WO2017030931A1

WO2017030931A1 - Self-adjusting seal for rotating equipment

Info

Publication number: WO2017030931A1
Application number: PCT/US2016/046702
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jerry Lynn WARD; Jared Stephen KRUG
Original assignee: Ward Jerry Lynn; Krug Jared Stephen
Priority date: 2015-08-14
Filing date: 2016-08-12
Publication date: 2017-02-23

Abstract

A self-adjusting sealing system includes a first annular retaining subsystem, a second annular retaining subsystem, and an annular self-adjusting seal subsystem. The first annular retaining subsystem, a second annular retaining subsystem, and an annular self-adjusting seal subsystem may be disposed in a hollow cylinder. The first annular retaining subsystem includes a lip seal and a lantern ring at a first fixed location along a shaft member. The second annular retaining subsystem includes a lip seal and a lantern ring at a second fixed location along a shaft member that is spaced apart from the first fixed location. The annular self-adjusting seal subsystem includes a force-producing member and a compressible sealing member. The force-producing member is disposed between the second annular retaining subsystem and the compressible sealing member and maintains a constant compressive force on the shaft member throughout the life of the self-adjusting sealing system.

Description

SELF-ADJUSTING SEAL FOR ROTATING EQUIPMENT

JERRY LYNN WARD JARED STEPHEN KRUG

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an improved sealing device for rotating equipment.

BACKGROUND

Rotating equipment such as pumps, compressors, blowers, and similar devices are prevalent throughout a number of industries such as mining, chemical processing, and commodity handling. Other examples include driveshafts used in vehicles ranging from boats to passenger cars, trucks, and buses. A characteristic common to all applications is the penetration of a rotating shaft member through a housing or similar enclosure. The location where the rotating shaft penetrates the housing or enclosure provides a pathway for both egress of any lubricant or similar fluids carried by the housing or enclosure and the ingress of environmental contaminants into the housing or enclosure. One or more sealing systems may be used to provide a shaft seal that prevents both the egress or lubricants and the ingress of contaminants. Sealing systems used in services that includes slurries or similarly abrasive materials typically have a limited operating life, are maintenance intensive, and use seal flush systems that are costly, maintenance intensive, and environmentally wasteful.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Features and advantages of various embodiments of the claimed subject matter will become apparent as the following Detailed Description proceeds, and upon reference to the

Drawings, wherein like numerals designate like parts, and in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of an illustrative self-adjusting sealing system that includes a first annular retaining subsystem, a second annular retaining subsystem, and an annular self-adjusting seal subsystem, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein;

FIG 2 A depicts a cross sectional view of an illustrative self-adjusting sealing system that includes an annular self-adjusting seal subsystem having a compressible sealing member placed in at least axial compression using at least one force-producing member, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein; FIG 2B depicts a cross-sectional view of an illustrative self-adjusting sealing system that includes an annular self-adjusting seal subsystem having a compressible sealing member placed in at least radial compression using at least one force-producing member, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein;

FIG 3 depicts a cross-sectional view of an illustrative self-adjusting sealing system that includes an annular self-adjusting seal subsystem having a compressible sealing member axially compressed by at least one force-producing member, with the first annular retaining subsystem, the second annular retaining subsystem and the self-adjusting seal subsystem disposed in a housing, in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein;

FIG 4 depicts a cross-sectional view of an illustrative self-adjusting sealing system that includes an annular self-adjusting seal subsystem having a compressible sealing member radially compressed by at least one force-producing member, with the first annular retaining subsystem, the second annular retaining subsystem and the self-adjusting seal subsystem disposed at least partially in a housing, in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein;

FIG 5 depicts a cross-sectional view of an illustrative system that includes a self- adjusting sealing system installed in a stuffing box of an illustrative piece of equipment, in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein;

FIG 6 depicts an illustrative self-adjusting sealing system in which the annular self- adjusting seal subsystem includes a hydraulic subsystem that includes a hydraulic reservoir, a fluid coupling fluidly coupling the hydraulic reservoir to the void space in the self-adjusting sealing system, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein;

FIG 7A depicts a cross-sectional view of an illustrative self-adjusting sealing system that includes a mechanically, radially compressed, compressible sealing member disposed about an outer surface of a shaft member, the compressible sealing member is maintained in position against the surface of the shaft member using an axial force-producing member, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein;

FIG 7B depicts a cross-sectional view of an illustrative self-adjusting sealing system that includes a hydraulically, radially compressed, compressible sealing member disposed about an outer surface of a shaft member, the compressible sealing member is maintained in position against the surface of the shaft member using an axial, hydraulic force-producing member, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein; FIG 8 depicts a cross-sectional view of another illustrative self-adjusting sealing system that includes a mechanical, radially compressed, force-producing member, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein;

FIG 9A depicts a cross-sectional view of an illustrative self-adjusting sealing system that includes a force-producing member in the form of a wave spring, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein;

FIG 9B depicts a cross-sectional view of an illustrative self-adjusting sealing system that includes a force-producing member in the form of an annular perforated member having a plurality of coil springs extending axially therethrough, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein;

FIG 9C depicts a cross-sectional view of an illustrative self-adjusting sealing system that includes a force-producing member in the form of an annular hydraulic force-producing member, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein;

FIG 10 depicts a cross-sectional view of an illustrative self-adjusting sealing system that includes a force-producing member in the form of an annular perforated member having a plurality of coil springs extending axially therethrough that applies a radial force to the compressible sealing member, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein;

FIG 11 depicts an exploded perspective view of an illustrative self-adjusting sealing system that includes an annular self-adjusting seal subsystem that includes a top adapter member, a plurality of chevron packing rings, a wave spring, and a bottom adapter member, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein;

FIG 12 depicts a cross-sectional view of an illustrative, fully assembled, self-adjusting sealing system, in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein;

FIG 13 depicts a plan view of an illustrative self-adjusting sealing system disposed about a shaft member, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein;

FIG 14 depicts a perspective view of an illustrative self-adjusting sealing system disposed about a shaft member, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein;

FIG 15 depicts a cross-sectional view of an illustrative system that includes a self- adjusting sealing system disposed in the stuffing box of an example centrifugal pump, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein;

FIG 16 depicts a cross-sectional view of an illustrative system that includes a self- adjusting sealing system with an internal compressible sealing member and an external force- producing member, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein; FIG 17 depicts a cross-sectional view of an illustrative system that includes two self- adjusting sealing systems installed within the stuffing boxes of a split case pump, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein;

FIG 18 depicts a high-level logic flow diagram of an illustrative method for installing an example self-adjusting sealing system in a stuffing box of an example piece of rotating process equipment, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein; and

FIG 19 depicts a high-level logic flow diagram of an illustrative method for assembling or manufacturing an example self-adjusting sealing system, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein.

Although the following Detailed Description will proceed with reference being made to illustrative embodiments, many alternatives, modifications and variations thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The systems and methods described herein provide sealing systems useful for preventing leakage along a rotating shaft. Such rotating shafts may be used in process equipment (pumps, condensers, compressors, blowers, etc.) and in a wide variety of diverse applications such as propeller shaft seals, and the like. As described herein, the use of various types of compressible sealing members (e.g. , chevron packing) in non-traditional rotating equipment service was surprisingly and unexpectedly found to provide a superior level of performance and seal life as well as eliminate the need for costly and

environmentally wasteful potable water seal flushes for rotating equipment used in slurry service. The potential savings in reduced seal replacement and reduced or eliminated seal water requirements represents a significant improvement in both capital and operating costs for rotating equipment using conventional packing or mechanical seal solutions. In addition, the compressible sealing members described herein provide superior performance and resiliency to cavitation, dry running, and other operating conditions that may significantly reduce seal life in rotating equipment equipped with conventional packing or mechanical seals. As described herein, the use of various types of compressible sealing members (e.g. , chevron packing) in non-traditional rotating equipment service was surprisingly and unexpectedly found to provide a superior level of performance for rotating equipment in slurry service A rotary equipment sealing method is provided. The method may include disposing a sealing system about a shaft member having an axis of rotation in a stuffing box in a piece of rotating equipment, the sealing system may include: a hollow cylinder having an annular front cover member affixed at a first end and a flange member affixed at a second end; an annular back cover member disposed proximate the flange member; a first annular retaining subsystem disposed in the hollow cylinder about the axis of rotation at a first fixed location along the shaft member; a second annular retaining subsystem disposed in the hollow cylinder about the axis of rotation at a second fixed location along the shaft member, the second fixed location spaced apart from the first fixed location; a compressible sealing member disposed about the axis of rotation between the first annular retaining subsystem and the second annular retaining subsystem; a force producing subsystem disposed about the axis of rotation proximate the compressible sealing member, the force producing subsystem to apply a uniform compressive force across at least one surface of the compressible sealing member; sealing the front cover member to the stuffing box via a first sealing member; sealing the flange member to an exterior surface of the rotary equipment via a second sealing member; and coupling the sealing system to the rotary equipment via a plurality of threaded fasteners.

A seal manufacturing method for rotary equipment is provided. The method may include inserting a front annular retaining subsystem in a hollow cylinder having an annular front cover member affixed at a first end and a flange member affixed at a second end, such that the second annular retaining subsystem is proximate the front cover member; inserting a force producing subsystem proximate the front annular retaining subsystem in the hollow cylinder; inserting a compressible sealing member proximate the force producing subsystem in the hollow cylinder; and inserting a rear annular retaining subsystem proximate the compressible sealing member in the hollow cylinder.

A sealing system for rotating equipment is provided. The sealing system may include a hollow cylinder having an annular front cover member affixed at a first end and a flange member affixed at a second end; a first annular retaining subsystem disposed about an axis of rotation of a shaft member and at the second end of the hollow cylinder, the first annular retaining subsystem including: a first shaft seal disposed about the axis of rotation; and an annular first lubricant distribution member disposed about the axis of rotation, proximate the first shaft seal; a second annular retaining subsystem disposed about the axis of rotation at the first end of the hollow cylinder, the second annular retaining subsystem including: a second shaft seal disposed about the axis of rotation; and an annular second lubricant distribution member disposed about the axis of rotation proximate the second shaft seal; a plurality of chevron packing rings disposed about the axis of rotation between the first annular retaining subsystem and the second annular retaining subsystem, the compressible sealing member having an inside diameter and an outside diameter; a force producing member disposed about the axis of rotation proximate the second lubricant distribution member; a top adapter member disposed about the axis of rotation proximate the first lubricant distribution member and a first chevron packing ring; and a bottom adapter member disposed about the axis of rotation proximate a second chevron packing ring, the force producing member disposed proximate the bottom adapter member, the force producing member to apply a uniform compressive force across at least one surface of the bottom adapter member.

A sealing system for rotating equipment is provided. The sealing system may include a first annular retaining subsystem disposed about an axis of rotation of a shaft member at a first fixed location along the shaft member; a second annular retaining subsystem disposed about the axis of rotation at a second fixed location along the shaft member, the second fixed location spaced apart from the first fixed location; a compressible sealing member disposed about the axis of rotation between the first annular retaining subsystem and the second annular retaining subsystem, the compressible sealing member having an inside diameter and an outside diameter; and a force producing subsystem disposed about the axis of rotation proximate the compressible sealing member, the force producing subsystem to apply a uniform compressive force to at least one surface of the compressible sealing member.

As used herein, the terms "top," "bottom," "up," "down," "upward," "downward," "upwardly," "downwardly" and similar directional terms should be understood in their relative and not absolute sense. Thus, a component described as being "upwardly displaced" may be considered "laterally displaced" if the device carrying the component is rotated 90 degrees and may be considered "downwardly displaced" if the device carrying the component is inverted. Such implementations should be considered as included within the scope of the present disclosure.

As used in this application and in the claims, a list of items joined by the term

"and/or" can mean any combination of the listed items. For example, the phrase "A, B and/or C" can mean A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; or A, B and C. As used in this application and in the claims, a list of items joined by the term "at least one of can mean any combination of the listed terms. For example, the phrases "at least one of A, B or C" can mean A; B; C; A and B; A and C; B and C; or A, B and C. As used herein, the term "axial" refers the coaxial centerline or a vector parallel to the coaxial centerline of the shaft. Thus, a force described as an "axially applied force" refers to a force directed parallel to the coaxial centerline of the shaft.

As used herein, the term "radial" refers to a perpendicular to the coaxial centerline or a vector perpendicular to the coaxial centerline of the shaft. Thus a force described as a "radially applied force" refers to a force directed perpendicular or normal to the coaxial centerline of the shaft.

Objects described as being positioned "along" the coaxial centerline or "along" the shaft refer to objects positioned or extending in a direction that is generally parallel to the coaxial centerline of the shaft.

Objects described as being positioned "about" the coaxial centerline or "about" the shaft refer to objects positioned or extending radially from the coaxial centerline in a direction that is perpendicular to the coaxial centerline.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an illustrative self-adjusting sealing system 100 that includes a first annular retaining subsystem 120, a second annular retaining subsystem 130, and an annular self-adjusting seal subsystem 140, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein. The first annular retaining subsystem 120 is disposed about a shaft member 110. The shaft member 110 is defines an axis of rotation 112 that extends along the longitudinal axis of the shaft. In operation, the shaft member 110 rotates 114 at a fixed or variable speed about the axis of rotation. The second annular retaining subsystem 130 is disposed about the shaft member 110 at a location spaced apart or at a distance from the first annular retaining subsystem 120. The self-adjusting seal subsystem 140 is disposed between the first annular retaining subsystem 120 and the second annular retaining subsystem 130.

