Abstract: A pump, for supplying high pressure fuel from a fuel tank to an engine via a common rail, includes a motor assembly (20) mounted on top of the fuel tank, a pump assembly (26) positioned within the fuel tank, and a support column (32) rotatably connecting the motor assembly to the pump assembly. A high pressure pump sub-assembly (46) includes a pump body (48) having a drive bore (50) and multiple plunger bores (60) formed therein. The external profile of a drive member (58) which is rotatable within the drive bore engages the radially inner end of pumping plungers (62) disposed in each of the plunger bores for a portion of each revolution to reciprocally move the plungers between radially inner and outer limit positions. Reciprocation towards the inner limit position induces a low pressure in the radially outer end of the plunger bore, thereby drawing fuel via the drive bore without the aid of a low pressure pump.

Abstract: An air compressor unit having an enclosure that permits adequate cooling air flow, and reduces the amount of noise that emanates from the air compressor unit. The enclosure has a partition that separates the interior of the enclosure into two compartments: a discharge compartment and a component compartment. A discharge aperture is in fluid flow communication with the discharge compartment. A compressor and motor are contained in the component compartment. The component compartment may be separated in a first compartment and a second compartment. Inlets allow cooling air to enter the enclosure, and a discharge aperture permits the cooling air to exit the enclosure. A blower draws cooling air into the enclosure through the inlets. An aftercooler is located between the compressor and the discharge aperture. The enclosure and compartments are configured to reduce the amount of direct “line of sight” noise that emanates from the air compressor unit.

Abstract: A priming vacuum control system for use on a self-priming pump includes a priming vacuum control valve and a priming vacuum control valve-actuating system. The priming vacuum control valve is disposed between a vacuum pump and a priming chamber for the self-priming pump so as to decouple the vacuum communication between the vacuum pump and the priming chamber when the priming vacuum control valve is closed. In one illustrative embodiment, the priming vacuum control valve includes: a valve stem positioned within a valve body, and a valve spring or other means for biasing is operatively positioned between the valve body and the valve stem so as to apply a default closing force between the valve body and the valve stem. The “guideless” priming vacuum control valve of the present invention eliminates the inherent problems of sticking, poor performance and high maintenance exhibited by the prior state of the art priming vacuum control valves containing guides.

Abstract: The invention is to a process for removing contaminants from a compressor and/or compressor intercooler in a methanol to olefin separation system. The process comprises compressing an effluent in a compressor having an inlet and an outlet and a compressor surface, the compressing occurring under conditions effective to form a contaminant on the compressor surface. A contaminant-removal medium is injected into the compressor or intercooler and the contaminant-removal medium contacts the contaminant under conditions effective to remove the contaminant from the compressor or intercooler inner surface thereby forming a mobile contaminant. The mobile contaminant is then removed from the compressor or intercooler.

Abstract: The invention relates to a compressor system for production of compressed air, consisting of a compressor driven by an internal combustion engine, connected by piping to compressed air discharge points and supplied with precompressed air by an exhaust turbocharger on the drive side connected on the exhaust side of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: An air treatment enclosure comprises a housing having a fresh air inlet. A baffle is located at the inlet to cause the air to take a flow path having a 90 ° turn. The air also takes a 90 ° turn when flowing through an L-shaped plenum in the housing. The side walls and top wall and bottom wall are detachably connected together. A base manifold is located below the bottom wall.

Abstract: An artificial lift system used to produce fluids from boreholes such as oil and gas wells. The system uses a progressive cavity (PC) downhole pump system which can be inserted into the borehole, seated, operated, flushed and removed using conventional or coiled sucker rod tubing. The progressive cavity pump system includes a tubular body with a stator and a rotor within the stator. The rotor is connected to a rotatable string on one end and an arrowhead assembly on the other. A seating mandrel assembly maintains the rotor within the stator. The seating mandrel assembly has a component configured to engage with the arrowhead assembly so that the pump may be removed from a downhole location.

Abstract: A turbomolecular vacuum pump (5) comprises a first pumping section (1) having pumping stages with bladed rotor discs, a second pumping section (2) having pumping stages with smooth rotor discs, a third pumping section (3) having a pumping stage with a toothed rotor disc (26), and a fourth pumping section (4) of the ejector or venturi pump type. (FIG.

