Abstract: An axial thrust balancing mechanism for a rotating shaft apparatus such as a rotary pump provides self-regulating thrust compensation while avoiding contact and wear between rotating and static elements. A rotor fixed to the shaft includes a cylindrical male section proximal to but not extending within a cylindrical female section of a non-rotating stator, such that a gap formed therebetween is varied in width by shaft displacements caused by axial thrusts. Pressurized fluid within the female section applies a thrust-compensating force to the rotor that is controlled by the gap size. The female section is larger in diameter than the male section, thereby preventing any contact therebetween. The disclosed mechanism can be combined with a thrust-compensating drum so as to reduce the thrust to a residual level that can be regulated. The rotor and stator can be stepwise varied to provide a plurality of gaps and intermediate chambers therebetween.

Abstract: An axial thrust balancing mechanism for a rotating shaft apparatus such as a rotary pump provides self-regulating thrust compensation while avoiding contact and wear between rotating and static elements. A rotor fixed to the shaft includes a cylindrical male section proximal to but not extending within a cylindrical female section of a non-rotating stator, such that a gap formed therebetween is varied in width by shaft displacements caused by axial thrusts. Pressurized fluid within the female section applies a thrust-compensating force to the rotor that is controlled by the gap size. The female section is larger in diameter than the male section, thereby preventing any contact therebetween. The disclosed mechanism can be combined with a thrust-compensating drum so as to reduce the thrust to a residual level that can be regulated. The rotor and stator can be stepwise varied to provide a plurality of gaps and intermediate chambers therebetween.