The first annular retaining subsystem 120 and the second annular retaining subsystem 130 are positioned at fixed locations along the shaft member 110, constraining the annular self-adjusting seal subsystem 140 between. In some implementations, an external housing, for example a hollow cylindrical housing may be used to constrain the first annular retaining subsystem 120 and the second annular retaining subsystem 130 at the fixed locations along the shaft member 110. Application of a constant or uniform axial or radial compressive force to a compressible sealing member within the annular self-adjusting seal subsystem 140 causes the compressible sealing member to maintain a constant sealing pressure against the shaft member 110.

In operation, the shaft member 110 may rotate at a fixed or a variable speed. For example, the shaft member 110 may rotate at a speed of: about 3600 revolutions per minute (rpm) or less; about 2500 revolutions per minute (rpm) or less; about 1800 revolutions per minute (rpm) or less; about 1200 revolutions per minute (rpm) or less; about 900 revolutions per minute (rpm) or less; about 600 revolutions per minute (rpm) or less; or about 300 revolutions per minute (rpm) or less. In some implementations, the compressible sealing member may be selected or otherwise specified based, at least in part, on the expected operating speed of the shaft member 110. In some implementations, the self-adjusting sealing system 100 may be exposed to liquids, such as slurries, that contain solid materials such as sand, grit, and other potentially abrasive materials. In such implementations, the compressible sealing member may be selected based, at least in part, on the composition and/or size of the particulates present in the slurry.

The first annular retaining subsystem 120 includes one or more shaft sealing devices or systems capable of providing a liquid tight seal against the outside diameter of the shaft member 110. The first annular retaining subsystem 120 may include a plurality of sealing devices and/or systems disposed in parallel along the shaft member 110. In some embodiments, the first annular retaining subsystem 120 may be referred to as the "rear annular retaining system." Such sealing devices or systems may limit or even prevent the penetration of contaminants, dirt, and dust present in the ambient environment about the first annular retaining subsystem 120 into the self-adjusting sealing system 100, potentially compromising the integrity of the annular self-adjusting seal subsystem 140.

The second annular retaining subsystem 130 includes one or more shaft sealing devices or systems that provide a liquid tight seal against the outside diameter of the shaft member 110. The second annular retaining subsystem 130 may include a plurality of sealing devices disposed in parallel along the shaft member 110. In embodiments, the second annular retaining subsystem 130 may be referred to as the "front annular retaining system." The sealing devices disposed within the second annular retaining subsystem 130 may limit or even prevent the penetration of process fluids, slurries, solids, and other materials present in the process fluids or gases handled by the process equipment (i.e. , the process materials present at the wetted end of the equipment) into the self-adjusting sealing system 100, potentially compromising the integrity of the annular self-adjusting seal subsystem 140.

In some implementations, the first annular retaining subsystem 120 and/or the second annular retaining subsystem 130 may include one or more systems or devices that promote the distribution of one or more lubricants throughout all or a portion of the self-adjusting sealing system 100. Such lubricants may beneficially and advantageously minimize or even eliminate the need for external seal flushes, significantly reducing operating costs and improving product quality. Where such lubrication is present, the shaft seals in the first annular retaining subsystem 120 and the second annular retaining subsystem 130 may prevent the lubricant from leaking out of the self-adjusting sealing system 100.

The self-adjusting sealing system 100 may be used in a variety of services including, liquids, gases, and slurries. The design of the self-adjusting sealing system 100 permits the use of such seals in services prone to process conditions causing sudden movement of the internal components such as pump impellers. In liquid pumping service, the self-adjusting sealing system 100 is resilient to cavitation and water hammer and may be operated at pressures up to 5,000 pounds per square inch (psi).

The self-adjusting sealing system 100 beneficially maintains a constant sealing pressure against the shaft member 110 throughout the life of the seal. The autonomously adjusted self-adjusting sealing system 100 maintains a consistent compressive force on the compressible sealing member, maintaining a constant compression of the compressible sealing member against the surface of the shaft member 110 thereby minimizing or even eliminating the need for manual adjustments. For this reason, the self-adjusting sealing system 100 may reduce life-cycle maintenance and labor costs. The consistent pressure exerted on the compressible sealing member beneficially minimizes or even eliminates the leakage commonly encountered with traditional packed seals. For this reason, the self- adjusting sealing system 100 may improve environmental performance and/or compliance of systems in which they are installed. Even more beneficially, lubrication (e.g. , lithium grease) may be disposed within the self-adjusting sealing system 100 thereby eliminating the need for seal flush liquids. In some implementations, elimination of the flush liquid may improve product quality by reducing or eliminating dilution of the product by the flush liquid. In some implementations, elimination of the flush liquid may significantly reduce both capital investment by deletion of infrastructure dedicated to provision of flush liquid and operating cost by eliminating the ongoing expense associated with the flush liquid.

FIG 2A is a cross sectional view of an illustrative self-adjusting sealing system 200A that includes an annular self-adjusting seal subsystem 140 having a compressible sealing member 210 placed in at least axial compression using at least one force-producing member 220, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein. Both the compressible sealing member 210 and the force-producing member 220 are disposed proximate the shaft member 110 and about the axis of rotation of the shaft member 110. The self-adjusting sealing system 200A may be fitted to any size shaft, for example hollow or solid shafts having outside diameters of 0.5 inches or greater. The shaft member 110 may include a unitary shaft member, a multi -piece shaft member, solid shaft member, a sleeved shaft member, or any other rotatable member having a circular transverse cross-section and used to transmit or transfer rotational motion provided by a prime mover (electric motor, turbine, etc.) to rotating equipment and/or machinery.

The compressible sealing member 210 may include any number and/or combination of any currently available and/or future developed devices and/or systems capable of deformation when exposed to compressive force(s) applied along one or more axes (e.g. , axial or radial axes) and capable of providing a near fluid-tight or fluid-tight seal against the surface of the shaft member 110. Example compressible sealing members 210 include, but are not limited to: rope-type pump packing, chevron-type hydraulic packing, rope-type valve packing, or combinations thereof. The compressible sealing member 210 may include one or more materials including, but not limited to: graphite, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), expanded PTFE, carbon fiber, elastomer filled fabrics (e.g. , urethane filled fabrics) or combinations thereof. The compressible sealing member 210 may include braided or woven packing, solid packing, or combinations thereof.

At installation, the compressible sealing member 210 may be formed into a ring or similar geometric shape having a generally annular characteristic including an inside diameter (ID) and an outside diameter (OD) that differ by approximately two times the thickness of the packing material. The ID of the compressible sealing member 210 may be slightly larger than the outside diameter of the shaft member 110 to permit the slideable insertion of the shaft 110 through the inside diameter of the compressible sealing member 210. In implementations, the ID of the compressible sealing member 210 may be undersized (i.e. , have an inside diameter less than the outside diameter of the shaft 110) by: about 0.002 inches (2 thousandths) or less; about 0.005 inches (5 thousandths) or less; about 0.007 (7 thousandths) inches or less; about 0.010 (10 thousandths) inches or less; about 0.015 inches (15 thousandths) or less; or about 0.025 inches (25 thousandths) or less. In implementations, the OD of the compressible sealing member 210 may be oversized (i.e. , exceed the inside diameter of the hollow cylindrical housing in which the compressible sealing member is positioned) by: about 0.002 inches (2 thousandths) or more; about 0.005 inches (5 thousandths) or more; about 0.007 (7 thousandths) inches or more; about 0.010 (10 thousandths) inches or more; about 0.015 inches (15 thousandths) or more; or about 0.025 inches (25 thousandths) or more.

The force-producing member 220 may include any number and/or combination of any currently available and/or future developed devices and/or systems capable of exerting at least an axially compressive force (i.e. , a compressive force directed parallel to the axis of rotation 112 of the shaft member 110) on the compressible sealing member 210. In embodiments, the force producing member 220 may compress or otherwise drive the compressible sealing member 210 against the fixed first annular retaining subsystem 120. By maintaining a consistent or constant compressive force on the compressible sealing member 210, the force producing member 220 is able to provide a self-adjusting property that consistently maintains the contact of the compressible sealing member 210 with the shaft member 110 throughout the operational life of the self-adjusting sealing system 200A.

The force-producing member 220 may include one or more individual members capable of providing, storing, or generating a compressive force, along one or more axes. At least a portion of the compressive force provided by the force-producing member 220 may be directed toward a surface of the compressible sealing member 210. In some

implementations, the force-producing member 220 may provide or apply the force directly to the compressible sealing member 210. In some implementations, the force-producing member 220 may provide or apply the force to an intermediate rigid member disposed between the force-producing member 220 and the compressible sealing member 210. Non- limiting examples of such force-producing members 220 include springs such as wave springs, compression springs, conical compression springs, or combinations thereof.

Other force producing members may be used in conjunction with or alternate to spring-type force producing members. For example, in some instances one or more hydraulic force -producing members 220 may be used. In such instances, the hydraulic force-producing member 220 may include a chamber filled with one or more incompressible fluids (hydraulic fluids, hydraulic oils, aqueous solutions, glycol solutions, hydrocarbon oils, synthetic oils, etc.) maintained at a constant pressure either directly (e.g. , via supply through a pressure regulating device or pressure regulating valve) or indirectly (e.g. , via supply through a reservoir maintained at a constant pressure using a pad gas or a pad fluid).

In implementations, one or more rigid members (not depicted in FIG 2A) may be disposed between the force-producing member 220 and the compressible sealing member 210 to separate at least a portion of the surface of the compressible sealing member 210 from the force -producing member 220. Such interposed rigid members may distribute the force applied by the force-producing member 220 across at least a portion of the surface of the compressible sealing member 210. Such interposed rigid members may beneficially assist in more evenly distributing the force applied or provided by the force -producing member 220 across at least a portion of the surface of the compressible sealing member 210. FIG 2B is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative self-adjusting sealing system 200B that includes an annular self-adjusting seal subsystem 140 having a compressible sealing member 212 placed in at least radial compression using at least one force-producing member 222, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein. As depicted in FIG 2B, the compressible sealing member 212 may be disposed proximate the exterior surface of the shaft member 110 and the force-producing member 222 may be disposed about at least a portion of the outside periphery or perimeter of the compressible sealing member 212. Such an arrangement places the compressible sealing member 212 in a radially compressed configuration that maintains a near-constant or constant compressive force against the compressible sealing member 212 thereby creating a fluid-tight seal between the

compressible sealing member 212 and the shaft member 110. As the compressible sealing member 212 wears, the force-producing member 222 continues to apply a compressive force to the compressible sealing member 212 thereby maintaining the fluid-tight seal throughout the life of the self-adjusting sealing system 200B.

The compressible sealing member 212 may include any number and/or combination of any currently available and/or future developed materials, devices, and/or systems capable of deformation when exposed to compressive force(s) applied along one or more axes. When exposed to the radially compressive forces applied by the force-producing member 222, The compressible sealing member 212 contacts the outside diameter of the shaft 110 thereby providing a fluid tight seal against the shaft 110. Example compressible sealing members 212 may include woven or solid rope-type packing materials. The compressible sealing member 212 may include one or more materials including, but not limited to:

polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), graphite, expanded PTFE, carbon fiber, or combinations thereof. The compressible sealing member 212 may include a single sheet of compressible material disposed about the outside diameter of the shaft member 110, multiple radially stacked sheets of compressible material disposed about the outside diameter of the shaft member 110, or may include a number of annular rings of compressible material disposed about the outside diameter of the shaft member 110.

At installation, the compressible sealing member 212 may be formed into an annular physical or geometric configuration having an inside diameter (ID) and an outside diameter (OD) that differ by approximately two times the thickness of the packing material. The ID of the compressible sealing member 212 may be slightly larger than the outside diameter of the shaft 110 to permit the slideable insertion of the shaft 110 through the inside diameter of the compressible sealing member 212. In implementations, the ID of the compressible sealing member 210 may be undersized (i.e. , have an inside diameter less than the outside diameter of the shaft 110) by: about 0.002 inches (2 thousandths) or less; about 0.005 inches (5 thousandths) or less; about 0.007 (7 thousandths) inches or less; about 0.010 (10 thousandths) inches or less; about 0.015 inches (15 thousandths) or less; or about 0.025 inches (25 thousandths) or less. In implementations, the OD of the compressible sealing member 210 may be oversized (i.e. , exceed the inside diameter of the hollow cylindrical housing in which the compressible sealing member is positioned) by: about 0.002 inches (2 thousandths) or more; about 0.005 inches (5 thousandths) or more; about 0.007 (7 thousandths) inches or more; about 0.010 (10 thousandths) inches or more; about 0.015 inches (15 thousandths) or more; or about 0.025 inches (25 thousandths) or more.

