotation with the inner barrel. A first rubber and a second rubber may attach to the housing for quick installation of the rubbers. The user removes the housing to remove and replace the two rubbers. The user may then replace the original housing with a second housing on which new rubbers are installed. The housing enables the user to quickly replace the rubbers to reduce down time of the drilling operation.

Abstract: The present invention achieves oil amount reduction and size reduction in a seal oil supply device for rotating electric machine by suppressing expansion of a rotary shaft due to its temperature increase and reducing the gap between the rotary shaft and a seal ring in normal operation. In this seal oil supply device for rotating electric machine, seal oil is supplied from a seal oil pump to a seal ring of a rotating electric machine in which hydrogen gas is sealed, via a differential pressure regulation valve for regulating a pressure of the seal oil. A first route is provided for supplying the seal oil from the seal oil pump via the differential pressure regulation valve, and in addition, a second route is provided for supplying the seal oil from the seal oil pump via a relief valve.

Abstract: A rotating control device (RCD) for use with a drilling unit includes a body having a flange formed at an end thereof for coupling to the drilling unit; a seal assembly for receiving and sealing against a tubular; a bearing assembly for supporting rotation of the seal assembly relative to the body; a releasable connection connecting the bearing assembly to the body; a transmitting assembly rotatable with the seal assembly; and a receiving assembly attached to a non-rotating portion of the RCD.

Abstract: A cryogenic liquid expansion turbine has a turbine wheel mounted on a rotary shaft, at least one radial inlet for cryogenic liquid to be expanded in the expansion turbine for the rotary shaft, and a dry gas sealing means at a position along the rotary shaft between the turbine wheel and the bearings. There is a thermal barrier member between the turbine wheel and the dry gas sealing means, a gas chamber on the dry gas sealing means side of the thermal barrier member, and an internal passage for cryogenic gas to the said gas chamber. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a health of one or more seals includes a flow control valve, and a controller. The flow control valve is located upstream of the seal and disposed in fluid communication therewith. The flow control valve is configured to maintain a pre-determined fluid pressure between the flow control valve and the seal. The controller is communicably coupled to the flow control valve. The controller is configured to receive a position of the flow control valve, and determine the health of the seal based on the received position of the flow control valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sealing system, in particular for sealing pump shafts of vertically arranged pumps for conveying liquefied natural gas (LNG) or other cryogenic fluids below ?80° C. The sealing system has a mechanical seal arrangement. A barrier fluid flows through the mechanical seal arrangement at a barrier fluid pressure. The mechanical seal arrangement prevents a sealing fluid from exiting a sealing chamber. The barrier fluid pressure is higher than a sealing fluid pressure in the sealing chamber.

Abstract: A housing of a dual rubber cartridge attaches at least one rubber to an inner barrel for rotation with the inner barrel. A first rubber and a second rubber may attach to the housing for quick installation of the rubbers. The user removes the housing to remove and replace the two rubbers. The user may then replace the original housing with a second housing on which new rubbers are installed. The housing enables the user to quickly replace the rubbers to reduce down time of the drilling operation.

Abstract: In one possible implementation, a misalignment-tolerant hydraulic actuator, e.g., for a submersible hydraulic diaphragm insert pump (HDI), has a floating piston that can reciprocate while decoupled from collinearity with a cylinder barrel and a central feed rod that slides through a central axis of the piston. The floating seal can be integrated or provided by a separate insert and provides a pivotable interface between the piston and center rod, allowing these components freedom of motion to avoid elastic deformation, friction, power loss, and early wear when misalignment or transverse forces on an external end of the piston rod are present. Bearing placement can also be selected to eliminate over-constraint.

Abstract: A sealing system is equipped with a dry gas seal having a rotating ring positioned between a casing and a rotor shaft and around the circumference of the rotor shaft, and stationary rings provided on the casing with elastic members interposed therebetween and so as to be capable of contacting the orthogonal edge surfaces of the rotating ring that are substantially orthogonal to the rotor shaft; a sealing gas channel having one end connected to a discharge channel, the other end connected so as to connect to a space between the casing and the outer perimeter surface of the rotating ring in the dry gas seal, and having a sealing gas regulating valve provided therein; and a drain gas channel having one end connected so as to connect to the space via a through hole formed in the casing below the rotating ring, and the other end connected to an intake channel.

