Abstract: A segmental ring centrifugal pump wherein the channel ring and the diffuser/crossover hydraulics are formed as a single monolithic casting. By casting the diffuser and the channel ring as a unit, the monolithic diffuser channel ring member and the diffuser vanes provide structural support to the channel ring. The channel ring wall thickness has been reduced by taking advantage of the reinforcing function of the monolithic cast piece. The reinforcement of the channel ring wall and the minimum wall thickness can be adjusted by modifying the radius between the diffuser vanes and the channel ring.

Abstract: A centrifugal pump of the type specially adapted to be used as a boiler feed pump and including a bearing system at the driven end of the pump comprising a bearing chamber housing a flexible bearing supporting the pump shaft and being cooled by the fluid that is being pumped which is fed to the bearing through passages in the pump casing. The pump further includes controlled leakage seals located at each end of the bearing and adapted to leak the cooling fluid at controlled rates into both the chamber housing the pump impeller and a fluid collection chamber. The leakage into the fluid collection chamber is withdrawn and reused in the usual manner. The pump shaft engages additional seals which serve to prevent the pump cooling fluid from leaking to the outside of the pump.