Abstract: Apparatus to enhance performance of sequentially-deployable lip seal assemblies. In certain embodiments, biasing members to ensure deployment of sequentially deployable lip seals include an o-ring mounted within a cartridge or housing of one or more yet-to-be-deployed lip seals, with the o-ring disposed immediately adjacent one of the lip seals. When a barrier member or deployment sleeve is interposed between the one or more yet-to-be-deployed lip seals and a shaft, such as a rotating and/or reciprocating shaft of a stuffing box, the o-ring biases the lip seal toward the outside diameter of the shaft. Upon movement of the barrier member or deployment sleeve to a position exposing the Hp seal to the shaft, the o-ring urges the lip seal into engagement with the outside diameter of the shaft. A pressurized fluid may be employed between the housing and the o-rings. Flush paths, multi-part housings, and baffle-type housings are also disclosed.

Abstract: Advantageous seal systems are provided that include a barrier member movable relative to a shaft to allow sequential engagement of resilient seal members, e.g., lip seals, with the shaft. Movement of the barrier member may be effected manually or through introduction of pressurized fluid to effect piston-like movement. The disclosed seal assemblies may include an automatic leak detector and may utilize such leak detection to effectuate automatic movement of the barrier member. The barrier member may be moved relative to the shaft while the shaft is in movement, e.g., rotating or reciprocating, thereby permitting seal maintenance without interruption in operation. As seal members are sequentially brought into sealing engagement with the shaft, the previously engaged seal members contribute to the sealing performance of the seal assembly, although no longer effective to establish a stand-alone seal with the shaft. Front and rear bushings may be provided within the seal system.

Abstract: This invention relates to a seal cartridge comprising at least two back-to-back lip seals. A first, generally L-shaped sleeve is applied against the back wall of the seal ring such that its axially extending cylindrical surface retracts the lip portion of the outboard seal into a non-deployed position. A second, generally L-shaped sleeve is fitted up against the back of the first sleeve so as to place the lip end of the inboard seal in a similarly raised or retracted position. Upon installation of the seal ring about the shaft and in the shaft housing, the second, innermost sleeve is removed, such that the inboard lip seal is deployed against the surface of the shaft. Upon detection of leakage past the inboard seal, the first sleeve is retracted to thus deploy the remaining outboard lip seal.

Abstract: Advantageous seal systems (1500) are provided that include a barrier member movable relative (1504) to a shaft (1550) to allow sequential engagement of resilient seal members (1506), e.g., lip seals, with the shaft. Movement of the barrier member (1504) may be effected manually or through introduction of pressurized fluid to effect piston-like movement. The disclosed seal assemblies may include an automatic leak detector and may utilize such leak detection to effectuate automatic movement of the barrier member. The barrier member may be moved relative to the shaft while the shaft is in movement, e.g., rotating or reciprocating, thereby permitting seal maintenance without interruption in operation. As seal members are sequentially brought into sealing engagement with the shaft, the previously engaged seal members contribute to the sealing performance of the seal assembly, although no longer effective to establish a stand-alone seal with the shaft.

Abstract: A seal and bearing apparatus for a rotating shaft including a pair of sleeves with two spiral grooves (14) on an inclined surface (16).

Abstract: Advantageous seal systems (1500) are provided that include a barrier member movable relative (1504) to a shaft (1550) to allow sequential engagement of resilent seal members (1506), e.g., lip seals, with the shaft. Movement of the barrier member (1504) may be effected manually or through introduction of pressurized fluid to effect piston-like movement. The disclosed seal assemblies may include an automatic leak detector and may utilize such leak detection to effectuate automatic movement of the barrier member. The barrier member may be moved relative to the shaft while the shalt is in movement, e.g., rotating or reciprocating, thereby permitting seal maintenance without interruption in operation. As seal members are sequentially brought into sealing engagement with the shaft, the previously engaged seal members contribute to the sealing performance of the seal assembly, although no longer effective to establish a stand-alone seal with the shaft.

Abstract: This invention relates to a seal cartridge comprising at least two back-to-back lip seals. A first, generally L-shaped sleeve is applied against the back wall of the seal ring such that its axially extending cylindrical surface retracts the lip portion of the outboard seal into a non-deployed position. A second, generally L-shaped sleeve is fitted up against the back of the first sleeve so as to place the lip end of the inboard seal in a similarly raised or retracted position. Upon installation of the seal ring about the shaft and in the shaft housing, the second, innermost sleeve is removed, such that the inboard lip seal is deployed against the surface of the shaft. Upon detection of leakage past the inboard seal, the first sleeve is retracted to thus deploy the remaining outboard lip seal.

Abstract: For an impeller pump, the seal/bearing unit has two rotor-stator pairs of tapered sleeves arranged back-to-back. The sleeves have a spiral groove, and convey barrier-liquid from an entry-mouth in an entry-chamber to an exit-mouth in an exit-chamber. Having two sleeves gives the units mechanical stability, thrust support capability, and resistence to vibrations and other abuses. The tapered sleeves may be arranged wide-narrow-wide, or narrow-wide-narrow. The sleeves may be mounted for sliding in the housing and on the shaft, or may be fixed to the housing or shaft.

Abstract: In a seal or bearing that uses the tapered-sleeves-with-spiral-groove technology, the capacity is increased, without increasing the space envelope, by folding the tapered surfaces. Double and triple folding is illustrated. The seal/bearing may be used in e.g. a rotary impeller pump, or as a big-end bearing.

Abstract: For fitment into the stuffing box of a centrifugal pump. A spiral-groove is cut on the outer surface of the rotor of a pair of tapered bearing surfaces. The groove is 0.02 mm deep, 2 mm wide, and its circumferential length is 50 cm. Barrier-liquid is fed to an entry-mouth of the spiral-groove, and groove generates a pressure in the stuffing box high enough to overcome process pressure. The barrier-liquid may be water. The interface between the bearing surfaces is sealed from the process-fluid and from the outside.

Abstract: The pump has an impeller with a retractable component, which, when moved, exposes more or less of the impeller blades, thereby varying the pumping action. The pump has rotor and stator sleeves with complementary tapered surfaces, in which a groove conveys barrier liquid towards the impeller. A piston and cylinder receives the liquid thus conveyed. The pressure of the liquid is controlled by a pressure regulator. A spring biasses the moveable impeller blades one way, and the piston and cylinder oppose that force, whereby the exposure of the impeller blades can be controlled.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a compound of formula (I): ##STR1## which comprises the reactive of a methylating agent with a compound of formula (IV): ##STR2## in a polar solvent in which is dissolved an alkali metal alkoxide, in an inert atmosphere.