The force-producing member 222 may include any number and/or combination of any currently available and/or future developed devices and/or systems capable of exerting at least an radial force (i.e. , a compressive force directed at least perpendicular to the axis of rotation 112 of the shaft member 110) on the compressible sealing member 212. In embodiments, the force producing member 222 compresses the compressible sealing member 212 against the shaft member 110 itself. By maintaining a near-constant or constant compressive force on the compressible sealing member 212, the force producing member 222 is able to provide a self-adjusting property that consistently maintains the contact of the compressible sealing member 212 with the shaft member 110 throughout the running life of the self-adjusting sealing system 200B.

The force-producing member 222 may include one or more individual members capable of providing a consistent or uniform, radially-inward directed, compressive force along at least one axis perpendicular to some or all of the compressible sealing member 210. In embodiments, example force-producing members 222 include springs such as wave springs, compression springs, conical compression springs, or combinations thereof. In some implementations, the force-producing member 222 may include a chamber filled with one or more incompressible fluids (hydraulic fluids, hydraulic oils, aqueous solutions, glycol solutions, hydrocarbon oils, synthetic oils, etc.) maintained at a near-constant or constant pressure. In some implementations, one or more rigid members (not depicted in FIG 2B) may be disposed between the force-producing member 222 and the compressible sealing member 212 to separate at least a portion of the face of the compressible sealing member 212 from the force-producing member 222. Such interposed rigid members may assist in a more uniform or even distribution of the force across the face of the compressible sealing member proximate the force-producing member 222. FIG 3 is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative self-adjusting sealing system 300 that includes an annular self-adjusting seal subsystem 140 having a compressible sealing member 210 axially compressed by at least one force-producing member 220, with the first annular retaining subsystem 120, the second annular retaining subsystem 130 and the self-adjusting seal subsystem 140 disposed in a housing 302, in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein. As depicted in FIG 3, the housing 302 may partially or completely enclose the first annular retaining subsystem 120, the second annular retaining subsystem 130, and the annular self-adjusting seal subsystem 140. In such embodiments, the housing 302 may include a circular housing wall 310 forming a hollow cylindrical vessel having an inside diameter 312, an outside diameter 314, and a height 316, an open front end 304 and an open back end 306. In some implementations, the housing wall 310 may define a cylindrical vessel having at least one inside diameter 312 and at least one outside diameter 314. In some implementations, the housing wall may define a cylindrical vessel having a varying inside diameter 312 and/or outside diameter 314. In some implementations, the housing 302 may include a stepped housing wall 310 that includes a plurality of cylindrical sections, each having the same or a different height 318 and a different inside diameter 312 and/or outside diameter 314.

The annular front cover member 320 may be formed integral with or affixed to the front end 304 of the housing wall 310. The outside diameter of the annular front cover 320 may be the same as or greater than the outside diameter 314 of the hollow cylindrical vessel formed by the housing wall 310. The annulus formed in the annular front cover member 320 may have any inside diameter 322. In some implementations the inside diameter 322 of the annulus formed in the annular front cover member 320 may be determined based at least in part on the diameter of the shaft 110 to which the self-adjusting sealing system 300 is fitted. In some implementations, the inside diameter 322 of the annulus formed in the annular front cover member 320 may be slightly greater than the diameter of the shaft 110. For example, the annulus may have an inside diameter 322 that is oversized (i.e. , greater than the outside diameter of the shaft 110) by: about 0.002 inches (2 thousandths) or less; about 0.005 inches (5 thousandths) or less; about 0.007 (7 thousandths) inches or less; about 0.010 (10 thousandths) inches or less; about 0.015 inches (15 thousandths) or less; or about 0.025 inches (25 thousandths) or less.

A flange member 330 may be formed about at least a portion of the outside diameter 314 of the housing wall 310. In some implementations, the flange member 330 may be disposed flush with the back end 306 of the housing wall 310 as depicted in FIG 3. The flange member 330 has an outside diameter 332 that is determined, at least in part, based on the equipment in which the self-adjusting sealing system 300 will be mounted. In some implementations, a number of apertures 334 may penetrate the flange member 330 in a regular or irregular pattern. The inside diameter 336 of the flange member 330 may be the same as the inside diameter 312 of the hollow cylinder 310. Maintaining the inside diameter 336 of the flange member 330 the same as the inside diameter 312 of the hollow cylinder 310 permits the slideable insertion of the first annular retaining subsystem 120, the second annular retaining subsystem 130, and the annular self-adjusting seal subsystem 140 in the void space within the hollow cylinder 310.

A rear cover member 340 may be disposed proximate the flange member 330. The rear cover member 340 may include a single or multi -piece cover member that, when assembled includes an annular opening having an inside diameter 342 penetrating therethrough. In some implementations, the inside diameter 342 of the annular opening in the rear cover member 340 may the same as or similar to the inside diameter 322 in the front cover member 320 to permit the passage of the shaft member 110 therethrough. The inside diameter 342 may be determined, based at least in part, on the outside diameter of the shaft member 110. The rear cover member 340 may include a number of apertures 344 that penetrate the rear cover member 340 in a regular or irregular pattern. The rear cover member 340 may include a number of apertures 344 that correspond to the number of apertures 334 in the flange member 330.

In some implementations, the first annular retaining subsystem 120 and the second annular retaining subsystem 130 may be disposed within the void space formed by the housing wall 310 such that the first annular retaining subsystem 120 is disposed proximate the front cover member 320 and the second annular retaining subsystem 130 is disposed proximate the rear cover member 340. The annular self-adjusting seal subsystem 140 may be disposed within the void space existent between the first annular retaining subsystem 120 and the second annular retaining subsystem 130. In some implementations, when installed on shaft 110, unoccupied void space 350 may remain in the housing wall 310. Such unoccupied void space 350 may be fluidly coupled via one or more lubrication fittings couplings 360 to an external environment to permit the addition of one or more compounds to the unoccupied void space 350. In embodiments, the one or more couplings 360 may permit the introduction of a quantity of lubricant to at least a portion of the unoccupied void space 350 within the housing wall 310. For example, the one or more couplings 360 may include one or more grease fittings, grease nipples, Zerk fittings, Alemite fittings or similar couplings permitting the introduction of a viscous grease into the unoccupied void space 350.

The hollow cylinder 310, front cover member 320, and flange member 330 may include a unitary metallic member that is formed through expendable mold casting (sand casting, investment casting, etc.) or through non-expendable mold casting (die casting, centrifugal casting, etc.). The hollow cylinder 310, front cover member 320, and flange member 330 may include a unitary metallic member that is formed through milling, machining, lathing, or similar material removal techniques. The hollow cylinder 310, front cover member 320, and flange member 330 may include a unitary member formed from aluminum/aluminum alloys; steel/steel alloys; stainless steel, nickel/nickel containing alloys; copper/copper containing alloys; or combinations thereof. In some implementations, the hollow cylinder 310, front cover member 320, and flange member 330 may include a unitary non-metallic member fabricated using one or more polymeric materials, one or more thermosetting polymers, one or more thermoplastic polymers, one or more carbon fiber containing materials, one or more aramid fiber (e.g. , KEVLAR^®) containing materials, or combinations thereof. In some implementations, the hollow cylinder 310, front cover member 320, and flange member 330 may include a unitary metallic member that is coated and/or lined with one or more currently available or future developed corrosion and/or abrasion resistant coatings such as one or more of: fluoropolymers, molybdenum disulfide, polyvinylidene difluoride (KYNAR^®), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), inorganic ceramic epoxy, ethylene chlorotrifluorethylene (ECTFE - HALAR^®), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), and similar.

The hollow cylinder 310, front cover member 320, and flange member 330 may include separate components that are permanently affixed. Such permanent affixing of the hollow cylinder 310, front cover member 320, and flange member 330 may be accomplished using any technique including, but not limited to, thermal welding, adhesives, fasteners (bolts, nuts, screws, rivets, etc.), or combinations thereof. In some implementations, the rear cover member 340 may be detachably attached to the flange member 330 using one or more threaded fasteners. In at least some implementations, the one or more threaded fasteners may be operably coupled to the equipment in which the self-adjusting sealing system 300 is installed. For example, the one or more threaded fasteners may include a plurality of gland bolts on a centrifugal pump, slurry pump, gear pump, or similar.

The hollow cylinder 310 may have any physical dimensions, proportions or configuration. In some implementations, the outside diameter 314 of the hollow cylinder 310 may be selected based upon the diameter of the equipment seal housing (e.g. , stuffing box) into which the self-adjusting sealing system 300 is installed. The hollow cylinder 310 may have an outside diameter 314 of: about 1 inch or more; about 1.5 inches or more; about 2 inches or more; about 2.5 inches or more; about 3 inches or more; about 4 inches or more; about 5 inches or more; about 6 inches or more; about 8 inches or more; or about 10 inches or more. In some implementations, the height 316 of the hollow cylinder 310 may be selected based upon the depth of the equipment seal housing into which the self-adjusting sealing system 300 is installed. For example, the hollow cylinder 310 may have a height 316 of: about 2 inches or more; about 3 inches or more; about 4 inches or more; about 6 inches or more; about 8 inches or more; about 10 inches or more; or about 12 inches or more. The wall thickness of the hollow cylinder 310 may be selected based, at least in part on the expected operating pressure of the self-adjusting sealing system 300. For example, the hollow cylinder 310 may have a wall thickness of: about 0.05 inches or less; about 0.10 inches or less; about 0.15 inches; about 0.20 inches or less; about 0.25 inches or less; or about 0.5 inches or less.

The inside diameter 312 of the hollow cylinder 310 may be selected based, at least in part, on the outside diameter of the shaft 110 and the outside diameter of the first annular retaining subsystem 120 and/or the second annular retaining subsystem 130. In embodiments the outside diameter of the first annular retaining subsystem 120 and/or the outside diameter of the second annular retaining subsystem 130 may closely approximate the inside diameter 312 of the hollow cylinder 310. In some implementations, the first annular retaining subsystem 120 and/or the second annular retaining subsystem 130 may be press-, interference- or friction- fitted into the void space within the hollow cylinder 310.

FIG 4 is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative self-adjusting sealing system 400 that includes an annular self-adjusting seal subsystem 140 having a compressible sealing member 212 radially compressed by at least one force-producing member 222, with the first annular retaining subsystem 120, the second annular retaining subsystem 130 and the self-adjusting seal subsystem 140 disposed at least partially in a housing 302, in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein. As depicted in FIG 4, the annular self-adjusting seal subsystem 140 may include a compressible sealing member 212 disposed proximate the outside diameter of the shaft 110 the force-producing member 222 may be disposed between the outside surface of the compressible sealing member 212 and the inside surface of the hollow cylinder 310.

In some implementations, the annular void space 350 occupied by the force-producing member 222 may be fluidly coupled to the external or ambient environment via one or more couplings 360. Such couplings 360 may permit the introduction of one or more lubricants into at least the annular void space 350 surrounding the outside diameter of the compressible sealing member 212. Although not depicted in FIG 4, in some implementations, one or more hydraulic systems may replace at least a portion of the force-producing member 222. In such implementations, the one or more couplings 360 may be used to supply fluid pressure to the annular region surrounding the compressible sealing member 212.

FIG 5 is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative system 500 that includes a self- adjusting sealing system 300 installed in a stuffing box 520 of an illustrative piece of equipment 510, in accordance with at least one embodiment disclosed herein. In

embodiments such as depicted in FIG 5, the self-adjusting sealing system 300 may be inserted into the stuffing box 520 by sliding the self-adjusting sealing system 300 along the shaft 110. The self-adjusting sealing system 300 may be held or otherwise retained in the stuffing box 520 using a plurality of fasteners, such as the gland bolts 530 depicted in FIG 5.

In embodiments, to insert the self-adjusting sealing system 300 into the stuffing box 520, the apertures 344 in the back cover member 340 are aligned with the apertures 334 in the flange member 330. After aligning the apertures 334 and 344, the self-adjusting sealing system 300 may be slid along the shaft 110 into the stuffing box 520. In some embodiments, threaded fasteners 530 extending from the equipment 510 penetrate through the aligned apertures 334 and 344 and extend beyond the exterior surface of the back cover member 340. One or more fastening devices 540 may be coupled to the threaded fasteners 530 to secure the self-adjusting sealing system 300 in position within the stuffing box 520. When installed in the stuffing box 520 and secured using one or more threaded fasteners 540, the front cover member 320 of the self-adjusting sealing system 300 may be disposed proximate the stuffing box endwall 522 and the flange member 330 may be disposed proximate an exterior surface 512 of the equipment 510.

In some implementations, the equipment 510 may include one or more receptacles to receive the one or more fasteners 530. In some implementations, the one or more receptacles may include one or more top threaded receptacles and the one or more fasteners 530 may include one or more threaded fasteners, such as one or more bolts, screws, or similar. In some implementations, the equipment may include one or more camlock or similar fasteners capable of applying an axial force to at least the back cover member 340 of the self-adjusting sealing system 300. Other receptacle and fastener combinations may be used with equal effectiveness. Once inserted into the equipment 510, the back cover member 340 is secured proximate the flange member 330, trapping and compressing the first annular retaining subsystem 120, the second annular retaining subsystem 130, and the annular self-adjusting seal subsystem 140 in the hollow cylinder 510. In operation, the force-producing member 220 produces an axial compressive force to the compressible sealing member 210. The axial force causes the compressible sealing member 210 to press against the first annular retaining subsystem 120 deforming the compressible sealing member 210 and causing the

compressible sealing member 210 to contact the outer surface of the shaft member 110. The contact between the compressible sealing member 210 with the shaft member 110 provides the sealing capabilities described herein.

