Seal for a centrifugal pump

Abstract

A seal for use in a centrifugal pump, the pump having a stationary pump casing, a stationary plate and an axially adjustable side liner, is disclosed. The seal includes a base having an inner surface and an outer surface. A band portion extends from the base and a retainer member extends from the band portion. The retainer member is spaced apart from the base and oriented for positioning against a groove formed in the axially adjustable side plate liner of the centrifugal pump.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A seal for a centrifugal pump having a stationary pump casing, a stationary plate and an axially adjustable side liner, the seal comprising:
 a base having an inner surface and an outer surface;   a band portion extending from said base; and   a retainer member extending from said band portion and spaced apart from said base and oriented for positioning against a groove formed in said axially adjustable side plate liner of said centrifugal pump.   
     
     
         2 . The seal of  claim 1  further comprising a lip positioned proximate said outer surface of said base for positioning against a groove formed in said stationary pump casing. 
     
     
         3 . The seal of  claim 1 , wherein said base further comprises an extension member axially extending from said inner surface of said base, wherein a groove is formed between said base and said retainer member. 
     
     
         4 . The seal of  claim 1  further comprising a rib extending from said band portion in a direction opposite said retainer member and oriented for positioning against said stationary pump casing. 
     
     
         5 . The seal of  claim 1  further comprising a reinforcing element positioned along said band portion. 
     
     
         6 . The seal of  claim 5 , wherein said reinforcing element is a non-elastic material. 
     
     
         7 . The seal of  claim 5 , wherein said band portion is an elastomer. 
     
     
         8 . The seal of  claim 7 , wherein said band portion comprises a plurality of arcuate members embedded in said elastomer of said band portion. 
     
     
         9 . The seal of  claim 5 , wherein said reinforcing element is in radial alignment with a rib that is formed in said band portion of said seal. 
     
     
         10 . A centrifugal pump comprising:
 a volute casing;   a suction plate attached to said volute casing and being configured with a suction inlet;   a frame plate attached to said volute casing and positioned parallel to and spaced apart from said suction plate;   an axially adjustable suction plate liner positioned adjacent to and adjustably attached to said suction plate;   an axially adjustable frame plate liner positioned adjacent to and adjustably attached to said frame plate; and   at least one seal positioned between said suction plate or said frame plate and said volute casing, and between said volute casing and said axially adjustable suction plate liner or said axially adjustable frame plate liner, said at least one seal having a base positioned against one of either said suction plate or said frame plate, and said at least one seal having a band portion extending from said base, said band portion having a retainer member spaced apart from said base, and said band portion being positioned in either a groove in said axially adjustable suction plate liner or a groove in said axially adjustable frame plate liner.   
     
     
         11 . The centrifugal pump of  claim 10 , wherein said at least one seal further comprises a lip positioned against said volute casing. 
     
     
         12 . The centrifugal pump of  claim 11 , wherein said lip of said at least one seal is positioned in a groove formed in said volute casing. 
     
     
         13 . The centrifugal pump of  claim 10 , wherein said at least one seal further comprises a groove formed between said base and said retainer member to receive a ridge formed in either said axially adjustable suction plate liner or said axially adjustable frame plate liner. 
     
     
         14 . The centrifugal pump of  claim 10 , wherein said at least one seal further comprises a reinforcement element positioned along said band portion of said at least one seal. 
     
     
         15 . The centrifugal pump of  claim 10 , wherein said at least one seal further comprises a rib extending from said band portion in a direction opposite said retainer member to contact said volute casing. 
     
     
         16 . The centrifugal pump of  claim 10 , wherein said at least one seal is a first seal and a second seal, said first seal positioned between said volute casing, said suction plate and said axially adjustable suction plate liner, and said second seal positioned between said volute casing, said frame plate and said axially adjustable frame plate liner. 
     
     
         17 . A method of assembling a centrifugal pump having a volute casing, a stationary plate, an axially adjustable plate liner and a seal, said seal having a base, a band portion extending from said base, and a retainer member extending from said band portion, the method comprising the following steps:
 positioning said retainer member into a groove formed in said axially adjustable plate liner;   positioning said band portion between said volute casing and said axially adjustable plate liner;   positioning said stationary plate against said base whereby said base is disposed between said stationary plate and at least said volute casing; and   securing said stationary plate to said volute casing and said axially adjustable plate liner.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , wherein a ridge is formed on said axially adjustable plate liner and wherein a groove is formed between said base and said retainer member of said seal, the method further comprising the step of positioning said groove over said ridge.