Abstract: A dual pump apparatus for use on a vehicle or industrial application having a housing in which a pair of hydraulic pumps are mounted, having by at least one charge pump mounted on an end cap, and the trunnion arms for controlling the hydraulic pumps extending out of opposite sides of the housing. A cooling fan may be mounted on the primary or secondary input shaft on the opposite side of the pulley used to engage the prime mover. An auxiliary pump may also be mounted on the primary input shaft and may be located either at the input end thereof adjacent to the pulley, or on the opposite side of the housing.

Abstract: A method and system for dynamically determining a vapor pressure of a fluid passing through a pumping system by diverting a portion of the fluid from the pumping system into a chamber, isolating the diverted fluid from the pumping system, evacuating the chamber and measuring the vapor pressure of the isolated fluid. In another aspect of the invention, a temperature compensation device is included in the chamber to alter the chamber fluid temperature to insure that the chamber fluid temperature is substantially the same as the fluid in the pumping system.

Abstract: A multi-stage compressor comprises a gas compressor, a centrifugal blower having an input connected with a gas source and an output connected with the gas compressor and providing a flow of compressed gas as a first stage of compression to the gas compressor, and a power source mechanically connected with and driving both the centrifugal blower and gas compressor to provide multi-stage compression of said gas.

Abstract: A pump, for supplying high pressure fuel from a fuel tank to an engine via a common rail, includes a motor assembly (20) mounted on top of the fuel tank, a pump assembly (26) positioned within the fuel tank, and a support column (32) rotatably connecting the motor assembly to the pump assembly. A high pressure pump sub-assembly (46) includes a pump body (48) having a drive bore (50) and multiple plunger bores (60) formed therein. The external profile of a drive member (58) which is rotatable within the drive bore engages the radially inner end of pumping plungers (62) disposed in each of the plunger bores for a portion of each revolution to reciprocally move the plungers between radially inner and outer limit positions. Reciprocation towards the inner limit position induces a low pressure in the radially outer end of the plunger bore, thereby drawing fuel via the drive bore without the aid of a low pressure pump.

Abstract: A dry vacuum pump comprises a scroll-type vacuum pump and a rotary-vane vacuum pump, wherein the rotary-vane vacuum pump is mounted on the side of an inlet, whereas the scroll-type vacuum pump is mounted on the side of an outlet, and then a compound-type dry vacuum pump is formed by connecting and integrating the rotary-vane vacuum pump and the scroll-type vacuum pump, having the advantages of high compression ratio, high vacuuming speed, low production cost and simplified structure, thus improving the working effectiveness and quality of pumps accordingly.

Abstract: An accessory drive system to provide engagement between a driving input source and a driven accessory unit includes a housing attachable to the input source. A fluid suction port and a discharge port are defined by the housing and the suction port is in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir of the input source. The fluid discharge port is in fluid communication with the suction port and a gear assembly is rotatably supported by the housing. The accessory unit is operably engaged by the input source through the gear assembly and the gear assembly is structured and arranged within the housing to urge fluid away from the housing in response to movement of the gear assembly.

Abstract: Pumps and methods for inflating objects with atmospheric air employ a fan pump to quickly fill the object with air and then shunt away the air from the fan pump, and use a diaphragm pump to increase the pressure until the inflatable object attains the firmness or pressure required for the object to be useable.

Abstract: A hydraulic pump with a built-in electric motor wherein an electric motor and a pump unit are arranged in tandem fashion and accommodated within a common housing. In this pump, the housing is in the form of a metal box having a rectangular parallelepiped external shape and forms an electric motor frame fixedly accommodating a stator of the electric motor therein. A space in the metal box on the electric motor side is separated as a dry space from an internal space of said pump unit by a seal mechanism. At least one hydraulic oil receiving chamber is formed in a peripheral wall of the metal box, and the hydraulic oil receiving chamber is communicated with a passage for receiving return oil externally and another passage communicating with a suction port of the pump unit.

Abstract: A piston assembly for a compressor that reduces the temperature experienced by a compressor cup seal during operation of the compressor. The piston assembly includes a piston sleeve having a top portion and an interior. A valve plate is supported by the top of the piston sleeve. A compressor head includes a compressor head plate, which is offset from the valve plate. The offset between the compressor head plate and the valve plate defines a cooling chamber. The interior of the piston sleeve communicates with the interior of the compressor head via openings defined in the valve plate and the compressor head plate and conduit associated with these opening and traversing the cooling chamber.

