Abstract: Apparatus to enhance performance of sequentially-deployable lip seal assemblies. In certain embodiments, biasing members to ensure deployment of sequentially deployable lip seals include an o-ring mounted within a cartridge or housing of one or more yet-to-be-deployed lip seals, with the o-ring disposed immediately adjacent one of the lip seals. When a barrier member or deployment sleeve is interposed between the one or more yet-to-be-deployed lip seals and a shaft, such as a rotating and/or reciprocating shaft of a stuffing box, the o-ring biases the lip seal toward the outside diameter of the shaft. Upon movement of the barrier member or deployment sleeve to a position exposing the Hp seal to the shaft, the o-ring urges the lip seal into engagement with the outside diameter of the shaft. A pressurized fluid may be employed between the housing and the o-rings. Flush paths, multi-part housings, and baffle-type housings are also disclosed.

Abstract: Advantageous seal systems are provided that include a barrier member movable relative to a shaft to allow sequential engagement of resilient seal members, e.g., lip seals, with the shaft. Movement of the barrier member may be effected manually or through introduction of pressurized fluid to effect piston-like movement. The disclosed seal assemblies may include an automatic leak detector and may utilize such leak detection to effectuate automatic movement of the barrier member. The barrier member may be moved relative to the shaft while the shaft is in movement, e.g., rotating or reciprocating, thereby permitting seal maintenance without interruption in operation. As seal members are sequentially brought into sealing engagement with the shaft, the previously engaged seal members contribute to the sealing performance of the seal assembly, although no longer effective to establish a stand-alone seal with the shaft. Front and rear bushings may be provided within the seal system.

Abstract: This invention relates to a seal cartridge comprising at least two back-to-back lip seals. A first, generally L-shaped sleeve is applied against the back wall of the seal ring such that its axially extending cylindrical surface retracts the lip portion of the outboard seal into a non-deployed position. A second, generally L-shaped sleeve is fitted up against the back of the first sleeve so as to place the lip end of the inboard seal in a similarly raised or retracted position. Upon installation of the seal ring about the shaft and in the shaft housing, the second, innermost sleeve is removed, such that the inboard lip seal is deployed against the surface of the shaft. Upon detection of leakage past the inboard seal, the first sleeve is retracted to thus deploy the remaining outboard lip seal.

Abstract: Advantageous seal systems (1500) are provided that include a barrier member movable relative (1504) to a shaft (1550) to allow sequential engagement of resilient seal members (1506), e.g., lip seals, with the shaft. Movement of the barrier member (1504) may be effected manually or through introduction of pressurized fluid to effect piston-like movement. The disclosed seal assemblies may include an automatic leak detector and may utilize such leak detection to effectuate automatic movement of the barrier member. The barrier member may be moved relative to the shaft while the shaft is in movement, e.g., rotating or reciprocating, thereby permitting seal maintenance without interruption in operation. As seal members are sequentially brought into sealing engagement with the shaft, the previously engaged seal members contribute to the sealing performance of the seal assembly, although no longer effective to establish a stand-alone seal with the shaft.

Abstract: Advantageous seal systems are provided that include a barrier member movable relative to a shaft to allow sequential engagement of resilient seal members, e.g., lip seals, with the shaft. Movement of the barrier member may be effected manually or through introduction of pressurized fluid to effect piston-like movement. The disclosed seal assemblies may include an automatic leak detector and may utilize such leak detection to effectuate automatic movement of the barrier member. The barrier member may be moved relative to the shaft while the shaft is in movement, e.g., rotating or reciprocating, thereby permitting seal maintenance without interruption in operation. As seal members are sequentially brought into sealing engagement with the shaft, the previously engaged seal members contribute to the sealing performance of the seal assembly, although no longer effective to establish a stand-alone seal with the shaft. Front and rear bushings may be provided within the seal system.