Abstract: A solids excluder device is mountable within a seal chamber to protect a shaft structure, such as a mechanical seal. The excluder device fits within a conventional seal chamber and circumferentially surrounds a shaft wherein the bushing includes circulation inducing formations which face towards a shaft surface and generate a flow of process fluid away from the mechanical seal or other pump components. The excluder bushing prevents the accumulation of solids within the seal chamber by generating a flow of process fluid out of this seal chamber. The flow carries solid particulates and other solid contaminants out of the seal chamber and away from the mechanical seal or other pump components to prevent the accumulation of solids within the seal chamber.