Abstract: A refrigeration compressor seal for inhibiting the loss of refrigerant between a compressor shaft and a compressor housing. The seal includes a face seal comprising a seal nose and a mating ring positioned in opposing relation to the seal nose. The mating ring includes tungsten carbide (e.g., solid tungsten carbide with 6% nickel binder). The seal nose comprises a maximum of about 0.5 weight percent lead (e.g., a low lead tin bronze allow, such as alloy C90300). A lip seal is operatively positioned between the compressor housing and the compressor shaft. The lip seal and the face seal collectively form a seal cavity for retaining fluid adjacent to the face seal. The seal assembly can further include a bypass channel for bypassing fluid around a top portion of the lip seal.

Abstract: A refrigeration compressor including a compressor housing, a compressor shaft rotatably positioned within the housing, a refrigerant positioned within the housing, a face seal operatively positioned between the housing and the shaft, and a lip seal operatively positioned between the housing and the shaft. The lip seal and the primary seal collectively form a seal cavity for retaining fluid adjacent to the primary seal. An inlet port is positioned adjacent to the seal cavity, and a bearing rotatably supports the shaft within the housing. The lip seal is operatively positioned between the inlet port and the bearing. A bypass channel allows fluid (e.g., oil and refrigerant) to bypass a top portion of the lip seal, thereby permitting lubrication of the bearing. The face seal includes a seal nose and a bellows operatively associated with the seal nose. The seal nose preferably includes a maximum of about 0.5 weight percent lead. For example, the seal nose can include a tin bronze alloy, such as alloy C90300.