Mechanical seal support systems

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.

1 . A mechanical seal support system comprising; 
 means for feeding barrier fluid to a mechanical seal;    means for detecting a predetermined difference in pressure between barrier fluid at a position before and after passage through said seal; and    means, responsive to said detection means, for reducing the flow of barrier fluid to said seal when said predetermined pressure difference is detected.    
   
   
       2 . A mechanical seal support system according to  claim 1 , wherein said fluid flow reducing means comprises a fluid flow diverting valve.  
   
   
       3 . A mechanical seal support system according to  claim 1 , wherein said fluid flow reducing means substantially eliminates the flow to said seal.  
   
   
       4 . A mechanical seal support system according to  claim 2 , wherein said system further comprises a reservoir from which the barrier fluid is drawn and wherein the fluid flow diverting valve is positioned between said reservoir and said seal such that upon mechanical failure of the seal the fluid flow diverting valve diverts the circulation of the barrier fluid towards the reservoir in a direction away from the seal.  
   
   
       5 . A mechanical seal support system according to  claim 2 , wherein the means for detecting a predetermined difference in pressure and the means for reducing the flow of barrier fluid to said seal is the fluid flow diverting valve.  
   
   
       6 . A mechanical seal support system according to  claim 2 , wherein the fluid flow diverting valve is provided with a re-set device which enables the valve to open when the pressure differential is reduced to a pre-determined level.  
   
   
       7 . A mechanical seal support system according to  claim 6 , wherein the re-set device is automatic or manual.  
   
   
       8 . A mechanical seal support system according to  claim 6 , wherein the re-set device is adjustable.  
   
   
       9 . A mechanical seal support system according to  claim 1 , wherein the mechanical seal is a single seal, double seal, in-board, or out-board seal of a double mechanical seal.  
   
   
       10 . A mechanical seal support system according to  claim 9 , wherein the system is a forced circulation mechanical seal support system.  
   
   
       11 . A mechanical seal assembly, comprising: 
 a mechanical seal;    means for feeding barrier fluid to the mechanical seal;    means for detecting a predetermined difference in pressure between barrier fluid at a position before and after passage through said seal; and    means, responsive to said detection means, for reducing the flow of barrier fluid to said seal when said predetermined pressure difference is detected.