Abstract: A combined pump and filter assembly having backwashing apparatus for the filter assembly and apparatus for offsetting the tendency for an increase in pump output flow resistance to cause an increase in fluid flow to the backwashing assembly.

Abstract: A compressor assembly which includes a housing having an air inlet. A cylinder sleeve having an end open into the housing receives a piston disposed in the housing. The piston extends into the cylinder sleeve open end for reciprocal movement in the sleeve. A fan fixed relative to the housing causes air to flow through the inlet toward the piston. A deflector is interposed between the piston and the inlet, wherein the deflector prevents air flowing through the inlet from impinging directly onto the piston.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an oilless air compressor having a cooling system with a drive unit operating a crankshaft disposed within a crankcase and to which is attached a pair of pistons movable within corresponding compression cylinders. A blower wheel is concentrically mounted to the crankshaft adjacent the exterior of the crankcase. Each compression cylinder includes a thermally conductive cylinder insert which a bore in which the corresponding piston rides. A thermally conductive heat sink having a plurality of annular cooling fins is cast integrally to the outer diameter of each cylinder insert and connected to the crankcase such that the compression cylinders and the crankcase are completely enclosed. Each cylinder insert is made of an aluminum alloy, preferably having a low silicon content and a high melting point so that it can be insert cast within the cooling fin and anodized without degrading the surface finish of its inner bore.

Abstract: A compressor system having a first compartment for housing relatively quietly operating equipment, and a second compartment for housing relatively noisy operating equipment. The second compartment is substantially closed off from the surrounding atmosphere to reduce the amount of noise that can be heard outside the compressor system on account of the noisy equipment operating within the compressor system housing. The second compartment includes a small air inlet opening and a small air outlet opening to allow enough air to flow through the second compartment to cool the equipment housed therein. The small openings reduce the amount of air-born noise which is released to the outside environment.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a tank configured to contain air at an elevated pressure, an air compressor which is operative to supply compressed air for storage in the tank, and a base structure which supports the compressor on the tank. A mounting boss projects from the compressor into an opening in the base structure. A vibration damping structure is interposed between the mounting boss and the base structure within the opening.

Abstract: A self-priming centrifugal pump including a supplementary vacuum pump and a float valve. The vacuum pump serves to draw liquid to the pump for priming and the float valve shut of flow to the vacuum pump when liquid reaches a predetermined level to prevent entry of liquid into the vacuum pump. In some embodiments the float valve includes an o-ring valve seal and the vacuum pump includes an oil delivery system to distribute oil from an oil reservoir to improve lubrication.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a tank, an air compressor, and a motor with an output shaft. A fan is mounted on the output shaft. A drive assembly interconnects the motor operatively with the compressor. The apparatus further includes a base structure and a shroud. The base structure is configured to support the compressor, the motor and the drive assembly on the tank. The shroud is configured to cover the compressor, the motor, the drive assembly and the base structure on the tank. The shroud has a cooling air inlet port and a cooling air outlet port. A plurality of internal wall portions of the shroud are configured to direct cooling air to flow over the motor and the compressor upon flowing through the cover from the inlet port to the outlet port under the influence of the fan.

Abstract: An air compressor unit having an enclosure that permits adequate cooling air flow, and reduces the amount of noise that emanates from the air compressor unit. The enclosure has a partition that separates the interior of the enclosure into two compartments: a discharge compartment and a component compartment. A discharge aperture is in fluid flow communication with the discharge compartment. A compressor and motor are contained in the component compartment. The component compartment may be separated in a first compartment and a second compartment. Inlets allow cooling air to enter the enclosure, and a discharge aperture permits the cooling air to exit the enclosure. A blower draws cooling air into the enclosure through the inlets. An aftercooler is located between the compressor and the discharge aperture. The enclosure and compartments are configured to reduce the amount of direct “line of sight” noise that emanates from the air compressor unit.

Abstract: Water circulation apparatus for use in a spa or the like utilises a turbine or axial flow pump for pumping the water from a water inlet to the jets or other exhaust openings within the spa and under the water surface. Cooling air from ambient surroundings is used to cool a motor providing power to the pump. The motor and pump are located within a component compartment and exhaust openings exhaust the cooling air passing through the motor where it may be used for heating towels. The component compartment may be sealed thereby to allow heated air to escape only from the exhaust openings.