As the compressible sealing member 210 wears, the relatively consistent force applied by the force-producing member 220 maintains the compressible sealing member 210 under compression, causing the compressible sealing member 220 to maintain contact with the outer surface of the shaft member 110. The ability to maintain sealing against the shaft member 110 without manual adjustment of the gland bolts 530/540 represents a significant improvement over conventional, manually adjusted, packing. In embodiments, the autonomous adjustment provided by the force-producing member 220 also provides a degree of resiliency against damage during cavitation and other situations where movement and/or deflection of the rotating element (pump impeller, compressor lobe, etc.) attached to the shaft member 110 occurs.

Furthermore, the ability to lubricate the self-adjusting sealing system 300 by introducing one or more lubricants to the void space 350 about the force -producing member 220 may beneficially minimize or even eliminate the need to provide a continuous flush to the self-adjusting sealing system 300 even when used in highly abrasive slurry applications. The ability to eliminate the need for a continuous seal flush beneficially improves product quality by eliminating the additional water introduced to the product via the seal flush and advantageously reduces long-term operating costs by eliminating a 1 gallon per minute to 5 gallons per minute seal flush that is typically performed using high purity flush fluids such as potable water.

FIG 6 is an illustrative self-adjusting sealing system 600 in which the annular self- adjusting seal subsystem 140 includes a hydraulic subsystem 610 that includes a hydraulic reservoir 620, a fluid coupling 630 fluidly coupling the hydraulic reservoir 620 to the void space 350 in the self-adjusting sealing system 600, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein. In embodiments, a pressure control device 650, such as a pressure control valve, may control the pressure in the hydraulic reservoir 620 using a pad fluid 660. The pad fluid 660 maintains the pressure of the hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic reservoir 620 and the void space 350 in the self-adjusting sealing system 600 at a near- constant or constant pressure. The pressure exerted by the hydraulic fluid in the void space 350 exerts an axially compressive force on a barrier member 640 disposed proximate the compressible sealing member 210.

The hydraulic fluid used to provide the pressure and compressive force to the compressible sealing member 210 may include one or more non-compressible fluids.

Example fluids include, but are not limited to, hydraulic oils, aqueous solutions, organic oils, hydrocarbon oils, and similar. In some implementations, the hydraulic fluid may beneficially assist in lubricating the self-adjusting sealing system 600.

A pressure-controlled pad fluid 660 may maintain the hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic reservoir and the void space 350 at a desired near-constant or constant pressure level.

Example pad fluids 660 may include, but are not limited to: air, nitrogen, or similar process compatible gases, a pressure control valve or similar pressure regulating device 650 may be disposed on the pad fluid inlet to the hydraulic reservoir 620 The pressure of the pad fluid 660 may be maintained using. In other implementations, the hydraulic reservoir 620 may be eliminated and a pad fluid 660 supplied directly to the void space 350 in the self-adjusting sealing system 600. In such implementations, the pressure regulating device 650 may directly regulate the hydraulic fluid pressure in the void space 350 rather than indirectly through the hydraulic reservoir 620.

The hydraulic reservoir 620 may have any size, shape, capacity, or configuration. In some implementations, a single hydraulic reservoir 620 may be used to provide controlled pressure hydraulic fluid to a plurality of self-adjusting sealing systems 600. The hydraulic reservoir 620 may, for example, include a vessel having a capacity of about 1 gallon or less; about 2 gallons or less; about 3 gallons or less; about 5 gallons or less; about 10 gallons or less; or about 20 gallons or less. The hydraulic reservoir 620 may be constructed of any material capable of withstanding the desired pressure including, but not limited to: steel, stainless steel, aluminum, aluminum alloys, carbon fiber, aramid fiber, or combinations thereof.

The barrier member 640 may isolate the compressible sealing member 210 from the hydraulic fluid in the void space 350. In some implementations, the barrier member 640 may include a rigid member, a flexible member, or a composite member that includes rigid and flexible segments. A rigid barrier member 640 may assist in more evenly distributing the axial compressive force provided by the hydraulic fluid on the compressible sealing member 210.

FIG 7A is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative self-adjusting sealing system 700A that includes a mechanically, radially compressed, compressible sealing member 212 disposed about an outer surface of a shaft member 110, the compressible sealing member 212 is maintained in position against the surface of the shaft member 110 using a circumferential force -producing member 222, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein. As depicted in FIG 7A, the force-producing member 222 may be disposed within the void space 350 between the compressible sealing member 212 and the inner diameter 312 of the hollow cylinder 310.

The self-adjusting sealing system 700A may include a fluid inlet 360 that permits the addition of one or more fluids to the void space 350. In some implementations, the fluid inlet 360 may include a Zerk fitting or similar device permitting the introduction of grease or one or more similarly viscous lubricants into the void space 350. Beneficially, the addition of such a lubricant into the void space 350 may provide sufficient lubrication and protection of the self-adjusting sealing system 700A to permit operation without an external flush system. Even more beneficially, the addition of such a lubricant into the void space 350 may provide sufficient lubrication and assist in excluding solids from the self-adjusting sealing system 700A to permit the operation of the self-adjusting sealing system 700A in applications where particulates and other solids are present, such as slurry pumping in the mining industry.

FIG 7B is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative self-adjusting sealing system 700B that includes a hydraulically, radially compressed, compressible sealing member 212 disposed about an outer surface of a shaft member 110, the compressible sealing member 212 is maintained in position against the surface of the shaft member 110 using a circumferential, hydraulic force-producing member 222, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein. As depicted in FIG 7B, the hydraulic force-producing member 222 may include filling the void space 350 between the compressible sealing member 212 and the inner diameter 312 of the hollow cylinder 310 with a hydraulic fluid sourced from the hydraulic reservoir 620.

FIG 8 is a cross-sectional view of another illustrative self-adjusting sealing system

800 that includes a mechanical, radially compressed, force-producing member 810, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein. As depicted in FIG 8, in some implementations, a flexible band member 820 may at least partially surround the

compressible sealing member 212. The flexible band member 820 may apply a consistent or uniform, radially compressive force to the outside perimeter of the compressible sealing member 212. The application of a consistent or uniform, radially compressive force to the outside perimeter of the compressible sealing member 212 forms a seal between the compressible sealing member 212 and the outside perimeter of the shaft member 110.

The flexible band member 820 may have a first end having a first upturned portion

830 and a second end having a second upturned portion 840. A post member 850 may be mounted to the first upturned portion 830. The second upturned portion 840 may include an aperture or similar void through which the post member 840 may penetrate or otherwise extend. A compressed spring 870 or similar force producing member may be compressed between the end 860 of the post member 850 and the second upturned portion 840. The compressed spring 870 causes the flexible band member 820 to contract about the compressible sealing member 212, compressing the compressible sealing member 212 against the shaft member 110. The compressed spring 870 maintains a near-constant or constant compressive force on the compressible sealing member 212 as the compressible sealing member 212 wears during operation.

The spring constant, materials, and construction of the compressed spring 870 may be selected to maintain a desired compressive force on the compressible sealing member 212. The material and thickness of the flexible band member 820 may be selected to provide an appropriate compressive force to the compressible sealing member 212 when combined with the compressed spring 870. The flexible band member 820 may be fabricated using one or more metals (e.g. , steel, stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, Hastelloy^®, or similar), one or more non-metals (e.g. , thermoplastics, thermosetting materials, carbon fiber, aramid fiber, or similar), or combinations thereof. In some implementations, the flexible band member 820 may be biased towards a closed (i.e. , compressed) position.

FIG 9A is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative self-adjusting sealing system 900A that includes a force-producing member 220 in the form of a wave spring 910, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein. The hollow cylinder 310, annular front cover member 320, flange member 330 and back cover member 340 have been omitted for clarity in FIG 9A.

In embodiments, the first annular retaining subsystem 120 may include a low-pressure shaft seal 920 and a first annular lubricant distribution member 922. In embodiments, the low-pressure shaft seal 920 may include a low-pressure lip seal. In embodiments, the first annular lubricant distribution member 922 may include a lantern ring. The second annular retaining subsystem 130 may include a high-pressure shaft seal 930 and a second annular lubricant distribution member 932. In embodiments, the high-pressure shaft seal 930 may include a high-pressure lip seal. In some embodiments, the high-pressure shaft seal 930 may include a high-pressure double lip seal. In embodiments, the second annular lubricant distribution member 932 may include a lantern ring.

The annular self-adjusting seal subsystem 140 may include a top adapter member 970, a number of rings of chevron packing 980, and a bottom adapter member 990. In operation, the wave spring 910 exerts a force against the bottom adapter member 990. The bottom adapter member 990 compresses the chevron packing 980 against the top adapter member 970. The first annular retaining subsystem 120, fixed in position along the shaft member 110 by the back cover member 340 prevents the forward movement of the top adapter member 970, consequently, the chevron packing 980 deforms and contacts or otherwise presses against the outside surface of the shaft member 110.

The first annular retaining subsystem 120 may include a low-pressure radial shaft seal 920 and a first annular lubricant distribution member 922. The low-pressure shaft seal 920 may be disposed proximate the back cover member 340 when the self-adjusting sealing system 900A is disposed in the stuffing box of a piece of equipment. In some

implementations, the low-pressure shaft seal 920 may assist in maintaining the position of the first annular retaining subsystem 120 within the hollow cylinder 310. In some

implementations, the low-pressure shaft seal 920 may include one or more double shaft seals The low-pressure shaft seal 920 protects the self-adjusting sealing system 900A from external or ambient fluids by sealing the gap between the self-adjusting sealing system 900A and the outside surface of the shaft member 110. The low-pressure shaft seal 920 also assists in retaining lubricant within the self-adjusting sealing system 900A.

Although described as a shaft seal herein, any currently available or future developed device, system, or combination of systems and devices capable of preventing the movement or creep of external or ambient fluids along the surface of the shaft member 110 may be substituted for the low-pressure shaft seal 920. The low-pressure shaft seal 920 may have any size or physical configuration suitable for mounting within the housing wall 310. In some implementations, the outside diameter of the low-pressure shaft seal 920 may closely approximate the inside diameter 312 of the housing wall 310. Similarly, the inside diameter of the low-pressure shaft seal 920 may closely approximate the outside diameter of the shaft member 110.

The first annular retaining subsystem 120 may also include a first annular lubricant distribution member 922 or similar rigid structure that facilitates the distribution of one or more lubricants in the self-adjusting sealing system 900A. In embodiments, the top adapter member 970 may be disposed proximate the first annular lubricant distribution member 922. The first annular lubricant distribution member 922 may include a rigid structure having a number of penetrations or apertures therethrough. In some implementations, the first annular lubricant distribution member 922 may permit the flow of lubricant from the area surrounding the outside perimeter of the first annular retaining subsystem 120 to the area surrounding the outside diameter of the shaft member 110. The use of the first annular lubricant distribution member 922 may therefore extend the service life of the self-adjusting sealing system 900A.

The second annular retaining subsystem 130 may include a high-pressure radial shaft seal or shaft seal 930 and a second annular lubricant distribution member 932. In embodiments, the high-pressure shaft seal 930 may include a high-pressure double lip seal second. The high-pressure shaft seal 930 may be disposed proximate the annular front cover member 320. The high-pressure shaft seal 930 protects the self-adjusting sealing system 900A from process fluids by sealing the gap between the self-adjusting sealing system 900A and the outside surface of the shaft member 110. The high-pressure shaft seal 930 also assists in retaining the lubricant within the self-adjusting sealing system 900A.

Although described as a shaft seal herein, any currently available or future developed device, system, or combination of systems and devices capable of preventing the movement or creep of process fluids along the surface of the shaft member 110 may be substituted for the high-pressure shaft seal 930. The high-pressure shaft seal 930 may have any size or physical configuration suitable for mounting within the housing wall 310. In some implementations, the outside diameter of the high-pressure shaft seal 930 may closely approximate the inside diameter 312 of the housing wall 310. Similarly, the inside diameter of the high-pressure shaft seal 930 may closely approximate the outside diameter of the shaft member 110.

The second annular retaining subsystem 130 may also include a second annular lubricant distribution member 932 or similar rigid structure. In embodiments, the force- producing member 220 may be disposed proximate the second annular lubricant distribution member 932, and the annular lubricant distribution member may provide a rigid platform for all or a portion of the force-producing member 220. The second annular lubricant distribution member 932 may include a rigid structure having a number of penetrations or apertures therethrough. In some implementations, the second annular lubricant distribution member 932 may permit the flow of lubricant from the area surrounding the outside perimeter of the second annular retaining subsystem 130 to the area surrounding the outside diameter of the shaft member 110. The use of the second annular lubricant distribution member 932 may therefore extend the service life of the self-adjusting sealing system 900A.

