Abstract: An arrangement (120) of members for a throat bushing for rotary fluid equipment includes a first member (122) that is useful for seal cavities that contain conventional packing, and a second bushing member (132) that will be used in conjunction with the first bushing member if the seal cavity utilize a mechanical seal at the remote end of the cavity. Both bushing members (122, 132) are provided with spiral grooves (140) in a central bore thereof for the removal of contaminants from the seal cavity. The distal end face (124) of the first bushing member is contoured to receive a mating proximal end face (144) of the second bushing member or to also receive the abutting face of a packing ring or a lantern ring. The arrangement of the invention allows an operator to switch between the use of a mechanical seal or conventional packing without having to discard his primary seal cavity protector.

Abstract: A flow controller or seal protector is positioned in a seal cavity of rotary fluid equipment to protect the shaft and seal from the effects of abrasives and entrained air. The protector has an annular ring member that is secured to the shaft for rotation therewith. A cylindrical member extends into the cavity from the outer peripheral edge of the ring member and in close surrounding proximity to the seal. At its free or open end the cylindrical member has an outwardly flared portion and flow inducing protrusions are provided adjacent that open end to help impart rotational flow to fluid moving within the seal cavity. Flow inducing vanes or vents may also be provided within the protector at the junction of the ring and cylindrical members. Heavy abrasives are moved along the interior of the protector to exit at the free end and to then be centrifuged outwardly and away from the seal. Air is centrifuged inwardly towards the back of the seal where it will do no harm.

Abstract: A new throat bushing for use with rotary fluid equipment (10) having a seal cavity (28) defined by a shaft (14), a shaft housing (13), and a seal (26) engaging the shaft, which includes an annular shaped element (50, 62, 66, 90, 92, 108, 120) for securement to the housing (13) at the entrance to the cavity. The shaft can pass through the element and rotate freely, without contact. A spiral groove (64, 88, 98, 122), or multiple spiral grooves, may be cut into the radial surface (60) facing towards the seal. The groove is configured to guide any abrasives radially inwardly, away from the cavity bore, toward the shaft. Through this mechanism, any contaminants are easily removed from the seal cavity by the use of a minimum flow of clean flush injected into the seal cavity.

Abstract: This invention relates to a grit protector for rotating fluid processing equipment. The protector is placed in or adjacent the seal cavity of the equipment and includes an axial portion and a generally radial flange which, when the device is within the seal cavity, has an inner diameter slightly greater than the shaft. The flange has at least one low flow vent therein, the vent being defined by a radial slit in the flange, an arcuate slit along the periphery of the flange adjacent the axial portion, and a bend line extending from the radial inner end of the radial slit to the extended end of the arcuate slit. The material of the slit as bounded by the slits and the bend line is curved inwardly and radially outwardly to define a vent entrance adjacent the first slit to define a flap. The flap has a short generally straight portion extending from the vent entrance and then curves smoothly towards the flange.

Abstract: A length of plastic material may be formed into a helix and lantern rings may be cut therefrom for utilization with conventional packing adjacent a shaft in rotating or reciprocating equipment. The material exhibits a generally H-shaped cross-section defined by continuous side walls extending between radially inner and outer edges. Radially inner and outer surfaces are spaced inwardly from the inner and outer edges respectively. A plurality of generally radially extending holes pass from the outer surface to the inner surface and are spaced apart along the length of the material. These holes are utilized for the passage of cooling and lubricating fluid to the rotating shaft. Also, a plurality of generally axially extending holes pass from one side wall to the other and are spaced apart along the length of the material. These holes are utilized for extraction of a lantern ring from a stuffing box should the necessity arise. Several methods are also disclosed for producing the aforementioned product.

Abstract: A seal cavity protector for use with rotary fluid equipment having a seal cavity, defined by a shaft, a shaft housing and a seal engaging the shaft, includes an annular cup-shaped element for securement to the housing at the entrance thereto. The shaft can pass through the element. A plurality of circumferentially spaced apart vent passages extend through the wall of the element. As the equipment rotates fluid passing by the vent passages creates a low pressure area outside the seal cavity whereby fluid contained within, or flowing into, the cavity is drawn out through the vent passages. Any contaminants contained in the cavity or entering with the fluid are removed from the cavity with the exiting fluid. This reduces pressure within the cavity and reduces greatly the chance of damage to the shaft and/or seal by the contaminants.