Abstract: An accessory drive assembly is provided for a vehicle and includes housing having first and second chambers for first and second accessory drive components, respectively. The first and second accessory drive components may be a water pump and steering pump, a water pump and alternator, or some other combination of accessory drive components. First and second driven elements are disposed within the first and second chambers, respectively. The driven elements correspond appropriately to the accessory drive component. That is, the driven element for a water pump may be an impeller, and a driven element for a power steering pump may be a gerotor assembly. A common driveshaft is supported in the housing and is coupled to the first and second driven elements. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the housing may be a rocker cover. The rocker cover includes a chamber formed therein for an accessory drive component such as a water pump.

Abstract: A reciprocating hermetic compressor, of the type including a rotor with permanent magnets and having its tubular vertical shaft (5) provided radially externally to the internal surface thereof with at least one axial channel (10) of oil conduction, having a lower end (11) immersed in the lubricant oil being pumped from a lubricant oil sump (2) defined at the bottom of the hermetic shell of the compressor, and an upper end (12) opened to a median radial duct (5a), which conducts lubricant oil to the parts of the compressor spaced away from the lubricant oil sump (2).

Abstract: A vacuum pump including suction and discharge regions, two gas friction pumps arranged on opposite side of the suction region and parallel to each other and each having at least one stage and a discharge region channels connecting the discharge regions and providing for gas flow from the discharge regions into a common discharge region of the two gas friction pumps, and a multi-stage pump located downstream of both gas friction pumps for compressing the gas flowing through the multi-state pump and having a suction region and a discharge region connected with the discharge region of the vacuum pump, with gas flowing into the suction region from the common discharge region of the two gas friction pumps.

Abstract: In the invention, the gases present in a transfer chamber are pumped out by means of a primary pump that is driven by variable-speed drive means, that is connected in series with a turbomolecular secondary pump, and that is associated with gas monitoring means for monitoring one or more appropriate characteristic parameters of the pumped gases and for producing control signals acting on the drive means of the primary pump so as to adapt its pumping speed in order to avoid any condensation or solidification of the gases in the airlock or transfer chamber. It is thus possible to optimize the speed at which the pressure is lowered, and to reduce the pollution brought into the process chamber.

Abstract: A compressor including a compressing mechanism accommodated in a housing. The mechanism draws refrigerant from an intake chamber into a compression chamber and discharges the refrigerant from the compression chamber to the discharge chamber. A seal device prevents leakage of refrigerant from the internal space to the atmosphere between the drive shaft and the housing. An isolation chamber, which is separately formed in the housing, accommodates the seal device. A pressure reducing passage reduces the pressure of the isolation chamber to reduce the pressure difference applied to the seal device.

Abstract: A high performance radiator fan includes an axial fan and a centrifugal fan. The axial fan has a plurality of arched-shaped blades located between a protrusive circular hub and a closed motor shell for drawing airflow from the upper end of the axial fan through the curved blades into the centrifugal fan. The airflow is converged and spun out at high speed and great volume by centrifugal force to enhance heat dissipation efficiency.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a motor with an output shaft. A solitary air compressor is linked to the output shaft so as to be driven by the output shaft. The compressor contains a piston in a cylinder. A first fan is mounted on the output shaft to direct cooling air to the motor. A second fan is mounted on the output shaft to direct cooling air to the compressor.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a motor with an output shaft. A solitary air compressor is linked to the output shaft so as to be driven by the output shaft. The compressor contains a piston in a cylinder. A first fan is mounted on the output shaft to direct cooling air to the motor. A second fan is mounted on the output shaft to direct cooling air to the compressor.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a tank configured to contain air at an elevated pressure, an air compressor which is operative to supply compressed air for storage in the tank, and a base structure which supports the compressor on the tank. A mounting boss projects from the compressor into an opening in the base structure. A vibration damping structure is interposed between the mounting boss and the base structure within the opening.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a tank, an air compressor, and a motor with an output shaft. A fan is mounted on the output shaft. A drive assembly interconnects the motor operatively with the compressor. The apparatus further includes a base structure and a shroud. The base structure is configured to support the compressor, the motor and the drive assembly on the tank. The shroud is configured to cover the compressor, the motor, the drive assembly and the base structure on the tank. The shroud has a cooling air inlet port and a cooling air outlet port. A plurality of internal wall portions of the shroud are configured to direct cooling air to flow over the motor and the compressor upon flowing through the cover from the inlet port to the outlet port under the influence of the fan.