The wave spring 910 may include one or more springs or similar compressible, force- producing devices or systems capable of providing an axial compressive force to the compressible sealing member 210. In embodiments, the wave spring 910 may provide for an initial preload (i.e. , an initial amount of compression) to set the axial force applied to the chevron packing 980 to a desired value to maintain sealing pressure. Although described as a "wave spring" herein, any currently available or future developed device, system, or combination of devices and systems capable of providing an axially compressive force to the compressible sealing member 210 (e.g., one or more coil springs) may be substituted with equal effectiveness. In some implementations, the force-producing member 220 may include one or more single-turn wave springs 910. In some implementations, the force -producing member 220 may include one or more nested wave springs 910. In some implementations, the force-producing member 220 may include one or more plain ended, multi-turn wave springs 910. In some implementations, the force-producing member 220 may include one or more shim ended, multi-turn wave springs 910. The wave spring 910 may include one or more metallic or non- metallic wave springs. The wave spring 910 may have any size shape, or dimension capable of fitting around the outside diameter of the shaft member 110.

The annular self-adjusting seal subsystem 140 includes a top adapter member 970, a number of rings of chevron packing 980, and a bottom adapter member 990. The chevron packing 980 is axially positioned (i.e., sandwiched) between the stationary top adapter member 970 and the bottom adapter member 990 that is axially slideable along the shaft member 110. Surprisingly and unexpectedly, the nontraditional use of chevron packing 980 in rotating shaft service has been found to beneficially provide extended run time and to eliminate the need for expensive and environmentally unfriendly flush water systems on pumps and similar rotating equipment used in slurry service. As used herein, the term "slurry" is used to denote any fluidic material having a solids concentration of greater than: about 100 parts per million by weight; about 1000 parts per million by weight; about 10,000 parts per million by weight; about 100,000 parts per million by weight; about 5% by weight; about 10% by weight; about 20% by weight; about 30% by weight; about 40% by weight; or about 50% by weight. The chevron packing 980 may include any number of full or partial rings disposed about at least a portion of the exterior surface of the shaft member 110. The chevron packing may have any size or dimensions, either or both of which may be based at least in part on the outside diameter of the shaft member 110 and the inside diameter of the hollow cylinder 310. The chevron packing 980 may be disposed such that the "points" of each chevron axially align along at least a portion of the shaft member 110. The chevron packing 980 may be selected such that a first edge of the packing rests proximate the inside surface of the hollow cylinder 310 and a second edge of the packing rests proximate the exterior surface of the shaft member 110. The use of chevron type packing provides a performance advantage in that as the packing wears, the compression supplied by the force- producing member 220 tends to flatten the chevron packing, thereby maintaining contact and sealing between the chevron packing 980 and the external surface of the shaft member 110.

The chevron packing 980 may include any number and/or combination of currently available or future developed chevron or V-type packing materials capable of deformation when placed under compression by the force -producing member 220. In some

implementations, the chevron packing 980 may include a braided or rope-type packing having a chevron shaped cross-section. In some implementations, the chevron packing 980 may include one or more solid packing materials. The chevron packing 980 may include any number or combination of materials. The chevron packing 980 may include one or more self- lubricating materials such as graphite, Teflon^®, or PTFE. The chevron packing 980 may include one or more of: pure PTFE, carbon or graphite impregnated PTFE, PTFE

impregnated plastic fabric; a combination of PTFE and graphite; ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW PE); or poly ether ether ketone (PEEK). In some implementations, chevron packing 980 including a number of packing rings using a plurality of materials may be used (e.g. , pure PTFE and PTFE impregnated plastic fabric). Beneficially, the chevron packing 980 is able to withstand pressures of: about 150 psi or more; about 300 psi or more; about 600 psi or more; about 900 psi or more; about 1200 psi or more; about 1500 psi or more; about 3000 psi or more; or about 5000 psi or more.

The top adapter member 970 and the bottom adapter member 990 provide rigid components that sandwich the chevron packing 980. The force-producing member 220 (wave spring 910 in FIG 9A) places an axial force on the bottom adapter member 990, driving or otherwise biasing the bottom adapter member 990 toward the top adapter member 970. The top adapter member 970 is maintained in a stationary location by the first annular retaining subsystem 120 and is unable to move as the bottom adapter member 990 presses the chevron packing toward the top adapter member 970. The force applied by the bottom adapter member 990 to the chevron packing 980 causes the chevron packing 980 to deform, pressing against the outside surface of the shaft 110 and the inside surface of the hollow cylinder 310.

As the chevron packing 980 wears due to age and contact with the rotating shaft member 110, the wave spring 910 continues to bias the bottom adapter member 990 toward the top adapter member 970. Thus, the wave spring 910 maintains sealing pressure throughout the life cycle of the chevron packing 980, minimizing or even eliminating the need for ongoing manual adjustment of the chevron packing 980.

The top adapter member 970 may include any combination and/or number of any currently available or future developed annular members complimentary to and capable of receiving at least a portion of the exterior surface of the chevron packing 980. The top adapter member 970 may have a profile complimentary to at least one surface of the chevron packing 980. For example, the top adapter member 970 may have a recess or cavity complimentary to the "point" present on the chevron packing 980. In embodiments, the top adapter member 970 may include one or more rigid annular members, for example one or more metallic (e.g. , aluminum, bronze, brass, or similar non-scoring metal or metal alloy) or non- metallic (e.g. , thermoplastic material, thermosetting material, carbon fiber, or similar) rigid annular members. In embodiments, the top adapter member 970 may include a unitary or single component annular member that is slideably displaceable along the shaft member 110. In embodiments, the top adapter member 970 may include a split or multi-piece annular member that may be disposed about the shaft member 110 without the need to slide the top adapter member along the extent of the shaft member 110 for installation.

The bottom adapter member 990 may include any combination and/or number of currently available and/or future developed annular members complimentary to and capable of contacting at least a portion of an exterior surface of the chevron packing 980. The bottom adapter member 990 may have a profile complimentary to at least one exterior surface of the chevron packing 980. For example, the bottom adapter member 990 may have a "point" or similar protrusion complimentary to the recess or cavity found on a portion of the exterior surface of the chevron packing 980. The bottom adapter member 990 may assist in more uniformly distributing the compressive forces applied to the chevron packing 980 by the wave spring 910. In embodiments, the bottom adapter member 990 may include one or more rigid annular members, for example one or more metallic or non-metallic rigid annular members. In embodiments, the bottom adapter member 990 may include a unitary or single component annular member that is slideably displaceable along the shaft member 110. In embodiments, the bottom adapter member 990 may include a split or multi-piece annular member that may be disposed about the shaft member 110 without the need to slide the bottom adapter member 990 along the extent of the shaft member 110 for installation.

FIG 9B is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative self-adjusting sealing system 900B that includes a force-producing member 220 in the form of an annular perforated member 950 having a plurality of coil springs 960 extending axially therethrough, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein. The hollow cylinder 310, annular front cover member 320, flange member 330 and back cover member 340 have been omitted for clarity in FIG 9B.

As depicted in FIG 9B, the plurality of coil springs 960 create an axial force on the bottom adapter member 990. Each of the plurality of coil springs 960 are disposed in a corresponding aperture extending axially through the annular perforated member 950. Each of the plurality of coil springs 960 are compressed between the second annular lubricant distribution member 932 and the bottom adapter member 990. The annular perforated member 950 may include any number of apertures sufficient to accommodate the plurality of coil springs 960. The annular perforated member 950 may include one or more metallic or non-metallic members. The annular perforated member 950 may be a unitary member or may include a plurality of members. In some implementations, the perforated member 950 may include a number of apertures to permit the flow of lubricant through the perforated member 950.

FIG 9C is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative self-adjusting sealing system 900C that includes a force-producing member 220 in the form of an annular hydraulic force- producing member, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein. The hollow cylinder 310, annular front cover member 320, flange member 330 and back cover member 340 have been omitted for clarity in FIG 9B.

As depicted in FIG 9C, hydraulic fluid may be introduced to the void space 350 between the bottom adapter member 990 and the second annular lubricant distribution member 932 via one or more couplings 360. The force exerted by the hydraulic fluid drives the bottom adapter member 990 toward the top adapter member 970 compressing the chevron packing 980.

FIG 10 is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative self-adjusting sealing system 1000 that includes a force-producing member 220 in the form of an annular perforated member 1010 having a plurality of coil springs 1020 extending axially therethrough that applies a radial force to the compressible sealing member 212, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein. The plurality of coil springs 1020 apply a radially inward directed force on one or more rigid members 1030 disposed proximate the compressible sealing member 212. The radial inward force presses the compressible sealing member 212 against the outside surface of the shaft 110.

As depicted in FIG 10, the first annular retaining subsystem 120 is disposed proximate the annular front cover 320 and the second annular retaining subsystem 130 is disposed proximate the back cover member 340. The plurality of coil springs 1020 may be selected based at least in part upon the material of construction, spring constant and similar factors to provide a desired inwardly directed radial force on the one or more rigid members 1030.

The annular perforated member 1010 may be formed using one or more metallic or non-metallic members. In embodiments, the annular perforated member 1010 may be formed as a unitary member or may be formed using a plurality of members disposed within the void space 350 between the rigid members 1030 proximate the compressible sealing member 212 and the wall of the hollow cylinder 310. In some implementations, the perforated member 1010 may include a number of apertures to permit the flow of lubricant through the perforated member 1010.

The rigid member(s) 1030 assist in evenly distributing the radial force produced by the plurality of coil springs 1020 across the surface of the compressible sealing member 212. In some implementations, the rigid member(s) 1030 may include a plurality of arcuate members disposed proximate the compressible sealing member 212. In some

implementations, the rigid member(s) 1030 may be spaced apart at a distance sufficient to permit the movement of the rigid members 103 radially inward as the compressible sealing member 212 wears and becomes smaller in diameter.

FIG 11 is an exploded perspective view of an illustrative self-adjusting sealing system 1100 that includes an annular self-adjusting seal subsystem 140 that includes a top adapter member 970, a plurality of chevron packing rings 980A-980C, a wave spring 910, and a bottom adapter member 990, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein. As depicted in FIG 11, the first annular retaining subsystem 120, the annular self-adjusting seal subsystem 140, and the second annular retaining subsystem 130 may be slideably inserted into the hollow cylinder 310. Once inserted into the hollow cylinder 310, the first annular retaining subsystem 120 is fixed in a location proximate the rear cover member 340 and the second annular retaining subsystem 130 us fixed in a location proximate the front cover member 320. The first annular retaining subsystem 120 may include a low pressure shaft seal 920 disposed proximate the first annular lubricant distribution member 922. The second annular retaining subsystem 130 may include a high-pressure double shaft seal 930 disposed proximate the second annular lubricant distribution member 932. The annular self-adjusting seal subsystem 140 may be disposed between the first annular retaining subsystem 120 and the second annular retaining subsystem 130.

As depicted in FIG 11, in some implementations, the front cover member 320 (not visible in FIG 11), the hollow cylinder 310, and the flange member 330 may be formed as a unitary structure 1130. Such a structure 1130 may be machined from a metal billet, cast, or assembled using a plurality of components that are permanently affixed, for example by welding, thermal welding, or similar. As depicted in FIG 11, a first gasket member 1110 may be disposed proximate the flange member 330 and a second gasket member 1120 may be disposed proximate the front cover member 320.

In embodiments, the diameter of the hollow cylinder 310 may be determined by the diameter of the stuffing box into which the self-adjusting sealing system 1100 will be inserted. In addition, the insertion depth 316 (i.e. , the height) of the hollow cylinder 310 may be determined by the depth of the stuffing box into which the self-adjusting sealing system 1100 will be inserted. In some implementations the insertion depth 316 of the hollow cylinder 310 may be such that the first gasket member 1110 disposed in, on, or about the front cover member 320 makes contact with the inside surface of the stuffing box and forms a liquid tight seal between the front cover member 320 and the inside surfaces of the stuffing box.

Similarly, the insertion depth 316 of the hollow cylinder 310 may be such that the second gasket member 1120 disposed in, on, or about the flange member 330 contacts the equipment housing containing the stuffing box, forming a liquid tight seal between the outside surface of the equipment and the flange member 330.

The first gasket member 1110 may be exposed to process fluids handled by the equipment in which the self-adjusting sealing system 1100 is installed. The first gasket member 1100 may include one or more O-Ring type gaskets, one or more ring gaskets, one or more full face gaskets, or similar sealing members. In some implementations, the outside surface of the front cover member 320 may include a groove, notch, or similar detent to accept and retain the first gasket member 1110. The first gasket member 1110 may include one or more elastomeric materials demonstrating chemical and mechanical resistance to the process fluids handled by the equipment. In some implementations, a plurality of first gasket members 1110 may be disposed proximate the outside surface of the front cover member 320.

The second gasket member 1120 may be exposed to the ambient environment about the equipment in which the self-adjusting sealing system 1100 is installed and may, at times, be exposed to the process fluids handled by the equipment in which the self-adjusting sealing system 1100 is installed. The second gasket member 1120 may include one or more O-Ring type gaskets, one or more ring gaskets, one or more full face gaskets, or similar sealing members. In some implementations, the outside surface of the flange member 330 that, in operation, falls proximate the equipment may include a groove, notch, or similar detent to accept and retain the second gasket member 1120. In some implementations, the outside surface of the flange member 330 that, in operation, falls proximate the equipment may include a raised face or similar sealing structure to provide a sealing surface for the second gasket member 1120. The second gasket member 1120 may include one or more elastomeric materials demonstrating chemical and mechanical resistance to the process fluids handled by the equipment. In some implementations, a plurality of second gasket members 1120 may be disposed proximate the outside surface of the flange member 330.