Abstract: A system for monitoring conditions associated with a pressure-equalizing bellows element within a seal section of an electric submersible pump assembly. Pressure sensors are associated with the seal section to detect differential pressure across the bellows element.

Abstract: A delivery unit (40) for automatically delivering a viscous sealant at a predetermined pressure to a stuffing box (70) of a shaft (20) is disclosed. The delivery unit (40), such as a pressure booster incrementally displaceable piston, is controlled to deliver the sealant at a predetermined pressure on demand when the pressure of the sealant within said stuffing box is less than the predetermined delivery pressure being sufficient to promote adhesion of the sealant onto a shaft segment and to thereby prevent or retard the egress of working fluid from a corresponding working chamber (17) of a machine adapte to perform work by the shaft. A system for reducing the pressure of sealant within a stuffing box by use of the delivery unit and of an impeller-based dynamic seal is also disclosed.

Abstract: A mechanical seal support system may facilitate feeding barrier fluid to a mechanical seal. A predetermined difference in pressure between the barrier fluid at a position before and after passage through the seal is detected. The flow of barrier fluid to the seal may be reduced when the predetermined pressure difference is detected.

Abstract: An arrangement for monitoring the leak-tightness of an evacuated space which is hermetically closed, leak-tight, by means of at least one metallic wall is specified. A device which is connected to the evacuated space indicates an inadmissible pressure rise in the evacuated space caused by a leak in the wall. The device includes a metallic concertina, which is hermetically connected, leak-tight, to the evacuated space, and an electrical proximity switch to which an evaluation unit is connected. The proximity switch (7) is mounted, in the direction of movement of the concertina (5), at a distance from the end face of the latter, the size of which is varied as a function of the respective axial length of the concertina (5). A tube (9) connected fixedly to the wall (2) is mounted around the concertina (5), so as to maintain an air gap, surrounds the concertina (5) in a moisture-tight manner and is longer than the concertina (5) in its longest initial position corresponding to the expanded state.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring the performance of a packing case seal, including a vent 24, 26 leading from the interior of the packing case and a gas meter 32 connectable to the vent 24, 26 to determine any gas flow through the vent 24, 26 over time.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a metallic flat gasket with at least one sealing layer with at least one port, with a sensor layer corresponding to the ports being deposited on at least one surface of the sealing layer. This sensor layer consists of a compression protection layer and at least one break, in which a sensor element is at least partially installed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a lubrication system having a gasket with integrated lubrication channel for providing lubrication to the surface of an engine part. Preferably, the gasket is a multilayer metal gasket comprised of an upper layer, a bottom layer, and an inner layer disposed between the upper and bottom layers. The gasket further comprises a lubrication channel disposed through the gasket. Lubrication from an oil feed may then be directed through the lubrication channel and directed onto the surface of the engine part to be lubricated.

Abstract: A radial lip seal including an annular support with a radially extending portion having an inner periphery. An annular seal lip formed of elastomeric material such as polytetrafluoroethylene is connected to the inner periphery. The lip has an inner side adapted to seal a circumferential surface of a shaft and an outer side. The outer side of the lip has a plurality of grooves or protrusions to vary the diameter of the lip. The varied diameter creates a substantial leak between the outer side of the lip and the circumferential surface. The leak created is sufficient to be detected by a low-pressure air test.

Abstract: A metallic cylinder head gasket for an internal combustion engine having at least one combustion chamber. The gasket includes at least one sheet-metal layer having at least one opening corresponding to the at least one combustion chamber of the internal combustion engine and at least one bore extending from the outer edge to the edge of the opening. A membrane, closing the bore at the combustion-chamber side is exposed to the gas pressure of the combustion chamber. A pressure sensor disposed in the sheet-metal layer is pressurized axially relative to the bore by movement of the membrane by the gas pressure of the combustion chamber.

