A Reliable, Long Life, LOX Compatible Seal

Barber-Nichols Inc. (BNI) is pleased to present a unique and innovative Phase I research and design plan for a ¿Long Life Lox Compatible Seal¿. This seal could be used to replace current troublesome shaft seals on Liquid Oxygen Pumps as well as other cryogenic pumps. The type of seal proposed has unique properties for rotating applications in that it provides a leak-free rotating seal and leak-free stationary seal. This is accomplished by using both an activated stationary mechanical seal and a ¿dynamic¿ rotating seal. The dynamic rotating seal uses the developed head in a small ¿Drag¿ pump to prevent leakage during rotation. The energized mechanical face seal is used only during system cooldown prior to actual rotation. This concept overcomes the problems associated within both face type mechanical seals and labyrinth seals in providing reliable sealing.