FIG 12 is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative, fully assembled, self-adjusting sealing system 1200, in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein. FIG 12A is a detail cross-sectional view of the indicated area of FIG 12 that shows in greater detail the physical arrangement of the first annular retaining subsystem 120, the second annular retaining subsystem 130, and the annular self-adjusting seal subsystem 140, in accordance with one or more embodiments described herein.

As depicted in FIG 12 and 12A, the first annular retaining subsystem 120 may include a low-pressure shaft seal 920 and a first annular lubricant distribution member 922 to promote the flow of a lubricant such as grease throughout the self-adjusting sealing system 1200. The low-pressure shaft seal 920 may assist in preventing the escape of lubricant from the self-adjusting sealing system 1200 and may also assist in preventing the introduction of external contaminants, grit, and dust into the self-adjusting sealing system 1200.

The annular self-adjusting seal subsystem 140 is disposed proximate the first annular retaining subsystem 120. In embodiments, the top adapter member 970 may be disposed proximate the first annular lubricant distribution member 922. In such an arrangement, the annular lubricant distribution member 922 may provide a stable and secure base for the top adapter member 970 and may assist in maintaining the top adapter member 970 at a fixed location along the shaft member 110. In some implementations, the top adapter member 970 may have a surface profile complimentary to the cross section of the packing 980A-980C. For example, if the packing 980 has a square or rectangular cross section is used, the top adapter member 970 may have a complimentary "flat" surface proximate the packing 980. In another example, if the packing 980 has a chevron profile pointing towards the top adapter member 970 (e.g., "<") then the top adapter member 970 may present a complimentary "female" angular surface (e.g., "<") to the packing 980.

The second annular retaining subsystem 130 may include a high-pressure shaft seal 930 and the second annular lubricant distribution member 932 to promote the flow of a lubricant such as grease throughout the self-adjusting sealing system 1200. The high- pressure shaft seal 930 may assist in preventing the escape of lubricant from the self- adjusting sealing system 1200 and may also assist in preventing the introduction of process fluids, process solids, and similar materials into the self-adjusting sealing system 1200.

The second annular retaining subsystem 130 may be disposed proximate the front cover member 320 of the self-adjusting sealing system 1200. In some implementations, the force -producing member 220 (i.e. , the wave spring 910) may be disposed proximate the second annular lubricant distribution member 932. The second annular lubricant distribution member 932 may provide support for the wave spring 910 and, upon installation of the self- adjusting sealing system 1200 in a piece of process equipment, may compress and preload the wave spring 910.

The second gasket member 1120 may be disposed in, on, or about the surface of the flange member 330 as depicted in FIG 12A. When the self-adjusting sealing system 1200 is installed within a piece of process equipment 510, the second gasket member 1120 may be disposed between the surface of the flange member 330 and the surface of the process equipment 510. The second gasket member 1120 may be compressed against the equipment face 512 of the equipment 510.

FIG 13 is a plan view of an illustrative self-adjusting sealing system 1300 disposed about a shaft member 110, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein. As depicted in FIG 13, the self-adjusting sealing system 1300 may include a hollow cylinder 310 operably coupled to a flange member 330. A front cover member 520 is operably coupled to the hollow cylinder 510. A first gasket member 1110 may be disposed in, on, or about all or a portion of an external surface of the front cover member 520. A second gasket member 1120 may be disposed in, on, or about all or a portion of an external surface of the flange member 330. As evidenced in FIG 13, when the self-adjusting sealing system 1300 is inserted in the direction of arrow 1310 into a stuffing box 520 in a piece of process equipment 510, the first gasket member 1110 may be compressed between the front cover member 320 and the stuffing box endwall 522. Similarly, when the self-adjusting sealing system 1300 is inserted in the direction of arrow 1310 into a stuffing box 520 in a piece of process equipment 510, the second gasket member 1120 may be compressed between the flange member 330 and the external surface of the process equipment 512.

FIG 14 is a perspective view of an illustrative self-adjusting sealing system 1400 disposed about a shaft member 110, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein. As depicted in FIG 14, when positioned proximate the flange member 330, the back cover member 340 traps the first annular retaining subsystem 120, the second annular retaining subsystem 130, and the annular self-adjusting seal subsystem 140 inside the hollow cylinder 310. The shaft member 110 penetrates the back cover member 340, the flange member 330, the hollow cylinder 310, and the front cover member 320. In some

implementations, one or more couplings 360, such as one or more Zerk fittings 360 permit the introduction of one or more lubricants into the self-adjusting sealing system 1400.

FIG 15 is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative system 1500 that includes a self- adjusting sealing system 300 disposed in the stuffing box 520 of an example centrifugal pump 1510, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein. The centrifugal pump 1510 includes an impeller 1520, an impeller nut 1530 that affixes the impeller 1520 to the shaft member 110, a pump suction or fluid inlet 1540, and a pump discharge or fluid outlet 1550. The self-adjusting sealing system 300 may be disposed within the stuffing box 520 of pump 1510. In embodiments, the gland bolts 530 coupled to the pump 1510 may pass through the apertures 534 in the flange member 530 and the apertures 544 in the back cover member 540. Threaded fasteners 540 may be operably coupled to the gland bolts 530 and tightened to retain the self-adjusting sealing system 300 in the stuffing box 520. Tightening the threaded fasteners 540 on the gland bolts 530 may compress the first gasket member 1110 against the stuffing box endwall 522. Tightening the threaded fasteners 540 on the gland bolts 530 may compress the second gasket member 1120 against the external surface of the pump 1510.

In operation, the force-producing member 220 compresses the compressible sealing member 210 against the first annular retaining subsystem 120. The compression of the compressible sealing member 210 against the first annular retaining subsystem 120 deforms the compressible sealing member 210 and causes the compressible sealing member 210 to press against the external surface of the shaft member 110. Since the shaft member 110 rotates, the compressible sealing member 210 will wear. As the compressible sealing member 210 wears, the force-producing member 220 continues to apply a near-constant or constant pressure to the compressible sealing member 210 thereby maintaining the contact between the compressible sealing member 210 and the external surface of the shaft member 110. In such a manner, the compressible sealing member 210 is maintained in contact with the shaft member 110 throughout the life of the self-adjusting sealing system 300.

The dimensions of the self-adjusting sealing system 300 and the compressive force exerted by the force-producing member 220 on the compressible sealing member 210 determines the maximum operating pressure of the self-adjusting sealing system 300.

Selection of appropriate tolerances and force-producing member 220 compression force may provide a maximum operating pressure for the self-adjusting sealing system 300 of: about 100 pounds per square inch (psi) or less; about 150 psi or less; about 300 psi or less; about 600 psi or less; about 900 psi or less; about 1200 psi or less; about 1500 psi or less; about 3000 psi or less; or about 500 psi or less.

In some implementations, one or more lubricants (e.g. , oils, greases, synthetic lubricants, hydrocarbon lubricants, mineral oils, and similar) may be introduced to at least a portion of the interior space within the hollow cylinder 310. In operation, such lubricants may flow about some or all of the first annular retaining subsystem 120, the second annular retaining subsystem 130, and the annular self-adjusting seal subsystem 140. Such lubrication may be retained in the self-adjusting sealing system by the high-pressure shaft seal 930 and the low-pressure shaft seal 920 and may minimize or even eliminate the need for an external flush of the self-adjusting sealing system. Such lubrication may also minimize or even eliminate the need for periodic lubrication flushes and/or replenishments over the operating life of the self-adjusting sealing system.

Beneficially, the self-adjusting sealing system is able to handle movement of the pump impeller 1520 that occurs with unusual or unexpected process conditions including, but not limited to: cavitation (introduction of a gas to the liquid in the pump suction 1540); water hammer (sudden increases in pressure caused by suddenly halting the flow of liquid from the pump discharge 1550); dead-heading (operating the pump with a blocked liquid discharge 1550); and similar. Further, the self-adjusting sealing system is also able to accommodate a wide variety of process fluids including, but not limited to abrasive slurries and liquids containing high solids concentrations. Such slurries may include slurries having solids concentrations of: about 0.5% by weight (wt%) solids or less; about 1 wt% solids or less; about 1.5 wt% solids or less; about 2 wt% solids or less; about 2.5 wt% solids or less; about 3 wt% solids or less; about 5 wt% solids or less; about 10 wt% solids or less; about 12 wt% solids or less; about 15 wt% solids or less; or about 20 wt% solids or less.

FIG 16 is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative self-adjusting sealing system 1600 that includes an externally adjustable force-producing member 1610 disposed about the threaded fasteners retaining the self-adjusting sealing system 1600 in the stuffing box 520 of the process equipment 1602, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein. In some implementations, the force-producing member may be disposed external to the hollow cylinder 310. As depicted in FIG 16, in some implementations, the back cover member 1620 may include an annular protrusion 1630 disposed about the axial centerline 112 of the shaft member 110. When installed within the process equipment 1602, the annular protrusion 1630 may be disposed proximate the first annular retaining subsystem 120.

As depicted in FIG 16, the top adapter member 970, the packing 980A-980C, and the bottom adapter member 990 may be disposed proximate and between the first annular retaining subsystem 120 and the second annular retaining subsystem 130. Any number or combination of force producing members 1610 may be disposed about some or all of the gland bolts 530 holding the back cover member 1620 proximate the first annular retaining subsystem 120.

The compressive force provided by the force producing members 1610 is translated to the first annular retaining subsystem 120 via the annular protrusion 1630. The compressive force exerted on the first annular retaining subsystem 120 by the annular protrusion 1630 causes the packing 980A-980C to deform and contact the outside surface of the shaft member 110. The compressive force applied to the packing 980A-980C may be adjusted by adjusting the compression of the force producing members 1610.

FIG 17 is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative split-case pump that includes two self-adjusting sealing systems 300A and 300B disposed about the shaft member 110 within respective stuffing boxes 520A and 520B, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein. Although the split-case pump 1700 is depicted using self-adjusting sealing systems 300A and 300B, one of skill in the art will readily appreciate that any of self- adjusting sealing systems 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, or 600 described in detail above may be substituted for either or both the self-adjusting sealing system 300A and/or the self-adjusting sealing system 300B. As depicted in FIG 17, the self-adjusting sealing systems 300A and 300B may be disposed about the shaft member 110.

FIG 18 is a high level flow diagram of an illustrative method 1800 for sealing a piece of rotating equipment, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein. The shaft member 110 of a rotating piece of rotating equipment 510 penetrates the housing or casing of the piece of rotating equipment 510. Sealing devices are used to prevent the escape of fluids, gases, and/or liquids from around the seal of the rotating equipment 510. Sealing devices may be installed in a portion of the rotating equipment colloquially referred to as a stuffing box 520. Slurry service in which a liquid carries, conveys or contains a quantity of solid or granular material is particularly difficult service for sealing systems due to the corrosive and/or abrasive conditions. Typically, a flush system is used in slurry service. The flush system uses a clean, sacrificial, fluid that passes through the sealing system to flush abrasive materials from the sealing system. The flush liquid flows into the process and is "lost" - representing a potentially significant loss. The sealing systems described above are self-lubricating and provide the advantages of extended run time, reduced maintenance, all without the use of a costly flush fluid. The method 1800 commences at 1802.

At 1804, a sealing system 300 may be disposed about a shaft member having an axis of rotation. The sealing system 300 may be disposed in a stuffing box within the rotating equipment 510. In some implementations, the sealing system 300 may be at least partially enclosed in a hollow cylinder 310 having an annular front cover member 320, and a flange member 330. The hollow cylinder 310 may have an outside diameter approximately equal to the inside diameter of the stuffing box 520. The annular sealing system 300 may have an inside diameter that is slightly larger than the outside diameter of the rotating shaft 110.

In embodiments, the self-adjusting sealing system 300 may include a hollow cylinder

310, an annular front cover member 320, a flange member 330, and an annular back cover member 340. A first annular retaining subsystem 120, a second annular retaining subsystem 130, and an annular self-adjusting seal subsystem 140 may be disposed inside the hollow cylinder 310. Attaching the back cover member 340 to the flange member 330 may compress the annular self-adjusting seal subsystem 140 and a force producing member 220 is able to maintain a constant or consistent force on the compressible sealing member 210 throughout the operational lifecycle of the self-adjusting sealing system 300.

At 1806, a seal is formed between the exterior surface of the front cover member 320 and the inside wall of the stuffing box 520. In some implementations, a first gasket member, such as an O-ring may be disposed on the surface of the front cover member 320. The seal between the exterior surface of the front cover member 320 and the inside surface of the stuffing box 520 prevents the flow of process fluids into the stuffing box around the sealing system 300. At 1808, a seal is formed between the exterior surface of the flange member 330 and an exterior surface of the rotating equipment 510. In some implementations, a second gasket member, such as an O-ring may be disposed on the surface of the flange member 330. The seal between the exterior surface of the flange member 330 and the exterior surface of the rotating equipment 510 prevents the flow of contaminants in the environment into the stuffing box.

