Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

An annular seal assembly disposed between a shaft surface and a surroundingousing, for example, a seal assembly for an aft-stern tube seal of a sea-going vessel, comprises a nonrotating annular seal element having a circumferentially segmented construction, the segments having overlapping ends. An inflatable annular member, concentrically disposed between the housing and the seal element, sealingly supports the seal element on the shaft surface at the same time providing some freedom for radial vibrating movements to accommodate shaft-eccentricities and radial vibrating movements of the shaft. The seal assembly includes means to admit a controlled pressurized fluid into the inflatable member. The pressurized fluid may be the outboard sea water or any water or air under pressure. The pressurized fluid is so controlled as to maintain a narrow clearance between the shaft surface and the segmented seal element for a lubricant, regardless of seal wear and variation in the pressure head of the fluid. The segmented seal construction offers better performance over conventional nonsegmented types.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim