Abstract: A semi-cartridge seal is provided incorporating two components each comprising a plurality of preassembled parts. The first component includes an annular holder for snug but slidable positioning along a shaft and loosely supports an annular seal face structure therefrom with an O-ring seal forming a fluid tight seal between the seal face structure and the annular holder, centering the seal face structure relative to the annular holder and frictionally resisting rotation of the sell face structure relative to the annular holder, the latter being sealed relative to the associated shaft.

Abstract: A seal chamber housing is provided for equipment with rotating shafts and includes a stepped conical bore open at the pumping mechanism end. The bore defines a seal chamber affording greater volume about the associated mechanical seals and a tapered bushing is optionally sealingly seated in the large diameter end of the stepped conical bore for excluding pump fluid from the seal chamber and/or preventing loss of seal flush liquid from within the seal chamber. In addition, the seal chamber includes upper and lower vent and drain ports primarily for use when the optional bushing is in place and said chamber also includes flushing fluid ports, a closed temperature-controlling external fluid channel and external air cooling features, all of which coact in various operating environments to provide longer and more efficient mechanical seal life.