At 1810, the sealing system is operably coupled to the rotating equipment using at least one fastener. In some implementations, the at least one fastener may include a threaded fastener such as a "gland bolt" or similar that passes through apertures 334 on the flange member 330 and apertures 344 in the back cover member 340. Tightening the gland bolts compresses the back cover member 340 against the flange member 330 and compresses the force producing device 220 in the sealing system 300. Compressing the force producing device 220 compresses the compressible sealing member 210 against the external surface of the shaft member 110, creating a liquid tight seal. The method 1800 concludes at 1812.

FIG 19 is a high level flow diagram of an illustrative method 1900 for assembling a self-adjusting sealing system 300, in accordance with at least one embodiment described herein. In embodiments, the self-adjusting sealing system 300 may include a hollow cylinder 310, an annular front cover member 320, a flange member 330, and an annular back cover member 340. In embodiments a first (or rear) annular retaining subsystem 120, a second (or front) annular retaining subsystem 130, an annular self-adjusting seal subsystem 140 disposed at least partially within the hollow cylinder 310. The method 1900 commences at 1902.

At 1904, the front annular retaining subsystem 130 is disposed in the hollow cylinder 310. The front annular retaining subsystem 130 may be disposed proximate the interior surface of the front cover member 320.

At 1906, a force-producing member 220 is disposed in the hollow cylinder proximate the front annular retaining subsystem 130.

At 1908, a compressible sealing member 210 is disposed in the hollow cylinder proximate the force-producing member 220.

At 1910, the rear annular retaining subsystem 120 is disposed in the hollow cylinder proximate the compressible sealing member 210. The method 1900 concludes at 1912.

Additionally, operations for the embodiments have been further described with reference to the above figures and accompanying examples. Some of the figures may include a logic flow. Although such figures presented herein may include a particular logic flow, it can be appreciated that the logic flow merely provides an example of how the general functionality described herein can be implemented. Further, the given logic flow does not necessarily have to be executed in the order presented unless otherwise indicated.

Various features, aspects, and embodiments have been described herein. The features, aspects, and embodiments are susceptible to combination with one another as well as to variation and modification, as will be understood by those having skill in the art. The present disclosure should, therefore, be considered to encompass such combinations, variations, and modifications. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

The terms and expressions which have been employed herein are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention, in the use of such terms and expressions, of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described (or portions thereof), and it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Accordingly, the claims are intended to cover all such equivalents. Various features, aspects, and embodiments have been described herein. The features, aspects, and

embodiments are susceptible to combination with one another as well as to variation and modification, as will be understood by those having skill in the art. The present disclosure should, therefore, be considered to encompass such combinations, variations, and modifications.

Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

The following examples pertain to further embodiments. The following examples of the present disclosure may comprise subject material such as a device, a method, means for performing acts based on the method and/or a system for providing an improved sealing device for use in rotating equipment. More particularly, a self-adjusting sealing device that makes use of a force -producing member to provide a constant or consistent pressure on a compressible sealing member disposed between a first annular retaining subsystem and a second annular retaining subsystem. Such sealing devices may be self-lubricating and may eliminate the need for a fluid flush even when used in slurry service. The sealing devices described herein provide extended run times without requiring manual adjustment or alteration when used in slurry service, such provides operational and financial advantages over current sealing system which are failure prone and require considerable manual adjustment and maintenance.

According to example 1, there is provided a sealing system for rotating equipment.

The sealing system may include a first annular retaining subsystem disposed about an axis of rotation of a shaft member at a first fixed location along the shaft member; a second annular retaining subsystem disposed about the axis of rotation at a second fixed location along the shaft member, the second fixed location spaced apart from the first fixed location; a compressible sealing member disposed about the axis of rotation between the first annular retaining subsystem and the second annular retaining subsystem, the compressible sealing member having an inside diameter and an outside diameter; and a force producing subsystem disposed about the axis of rotation proximate the compressible sealing member, the force producing subsystem to apply a uniform compressive force to at least one surface of the compressible sealing member.

Example 2 may include elements of example 1 and may additionally include a hollow cylinder having an open first end, a partially closed second end having an aperture disposed about the axis of rotation, at least one inside surface having a respective inside diameter, and at least one outside surface having a respective outside diameter, the inside surface defining an interior void space, the hollow cylinder disposed about the axial centerline; wherein the interior void space accommodates the insertion of the first annular retaining subsystem, the compressible sealing member, the force producing subsystem, and the second annular retaining subsystem.

Example 3 may include elements of example 2 where the hollow cylinder further comprises a flange member extending radially outward about at least a portion of an external perimeter of the first end of the hollow cylinder.

Example 4 may include elements of example 3 and may additionally include a detachably attachable rear cover member disposed proximate the flange member, the rear cover member placing the first annular retaining subsystem, the compressible sealing member, the force producing subsystem, and the second annular retaining subsystem in compression when attached to the flange member.

Example 5 may include elements of example 2 where the first annular retaining subsystem may include a first shaft seal disposed about the axis of rotation; and an annular first lubricant distribution member disposed about the axis of rotation and proximate the first shaft seal and the force producing subsystem; and the second annular retaining subsystem comprises:

a second shaft seal disposed about the axis of rotation; and an annular second lubricant distribution member disposed about the axis of rotation and proximate the second shaft seal and the force producing subsystem.

Example 6 may include elements of example 5 where the second shaft seal may include a high-pressure lip seal.

Example 7 may include elements of example 5 where the second shaft seal may include a high-pressure double lip seal.

Example 8 may include elements of example 7 where the first shaft seal may include a low-pressure lip seal.

Example 9 may include elements of example 8 where the annular first lubricant distribution member may include a lantern ring.

Example 10 may include elements of example 9 where the annular second lubricant distribution member may include a lantern ring.

Example 11 may include elements of example 5, and may additionally include at least one fluid coupling disposed on the external surface of the hollow cylinder, the at least one fluid coupling fluidly coupling the interior of the hollow cylinder to the exterior of the hollow cylinder.

Example 12 may include elements of example 11 where the compressible sealing member may include: a top adapter member; a bottom adapter member; and a compressible member disposed between the top adapter member and the bottom adapter member.

Example 13 may include elements of example 12 where the compressible member may include packing having a chevron cross section; the top adapter member may include a rigid member having a female cross section complimentary to the chevron cross section of the compressible member; and the bottom adapter member may include a rigid member having a male cross section complimentary to the chevron cross-section of the compressible member.

Example 14 may include elements of example 13 where the force producing subsystem may include at least one force producing member disposed about the axis of rotation between the second lubricant distribution member and the bottom adapter member, the at least one force producing member to provide a compressive force to the compressible sealing member via the bottom adapter member, the compressive force parallel to the axis of rotation. Example 15 may include elements of example 14 where the compressible annular sealing member may include a plurality of full loops of packing stacked proximately together and disposed about the axis of rotation, the packing having a chevron- shaped cross section.

Example 16 may include elements of example 14 where the at least one force producing member may include a wave spring.

Example 17 may include elements of example 14 where the force producing member may further include an annular rigid member having a plurality of apertures disposed therethrough; and each of the plurality of coil springs is disposed in a corresponding aperture on the annular rigid member.

Example 18 may include elements of example 12 where the force producing subsystem may include at least one hydraulic reservoir disposed about the axis of rotation between the second lubricant distribution member and the bottom adapter member, the at least one hydraulic reservoir to provide a compressive force to the compressible sealing member via the bottom adapter member, the compressive force parallel to the axis of rotation.

Example 19 may include elements of example 11 where the force producing subsystem may include a force producing member disposed about at least a portion of an outside peripheral surface of the compressible sealing member, the force producing member to provide a uniform, inward radial, compressive force to the compressible sealing member.

Example 20 may include elements of example 19 where the force producing member may include at least one of: an annular wave spring or an annular coil spring.

Example 21 may include elements of example 11 where the fluid coupling may include a hydraulic feed fitting fluidly coupled to a void space between the second annular retaining subsystem and the bottom adapter member and coupleable to an external hydraulic fluid supply.

Example 22 may include elements of example 11 where the force producing member may include at least one fixed member disposed proximate at least a portion of an outside peripheral surface of the compressible sealing member; and at least one force producing member disposed between the inside surface of the hollow cylinder and the at least one fixed member disposed proximate the portion of the outside peripheral surface of the compressible sealing member, the at least one force producing member to provide an inward, radial, compressive force to the compressible sealing member.

Example 23 may include elements of example 22 where the force producing member may include at least one variable diameter collar member disposed proximate at least a portion of an outside peripheral surface of the compressible annular sealing member; and at least one compressed member operably coupled to the variable diameter collar member, the at least one compressed member to provide a linear compressive force to variable diameter collar member, the variable diameter collar member to provide a compressive force to the portion of the outside peripheral surface of the compressible annular sealing member.

Example 24 may include elements of example 22 where the at least one force producing member may include an annular rigid member having a plurality of apertures extending therethrough, each of the plurality of apertures perpendicular to the axial centerline; and a plurality of coil springs, each of the plurality of coil springs disposed in a respective one of the plurality of apertures.

According to example 25, there is provides a sealing system for rotating equipment.

The sealing system may include a hollow cylinder having an annular front cover member affixed at a first end and a flange member affixed at a second end; a first annular retaining subsystem disposed about an axis of rotation of a shaft member and at the second end of the hollow cylinder, the first annular retaining subsystem including: a first shaft seal disposed about the axis of rotation; and an annular first lubricant distribution member disposed about the axis of rotation, proximate the first shaft seal; a second annular retaining subsystem disposed about the axis of rotation at the first end of the hollow cylinder, the second annular retaining subsystem including:

a second shaft seal disposed about the axis of rotation; and an annular second lubricant distribution member disposed about the axis of rotation proximate the second shaft seal; a plurality of chevron packing rings disposed about the axis of rotation between the first annular retaining subsystem and the second annular retaining subsystem, the compressible sealing member having an inside diameter and an outside diameter; a force producing member disposed about the axis of rotation proximate the second lubricant distribution member; a top adapter member disposed about the axis of rotation proximate the first lubricant distribution member and a first chevron packing ring; and a bottom adapter member disposed about the axis of rotation proximate a second chevron packing ring, the force producing member disposed proximate the bottom adapter member, the force producing member to apply a uniform compressive force across at least one surface of the bottom adapter member.

Example 26 may include elements of example 25 where the second shaft seal may include a high-pressure double lip seal.

Example 27 may include elements of example 26 where the first shaft seal may include a low-pressure lip seal. Example 28 may include elements of example 27 where the annular first lubricant distribution member may include a lantern ring.

Example 29 may include elements of example 28 where the annular second lubricant distribution member may include a lantern ring.

Example 30 may include elements of example 29 where the compressible member may include packing having a chevron cross section; the top adapter member may include a rigid member having a female cross section complimentary to the chevron cross section of the compressible member; and the bottom adapter member may include a rigid member having a male cross section complimentary to the chevron cross-section of the compressible member.

Example 31 may include elements or example 30 where the force producing member may include a wave spring.

Example 32 may include elements of example 31, and may additionally include a first sealing member disposed on an exterior surface of the front cover member.

Example 33 may include elements of example 32, and may additionally include a second sealing member disposed on an exterior surface of the flange member.

Example 34 may include elements of example 33, and may additionally include an annular back cover member disposed proximate the flange member.

According to example 35, there is provided a rotary equipment sealing method. The method may include disposing a sealing system about a shaft member having an axis of rotation in a stuffing box in a piece of rotating equipment, the sealing system may include: a hollow cylinder having an annular front cover member affixed at a first end and a flange member affixed at a second end; an annular back cover member disposed proximate the flange member; a first annular retaining subsystem disposed in the hollow cylinder about the axis of rotation at a first fixed location along the shaft member; a second annular retaining subsystem disposed in the hollow cylinder about the axis of rotation at a second fixed location along the shaft member, the second fixed location spaced apart from the first fixed location; a compressible sealing member disposed about the axis of rotation between the first annular retaining subsystem and the second annular retaining subsystem; a force producing subsystem disposed about the axis of rotation proximate the compressible sealing member, the force producing subsystem to apply a uniform compressive force across at least one surface of the compressible sealing member; sealing the front cover member to the stuffing box via a first sealing member; sealing the flange member to an exterior surface of the rotary equipment via a second sealing member; and coupling the sealing system to the rotary equipment via a plurality of threaded fasteners.

According to example 36, there is provided a seal manufacturing method for rotary equipment. The method may include inserting a front annular retaining subsystem in a hollow cylinder having an annular front cover member affixed at a first end and a flange member affixed at a second end, such that the front annular retaining subsystem is proximate the front cover member; inserting a force producing subsystem proximate the front annular retaining subsystem in the hollow cylinder; inserting a compressible sealing member proximate the force producing subsystem in the hollow cylinder; and inserting a rear annular retaining subsystem proximate the compressible sealing member in the hollow cylinder.

Example 37 may include elements of example 36, and may additionally include compressing the force producing subsystem by affixing a back cover member to the flange member.

Example 38 may include elements of example 36, and may additionally include disposing a first gasket member on an exterior surface of the front cover member.

Example 39 may include elements of example 38, and may additionally include disposing a second gasket member on an exterior surface of the flange member.

Example 40 may include elements or example 39, and may additionally include affixing a lubrication fitting to the exterior surface of the hollow cylinder, the lubrication fitting fluidly coupling the exterior environment about the hollow cylinder to an interior space of the hollow cylinder.

Example 41 may include elements of example 40, and may additionally include flowing a lubricant to the interior space of the hollow cylinder via the lubrication fitting.

