Abstract: A device is for supporting within a coating chamber a mechanical seal face (8) having an annular sealing surface. The device includes a frame (1) housing first support means (9) for supporting the seal face when the device is in a first orientation with the annular sealing surface resting on a surface of said first support means. Second support means (2) within the frame supports the seal face when the device is in a second orientation.

Abstract: A device is for supporting within a coating chamber a mechanical seal face (8) having an annular sealing surface. The device includes a frame (1) housing first support means (9) for supporting the seal face when the device is in a first orientation with the annular sealing surface resting on a surface of said first support means.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for preventing the temperature of liquid inside a seal support system from falling below the freezing point of the liquid while maintaining substantially constant pressure inside the seal support system, includes a pressure vessel in closed loop fluid communication with a mechanical seal. The closed loop includes a feed line to the mechanical seal and a thermostatic valve for releasing liquid when the temperature of the liquid falls below a predetermined temperature. A regulating valve supplies additional liquid to the vessel by way of an external supply line.

Abstract: A fluid control device includes a housing providing a fluid inlet and fluid outlet and a passage extending therebetween. The passage has a longitudinally extending tapered portion which narrows in the direction towards the inlet, and a fluid flow control member located in the passage and having a tapered end corresponding to the tapered portion of the passage. The fluid flow control member is movable longitudinally within the passage between a first position, in which the tapered end of the member engages the tapered portion of the passage and fluid flow along the passage towards the inlet is prevented, and a second position in which fluid flow along the passage is possible.