Abstract: An in-line combination steering pump with a shaft and water pump having a housing defining a pumping chamber into which the outer end of the shaft extends. The water pump housing supports an annular adapter member for supporting a seal which encompasses the shaft and is press mounted in the adapter. An impeller is removably secured to the outer end of the shaft adjacent the seal. A bushing encompasses the shaft between the seal and the impeller and is compressed by attachment of the impeller to the shaft so as press the seal firmly into the adapter. For replacement, the seal and bushing are removable over the outer end of the shaft after the impeller is removed.

Abstract: In a compressor that can be used for supplying compressed air in motor vehicles and also for stationary systems, permanent oil filling is provided for cooling a compressor pressure area including a cylinder head and for lubricating a transmission area including a drive shaft and swash plate. The pressure area of the compressor that can be heated by the heat of compression and friction and the transmission area of the compressor are separated from one another by check valves with a delivery pump wheel being provided which transports the oil between the transmission area and the pressure area in such fashion that the oil that is heated in the pressure area is cooled in the transmission area. By cooling the oil in the transmission area, it is possible for a middle housing section of the compressor housing, as well as a housing section delimited by a cylinder head and receiving the piston arrangement, to be made of plastic.

Abstract: A blower unit is disclosed which seals atop a conventional water heater. The unit utilizes a one-piece housing divided into two chambers which are in fluid communication; the first chamber houses the impeller, while the second chamber houses the exhaust flue of the water heater. An inlet plate having an inlet opening is disposed between the two chambers. The blower motor is separated from the blower housing to prevent heated exhaust gases from heating the motor. During operation, dilution air and exhaust gases are drawn into the blower housing and mixed together to reduce the temperature of the exhaust gases. The gas mixture is then expelled from the unit via an exhaust outlet in the blower housing.

Abstract: A compressor assembly which includes a housing having an air inlet. A cylinder sleeve having an end open into the housing receives a piston disposed in the housing. The piston extends into the cylinder sleeve open end for reciprocal movement in the sleeve. A fan fixed relative to the housing causes air to flow through the inlet toward the piston. A deflector is interposed between the piston and the inlet, wherein the deflector prevents air flowing through the inlet from impinging directly onto the piston.

Abstract: A process for evacuating a wet or liquid conveying medium out of the treatment chamber (2) of a treatment device (1) using a pumping device (3) that has a single or multi-stage suction pump (4) is provided, where the conveying medium is cooled off during the evacuation along the flow path such that the conveying medium in the pumping device (3) is in the liquid aggregate state or is converted into that state. A treatment device for carrying out the process as well as a single or multi-stage suction pump for this treatment device is also provided.

Abstract: An in-line combination steering pump with a shaft and water pump having a housing defining a pumping chamber into which the outer end of the shaft extends. The water pump housing supports an annular adapter member for supporting a seal which encompasses the shaft and is press mounted in the adapter. An impeller is removably secured to the outer end of the shaft adjacent the seal. A bushing encompasses the shaft between the seal and the impeller and is compressed by attachment of the impeller to the shaft so as press the seal firmly into the adapter. For replacement, the seal and bushing are removable over the outer end of the shaft after the impeller is removed.

Abstract: A vacuum pump, such as a turbomolecular pump, a molecular drag pump or a hybrid pump, is adapted for use with a backing pump. The vacuum pump includes a housing having an inlet port and an exhaust port for coupling to the backing pump, one or more vacuum pumping stages disposed in the housing, each of the vacuum pumping stages having a stationary member and a rotating member, and a gas turbine. The gas turbine includes a gas inlet, a gas outlet coupled to the exhaust port, and a rotor coupled to the rotating members of the vacuum pumping stages. A gas flow, produced by the backing pump, through the gas turbine causes the rotor and the rotating members of the vacuum pumping stages to rotate, wherein gas is pumped by the vacuum pumping stages from the inlet port to the exhaust port.

Abstract: A cooling fan is fitted to one of the shaft end portions of a double-end motor, and a pulley is fitted to the other end portion. A belt is passed around this pulley and a pulley fitted to a compressor element, and the compressor element is driven by this belt. The compressor element is disposed in such a manner as to be stacked up in an upward direction of the motor. An exhaust duct having a built-in cooler is also disposed in such a manner as to be stacked up above a cooling fan on the discharge side of the cooling fan. A main duct is formed on the suction side of the cooling fan and is interconnected in series with a cooling air outlet of the compressor element. These members described above are accommodated inside a casing. Therefore, two cooling air flow passages are defined on the right and left sides inside the casing.