Example 42 may include elements of any of example 36 through 41 where inserting a front annular retaining subsystem in a hollow cylinder may include: inserting a high-pressure shaft seal in the hollow cylinder such that the high-pressure shaft seal falls proximate an inside surface of the front cover member; and inserting a first lubrication distribution member in the hollow cylinder such that the first lubrication distribution member falls proximate the high-pressure shaft seal.

Example 43 may include elements of example 43 where inserting a high-pressure shaft seal in the hollow cylinder may include: inserting a high-pressure double lip seal in the hollow cylinder. Example 44 may include elements of example 43 where inserting a first lubrication distribution member in the hollow cylinder may include inserting a lantern ring in the hollow cylinder.

Example 45 may include elements of example 42 where inserting a force producing subsystem proximate the front annular retaining subsystem in the hollow cylinder may include:

inserting a spring member in the hollow cylinder such that the spring member falls proximate the first lubrication distribution member.

Example 46 may include elements of example 45 where inserting a spring member in the hollow cylinder may include: inserting a wave spring member in the hollow cylinder.

Example 47 may include elements of example 45 where inserting a compressible sealing member proximate the force producing subsystem in the hollow cylinder may include: inserting a bottom adapter member in the hollow cylinder such that the bottom adapter member falls proximate the spring member; inserting a plurality of packing rings in the hollow cylinder such that the first of the plurality of packing rings falls proximate the bottom adapter member; and

inserting a top adapter member in the hollow cylinder such that the top adapter member falls proximate the last of the plurality of packing rings.

Example 48 may include elements of example 47 where inserting a plurality of packing rings in the hollow cylinder may include inserting a plurality of packing rings having a chevron cross-section in the hollow cylinder.

Example 49 may include elements of example 48 where inserting a bottom adapter member in the hollow cylinder may include: inserting a bottom adapter member having a cross-section complimentary to an open base of the chevron packing rings.

Example 50 may include elements of example 48 where inserting a top adapter member in the hollow cylinder may include: inserting a top adapter member having a cross- section complimentary to a pointed crown of the chevron packing rings.

Example 51 may include elements of example 47 where inserting a rear annular retaining subsystem proximate the compressible sealing member in the hollow cylinder may include: inserting a second lubrication distribution member in the hollow cylinder such that the second lubrication distribution member falls proximate the top adapter member; and inserting a low-pressure shaft seal in the hollow cylinder such that the low-pressure shaft seal falls proximate the second lubrication distribution member. The terms and expressions which have been employed herein are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention, in the use of such terms and expressions, of excluding any equivalents of the features shown and described (or portions thereof), and it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Accordingly, the claims are intended to cover all such equivalents.

The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments. To the extent the contents do not contradict any of the above disclosure, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/205,483, filed August 14, 2015 (Atty. Docket No. PSIOOl) and entitled "A SELF-ADJUSTING SHAFT SEAL TO PREVENT LEAKAGE UNDER PRESSURE AS INTERNAL PARTS WEAR" is incorporated herein by reference, in its entirety. Aspects of the embodiments can be modified, if necessary, to employ systems, circuits and concepts of the various patents, applications and publications to provide yet further embodiments.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED:

1. A sealing system for rotating equipment comprising:

a first annular retaining subsystem disposed about an axis of rotation of a shaft member at a first fixed location along the shaft member;

a second annular retaining subsystem disposed about the axis of rotation at a second fixed location along the shaft member, the second fixed location spaced apart from the first fixed location;

a compressible sealing member disposed about the axis of rotation between the first annular retaining subsystem and the second annular retaining subsystem, the compressible sealing member having an inside diameter and an outside diameter; and

a force producing subsystem disposed about the axis of rotation proximate the compressible sealing member, the force producing subsystem to apply a uniform compressive force to at least one surface of the compressible sealing member.

2. The sealing system of claim 1, further comprising:

a hollow cylinder having an open first end, a partially closed second end having an aperture disposed about the axis of rotation, at least one inside surface having a respective inside diameter, and at least one outside surface having a respective outside diameter, the inside surface defining an interior void space, the hollow cylinder disposed about the axial centerline;

wherein the interior void space accommodates the insertion of the first annular retaining subsystem, the compressible sealing member, the force producing subsystem, and the second annular retaining subsystem; and

a flange member extending radially outward about at least a portion of an external perimeter of the first end of the hollow cylinder.

3. The sealing system of claim 2, further comprising:

a detachably attachable rear cover member disposed proximate the flange member, the rear cover member placing the first annular retaining subsystem, the compressible sealing member, the force producing subsystem, and the second annular retaining subsystem in compression when attached to the flange member.

4. The sealing system of claim 3, wherein:

the first annular retaining subsystem comprises: a first shaft seal disposed about the axis of rotation; and

an annular first lubricant distribution member disposed about the axis of rotation and proximate the first shaft seal and the force producing subsystem; and

the second annular retaining subsystem comprises:

a second shaft seal disposed about the axis of rotation; and

an annular second lubricant distribution member disposed about the axis of rotation and proximate the second shaft seal and the force producing subsystem.

5. The sealing system of claim 4 wherein:

the second shaft seal comprises a high-pressure double lip seal;

the first shaft seal comprises a low-pressure lip seal;

the first lubricant distribution member comprises a lantern ring; and

wherein the second lubricant distribution member comprises a lantern ring.

6. The sealing system of claim 4, further comprising:

at least one fluid coupling disposed on the external surface of the hollow cylinder, the at least one fluid coupling fluidly coupling the interior of the hollow cylinder to the exterior of the hollow cylinder.

7. The sealing system of claim 5, wherein the compressible sealing member comprises:

a top adapter member;

a bottom adapter member; and

a compressible member disposed between the top adapter member and the bottom adapter member.

8. The sealing system of claim 7 wherein:

the compressible member comprises packing having a chevron cross section;

the top adapter member comprises a rigid member having a female cross section complimentary to the chevron cross section of the compressible member; and

the bottom adapter member comprises a rigid member having a male cross section complimentary to the chevron cross-section of the compressible member.

9. The sealing system of claim 8 wherein the force producing subsystem comprises:

at least one force producing member disposed about the axis of rotation between the second lubricant distribution member and the bottom adapter member, the at least one force producing member to provide a compressive force to the compressible sealing member via the bottom adapter member, the compressive force parallel to the axis of rotation.

10. The sealing system of claim 9 wherein the compressible annular sealing member comprises:

a plurality of full loops of packing stacked proximately together and disposed about the axis of rotation, the packing having a chevron- shaped cross section.

11. The sealing system of claim 9 wherein the at least one force producing member comprises a wave spring.

12. The sealing system of claim 9 wherein:

the force producing member further comprises an annular rigid member having a plurality of apertures disposed therethrough; and

each of the plurality of coil springs is disposed in a corresponding aperture on the annular rigid member.

13. The sealing system of claim 7 wherein the force producing subsystem comprises:

at least one hydraulic reservoir disposed about the axis of rotation between the second lubricant distribution member and the bottom adapter member, the at least one hydraulic reservoir to provide a compressive force to the compressible sealing member via the bottom adapter member, the compressive force parallel to the axis of rotation.

14. The sealing system of claim 7 wherein the force producing subsystem comprises:

a force producing member disposed about at least a portion of an outside peripheral surface of the compressible sealing member, the force producing member to provide a uniform, inward radial, compressive force to the compressible sealing member.

15. The sealing system of claim 14, wherein the force producing member comprises at least one of: an annular wave spring or an annular coil spring.

16. The sealing system of claim 7 wherein the fluid coupling comprises a hydraulic feed fitting fluidly coupled to a void space between the second annular retaining subsystem and the bottom adapter member and coupleable to an external hydraulic fluid supply.

17. The sealing system of claim 7 wherein the force producing member comprises:

at least one fixed member disposed proximate at least a portion of an outside peripheral surface of the compressible sealing member; and

at least one force producing member disposed between the inside surface of the hollow cylinder and the at least one fixed member disposed proximate the portion of the outside peripheral surface of the compressible sealing member, the at least one force producing member to provide an inward, radial, compressive force to the compressible sealing member.

18. The sealing system of claim 17 wherein the force producing member comprises:

at least one variable diameter collar member disposed proximate at least a portion of an outside peripheral surface of the compressible annular sealing member; and

at least one compressed member operably coupled to the variable diameter collar member, the at least one compressed member to provide a linear compressive force to variable diameter collar member, the variable diameter collar member to provide a compressive force to the portion of the outside peripheral surface of the compressible annular sealing member.

19. The sealing system of claim 17 wherein the at least one force producing member comprises:

an annular rigid member having a plurality of apertures extending therethrough, each of the plurality of apertures perpendicular to the axial centerline; and

a plurality of coil springs, each of the plurality of coil springs disposed in a respective one of the plurality of apertures.

20. A rotary equipment sealing method, comprising:

disposing, in a stuffing box, a sealing system about a shaft member having an axis of rotation, the sealing system comprising:

a hollow cylinder having an annular front cover member affixed at a first end and a flange member affixed at a second end;

an annular back cover member disposed proximate the flange member;

a first annular retaining subsystem disposed in the hollow cylinder about the axis of rotation at a first fixed location along the shaft member;

a second annular retaining subsystem disposed in the hollow cylinder about the axis of rotation at a second fixed location along the shaft member, the second fixed location spaced apart from the first fixed location;

a compressible sealing member disposed about the axis of rotation between the first annular retaining subsystem and the second annular retaining subsystem;

a force producing subsystem disposed about the axis of rotation proximate the compressible sealing member, the force producing subsystem to apply a uniform compressive force across at least one surface of the compressible sealing member;

sealing the front cover member to the stuffing box via a first sealing member;

sealing the flange member to an exterior surface of the rotary equipment via a second sealing member; and

coupling the sealing system to the rotary equipment via at least one fastener.

21. A seal manufacturing method for rotary equipment, comprising:

inserting a front annular retaining subsystem in a hollow cylinder having an annular front cover member affixed at a first end and a flange member affixed at a second end, such that the front annular retaining subsystem is proximate the front cover member;

inserting a force producing subsystem proximate the front annular retaining subsystem in the hollow cylinder;

inserting a compressible sealing member proximate the force producing subsystem in the hollow cylinder; and

inserting a rear annular retaining subsystem proximate the compressible sealing member in the hollow cylinder.

22. The seal manufacturing method of claim 21, further comprising: compressing the force producing subsystem by affixing a back cover member to the flange member.

23. The seal manufacturing method of claim 22, further comprising:

disposing a first gasket member on an exterior surface of the front cover member; and disposing a second gasket member on an exterior surface of the flange member.

24. The seal manufacturing method of claim 23, further comprising:

affixing a lubrication fitting to the exterior surface of the hollow cylinder, the lubrication fitting fluidly coupling the exterior environment about the hollow cylinder to an interior space of the hollow cylinder; and

flowing a lubricant to the interior space of the hollow cylinder via the lubrication fitting.

25. The seal manufacturing method of any of claims 21 through 24 wherein inserting a front annular retaining subsystem in a hollow cylinder comprises:

inserting a high-pressure shaft seal in the hollow cylinder such that the high-pressure shaft seal falls proximate an inside surface of the front cover member; and

inserting a first lubrication distribution member in the hollow cylinder such that the first lubrication distribution member falls proximate the high-pressure shaft seal.

26. The seal manufacturing method of claim 25 wherein:

inserting a high-pressure shaft seal in the hollow cylinder comprises inserting a high- pressure double lip seal in the hollow cylinder;

inserting a first lubrication distribution member in the hollow cylinder comprises inserting a lantern ring in the hollow cylinder;

27. The seal manufacturing method of claim 26 wherein inserting a force producing subsystem proximate the front annular retaining subsystem in the hollow cylinder comprises:

28. The seal manufacturing method of claim 27 wherein inserting a spring member in the hollow cylinder comprises:

inserting a wave spring member in the hollow cylinder.

29. The seal manufacturing method of claim 28 wherein inserting a compressible sealing member proximate the force producing subsystem in the hollow cylinder comprises: inserting a bottom adapter member in the hollow cylinder such that the bottom adapter member falls proximate the spring member;

inserting a plurality of packing rings in the hollow cylinder such that the first of the plurality of packing rings falls proximate the bottom adapter member; and

30. The seal manufacturing method of claim 29 wherein inserting a plurality of packing rings in the hollow cylinder comprises:

inserting a plurality of packing rings having a chevron cross-section in the hollow cylinder.

31. The seal manufacturing method of claim 30 wherein inserting a bottom adapter member in the hollow cylinder comprises:

inserting a bottom adapter member having a cross-section complimentary to an open base of the chevron packing rings.

32. The seal manufacturing method of claim 31 wherein inserting a top adapter member in the hollow cylinder comprises:

inserting a top adapter member having a cross-section complimentary to a pointed crown of the chevron packing rings.

33. The seal manufacturing method of claim 32 wherein inserting a rear annular retaining subsystem proximate the compressible sealing member in the hollow cylinder comprises:

inserting a second lubrication distribution member in the hollow cylinder such that the second lubrication distribution member falls proximate the top adapter member; and inserting a low-pressure shaft seal in the hollow cylinder such that the low-pressure shaft seal falls proximate the second lubrication distribution member.