Abstract: A mechanical seal support system may facilitate feeding barrier fluid to a mechanical seal. A predetermined difference in pressure between the barrier fluid at a position before and after passage through the seal is detected. The flow of barrier fluid to the seal may be reduced when the predetermined pressure difference is detected.

Abstract: A seal support system (1) for maintaining barrier fluid in a mechanical seal (2) including a vessel (10) for containing barrier fluid, a system for feeding barrier fluid between the vessel (10) and the mechanical seal (2), a system for automatically detecting barrier fluid within the vessel (10) and a system for automatically restoring barrier fluid within the vessel (10), and a system (100) for automatically draining barrier fluid from the vessel (10) after a predetermined period of time. The system for discharging (100) may automatically drain barrier fluid from the vessel (10) for a predetermined period of time. The system of discharging (100) may automatically drain barrier fluid from the vessel (10) with a predetermined rate of discharge. The system of discharging (100) preferably includes a system for draining barrier fluid from the vessel (10) and a valve for automatically controlling the draining of barrier fluid from the vessel.

Abstract: In a system and method for ensuring that a liquid ring vacuum pump contains an optimum amount of barrier fluid the pump and a vessel for containing barrier fluid are set at respective levels such that, when the pump is at rest and the level of barrier fluid id at its optimum the level of the fluid in the vessel is at a convenient and pre-selected level with respect to the height of the vessel. In operation of the pump, if the level of the barrier fluid in the vessel departs from the pre-selected level as detected by detecting means, the vessel is automatically charge with barrier fluid from a barrier fluid supply, or barrier fluid is automatically discharged from the vessel, as appropriate. The correct level or quantity of barrier fluid in the pump is thereby maintained.

Abstract: A mechanical seal support system may facilitate feeding barrier fluid to a mechanical seal. A predetermined difference in pressure between the barrier fluid at a position before and after passage through the seal is detected. The flow of barrier fluid to the seal may be reduced when the predetermined pressure difference is detected.

Abstract: A fluid flow control valve includes a housing having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, which define a flowpath therebetween. Within the housing is a chamber located in the flowpath between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. A valve member is mounted within the chamber from movement between an open position, allowing for flow along the flowpath, and a closed position, which prevents such flow. The valve member is biassed to the open position. The fluid control valve further includes a device for regulating fluid pressure to enable the fluid pressure to be set on the inlet side of the valve member.

Abstract: A seal support system (1) for maintaining barrier fluid in a mechanical seal (2) comprising a vessel (10) for containing barrier fluid, feeding means for feeding barrier fluid between the vessel (10) and the mechanical seal (2), detecting means for automatically detecting barrier fluid within the vessel (10) and restoring means for automatically restoring barrier fluid within the vessel (10) and further comprising discharging means (100) for automatically draining barrier fluid from the vessel (10) after a predetermined period of time. The discharging means (100) may automatically drain barrier fluid from the vessel (10) for a predetermined period of time. The discharging means (100) may automatically drain barrier fluid from the vessel (10) with a predetermined rate of discharge. The discharging means (100) preferably comprise outlet means (120) for draining barrier fluid from the vessel (10) and a valve for automatically controlling the draining of barrier fluid from the vessel.

Abstract: An intelligent seal support management system includes a device for automatically compensating for increased heat or decreased heat in a vessel.

Abstract: A mechanical seal support system may facilitate feeding barrier fluid to a mechanical sea. A predetermined difference in pressure between the barrier fluid at a position before and after passage through the seal is detected. The flow of barrier fluid to the seal may be reduced when the predetermined pressure difference is detected.

Abstract: A fluid flow control valve includes a housing having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, which define a flowpath therebetween. Within the housing is a chamber located in the flowpath between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. A valve member is mounted within the chamber from movement between an open position, allowing for flow along the flowpath, and a closed position, which prevents such flow. The valve member is biassed to the open position. The fluid control valve further includes a device for regulating fluid pressure to enable the fluid pressure to be set on the inlet side of the valve member.

Abstract: In a system and method for ensuring that a liquid ring vacuum pump contains an optimum amount of barrier fluid the pump and a vessel for containing barrier fluid are set at respective levels such that, when the pump is at rest and the level of barrier fluid id at its optimum the level of the fluid in the vessel is at a convenient and pre-selected level with respect to the height of the vessel. In operation of the pump, if the level of the barrier fluid in the vessel departs from the pre-selected level as detected by detecting means, the vessel is automatically charge with barrier fluid from a barrier fluid supply, or barrier fluid is automatically discharged from the vessel, as appropriate. The correct level or quantity of barrier fluid in the pump is thereby maintained.

Abstract: A variable area flow meter for measuring the volumetric flow of a fluid flowing through the flow meter includes a body portion having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet portion and a channel. A fixed boundary is defined between the channel and the fluid outlet portion. A fluid flow path extends between the fluid inlet and fluid outlet. A piston is arranged within the channel and longitudinally displaceable by the flow of fluid. The cross-sectional area of a portion the fluid flow path is variably determined by the structural shape of the piston and the instantaneous location of the piston relative to the fixed boundary. The longitudinal displacement of the piston in the direction of the fluid flow and consequently the cross-sectional area of the portion of the fluid flow path are dependent on the volumetric flow rate of the fluid.

Abstract: An intelligent seal support management system includes a device for automatically compensating for increased heat or decreased heat in a vessel.