Abstract: A motor system using a totally enclosed fan-cooled (TEFC) electric motor to provide power. The motor enclosure may be sealed with a variety of sealing devices, including a double mechanical seal a single mechanical seal, a double lip seal injected with grease, a labyrinth seal, and/or a repeller positioned adjacent the motor enclosure. A release mechanism prevents the fan from creating excessive drag when the system is immersed in water. The fan cools the motor when the water level is below the motor, and the surrounding water combines with the fan to cool the motor when the water level rises to at least partially surround the motor. When the fan is at least partially immersed, the release mechanism substantially prevents the fan from imposing a load on the motor due to the surrounding water. The release mechanism can take the form of a shear key, a torque-release clutch or flexible fan blades. Alternatively, a separate fan motor may be provided for driving the cooling fan.

Abstract: An aquarium pump for use both as an air pump and a water pump, includes an electromagnet, a diaphragm reciprocally driven by the electromagnet, an outer casing in which said electromagnet and said diaphragm are accommodated, an inlet and an outlet each outwardly protruding from said outer casing. The pump has an inlet passage provided in the outer casing, the inlet passage communicating the inlet and an inside of the diaphragm in a fluid-sealed manner, and an outlet passage provided in the outer casing, the outlet passage communicating the outlet and said inside of said diaphragm in a fluid-sealed manner. The inlet, the inlet passage, the inside of the diaphragm and the outlet constitute a fluid-sealed passage so that the aquarium pump functions both as an air pump and a water pump. The aquarium pump may preferably be used for an aquarium apparatus with a passage aquarium.

Abstract: The invention relates to an axial piston machine, preferably of swash plate construction, having a revolving cylinder drum (3) arranged on a drive shaft (10). The roller bearing (11) of the drive shaft (10) is force flushed from the housing inner chamber (2) with leakage operating medium. Outside the roller bearing (11) there is arranged a shaft sealing arrangement (12) and there is provided a device for conveying operating medium through the bearing gap of the roller bearing (11). For this purpose a conveyor plate (15) is arranged next to the roller bearing (11) on the drive shaft (10) of the machine.

Abstract: Vacuum pumping apparatus includes a non-scroll type auxiliary pump and a scroll pump disposed in a single housing. The auxiliary pump and the scroll pump are connected in series and are driven by a common motor. Typically, the auxiliary pump has a relatively high pumping speed and the scroll pump has a relatively high compression ratio. The auxiliary pump may be a regenerative blower, a roots-type blower or a screw-type blower. When a co-rotating scroll pump is utilized, a regenerative blower may be formed at or near the outer periphery of a disk on which the non-orbiting scroll blade is mounted. In another configuration, first and second scroll pumps are disposed within a housing. The scroll blade sets of the first and second scroll pumps have different orbiting radii. Scroll pump leakage may be reduced by forming a closed-loop seal around the inlet region of the scroll pump and connecting the inlet region to an intermediate pressure.

Abstract: An evacuation system (1) with exhaust gas cleaning, consists of at least one vacuum pump unit (4) and at least one cleaning unit (10) in series as to enable the continuous flow of fluid media supplied by the vacuum pump unit (4). In order to prevent condensates in a gas connection pipe (9) and in order to decrease the surface area, the at least one vacuum pump unit (4) and the at least one cleaning unit (10) are compressed into substantially one component, and the gas connection pipe (9) which runs between the vacuum pump unit (4) and the cleaning unit (10) is run in the shortest possible path and is, as a result, kept at a temperature which is above the condensation temperature of constituents in the fluid media capable of condensation, essentially without the addition of external heat, with only the compression heat of the vacuum pump unit (4). Further, a central control unit (16) for the vacuum pump unit (4) and the cleaning unit (10) can be placed over the at least one vacuum pump unit (4).

Abstract: A process for ensuring the operability of gas seals in turbocompressors, especially turbocompressors with a higher operating pressure and a higher shutdown pressure which have gas-lubricated sliding-ring seals for sealing the shaft lead-throughs and in which cleaned gas is fed to the gas-lubricated sliding-ring seals from a higher-pressure tapping location proceeding from the turbocompressor. While the turbocompressor is shut down the pressure of the gas outside of the turbocompressor is increased above the pressure level prevailing during shutdown using a pressure booster unit, and the gas is fed in a cleaned state to the gas-lubricated sliding-ring seals.