Abstract: Pumps and valves with movable parts, such as a plunger, typically have seals around the part. The seals may isolate one chamber from another to prevent leakage across the seals. The pressure in one chamber may be different from the pressure in another adjacent chamber, thereby creating a pressure differential across the seal. When the seal is working properly, the pressures in the adjacent chambers remain constant approximately. However, when a seal leaks, pressure will leak across the seal. As such, the chamber with the lower pressure will show an increase in pressure due to seal leakage. Thus, monitoring pressure changes in the chamber with low pressure, or pressure differentials between chambers, serves as an indicator for leakage across the seal and impending seal failure.

Abstract: A rotary blowout preventer has a first and a second fluid circuit. Each of the fluid circuits are defined into and out of a stationary body and between the stationary body, a rotating body, and two seals. The first fluid circuit is physically independent from the second fluid circuit although they share a seal interface. A fluid is introduced into the first fluid circuit at a pressure responsive to the well bore pressure. A fluid is introduced into the second fluid circuit at a pressure responsive to and lower than the pressure of the fluid in the first circuit. Adjustable orifices are connected to the outlet of the first and second fluid circuits to control such pressures within the circuits. Such pressures affect the wear rates of the seals. The system can therefore control the wear rate of one seal relative to another seal. A thrust bearing is added to share the load placed upon the upper bearings. The thrust bearing is connected between the top end of a packer sleeve and the stationary body.

Abstract: Pumps and valves with movable parts, such as a plunger, typically have seals around the part. The seals may isolate one chamber from another to prevent leakage across the seals. The pressure in one chamber may be different from the pressure in another adjacent chamber, thereby creating a pressure differential across the seal. When the seal is working properly, the pressures in the adjacent chambers remain constant approximately. However, when a seal leaks, pressure will leak across the seal. As such, the chamber with the lower pressure will show an increase in pressure due to seal leakage. Thus, monitoring pressure changes in the chamber with low pressure, or pressure differentials between chambers, serves as an indicator for leakage across the seal and impending seal failure.

Abstract: A monitoring seal system comprises a seal housing, a seal assembly, a temperature sensor and a controller. The seal assembly sealingly engages a rotary shaft to prevent fluid leakage between the shaft and the housing. The seal assembly has at least one seal. The seal has a primary ring and a mating ring. The temperature sensor senses the temperature in the vicinity of the seal. The controller determines whether an upset condition has occurred based on at least the temperature in the vicinity of the seal.

Abstract: A top separator assembly for a digester is disclosed comprising: a rotatable shaft for the top separator; a packing for the shaft; and a sealing ring operatively mounted to the shaft and having a nominal clearance with the pack box, said sealing ring mounted so that up lifting of said shaft provides a substantially fluid tight seal between said pack box and a side of said ring (in the digester) opposite the pack box.

Abstract: A rotary blowout preventer has a first and a second fluid circuit. Each of the fluid circuits are defined into and out of a stationary body and between the stationary body, a rotating body, and two seals. The first fluid circuit is physically independent from the second fluid circuit although they share a seal interface. A fluid is introduced into the first fluid circuit at a pressure responsive to the well bore pressure. A fluid is introduced into the second fluid circuit at a pressure responsive to and lower than the pressure of the fluid in the first circuit. Adjustable orifices are connected to the outlet of the first and second fluid circuits to control such pressures within the circuits. Such pressures affect the wear rates of the seals. The system can therefore control the wear rate of one seal relative to another seal. A thrust bearing is added to share the load placed upon the upper bearings. The thrust bearing is connected between the top end of a packer sleeve and the stationary body.

Abstract: A reactor pressure vessel (RPV) for a nuclear reactor that permits measurement of the flow through each reactor internal pump (RIP) is described. The reactor pressure vessel also includes at least one reactor internal pump that includes an impeller and a pump diffuser. At least two seal rings extend circumferentially around an outer surface of the diffuser housing outer wall and are located in circumferential grooves in the housing outer wall. At least one lateral bore extends through the housing outer wall into a diffuser housing longitudinal flow passage. Each lateral bore is located in an area between two adjacent seal rings, with each inter-seal ring area containing one lateral bore. At least one pressure tap bore extends from the outer surface of the RPV bottom head petal, through the pump deck to an inner surface of a pump deck opening. Each pressure tap bore is aligned with an area in the RIP containing a corresponding lateral bore.

Abstract: A cylinder head gasket includes a pair of first and second outer plates 2, 3 and an inner plate 4 disposed therebetween. The inner plate 4 is formed with containment openings H1 to H10 at given positions therein for receiving sensors S1 to S10. The both outer plates 2, 3 are formed with projections P1 to P10 which project toward the sensor, thus allowing an urging force from a cylinder head or cylinder block to be transmitted to the sensors S1 to S10 through the projections P1 to P10. There can be provided a cylinder head gasket having a sealability comparable to that of a cylinder head gasket not internally housing a sensor while reducing a cost required for parts other than the sensor to be reduced in comparison to the prior art.

Abstract: A high pressure chamber opening is equipped with a cylindrical element that features a circumferential flange. The circumferential flange features concentrically positioned primary and secondary O-ring seals that surround the chamber opening. A door is clamped to the circumferential flange and over the opening and the circumferential seals. As a result, the opening is sealed and an annular passage is formed between the seals. A port is formed in the cylindrical element so that the annular passage may communicate with a pressure switch. The port also communicates with a relief valve. The pressure switch signals the system operator when the pressure in the annular passage rises due to failure of the primary O-ring. The relief valve vents the annular passage when the pressure therein increases to a level where damage to the secondary O-ring could occur. The relief valve setting is such that the pressure within the annular passage may rise to a level where dry ice formation is prevented.

Abstract: A seal gas pressure booster system for use with a gas compressor, particularly of the type used for boosting pressure in gas transmission, process or utility industries and which contains pressure about the shaft/casing interface with the use of dry gas seals. Seal supply gas is supplied from the discharge side of the compressor. During normal operation, sufficient head across the compressor exists to supply the necessary flow of seal supply gas against the restrictions provided by the filters, interconnections and components in the seal gas supply system. During startup, or during modes of operation where sufficient head across the compressor does not exist, the pressure booster system increases the pressure of a stream of compressor discharge gas to provide the necessary pressure differential to supply the dry gas seal with a continuous flow of clean, filtered gas.

Abstract: A rotary shaft monitoring seal system includes a seal housing; a seal assembly in the housing for sealingly engaging a rotary shaft to prevent fluid leakage between the shaft and the housing; a monitoring port in the housing; and a detector assembly mounted in the port for sensing conditions in the vicinity of the seal assembly.

Abstract: A joint comprising a main seal, a secondary seal and an external pressure test port providing access to a cavity between the main seal and the secondary seal wherein the integrity of the main seal can be tested in its in-service direction by applying pressure to the cavity via the pressure test port such that the cavity is pressurised and the main seal is tested. Following testing of the main seal, the secondary seal may become redundant during normal use of the joint. In some embodiments, however, the integrity of the main seal can be retested at any time due to the reusability of the secondary seal.

Abstract: For an impeller pump, the seal/bearing unit has two rotor-stator pairs of tapered sleeves arranged back-to-back. The sleeves have a spiral groove, and convey barrier-liquid from an entry-mouth in an entry-chamber to an exit-mouth in an exit-chamber. Having two sleeves gives the units mechanical stability, thrust support capability, and resistence to vibrations and other abuses. The tapered sleeves may be arranged wide-narrow-wide, or narrow-wide-narrow. The sleeves may be mounted for sliding in the housing and on the shaft, or may be fixed to the housing or shaft.

Abstract: A rotary shaft monitoring seal system includes a seal housing; a seal assembly in the housing for sealingly engaging a rotary shaft to prevent fluid leakage between the shaft and the housing; a monitoring port in the housing; and a detector assembly mounted in the port for sensing conditions in the vicinity of the seal assembly.