摘要 |
A fluid ring seal system and method for use with a shaft encircled by a fluid medium chamber including a fluid medium. The system includes a fluid medium sealing segment in fluid flow communication with the fluid medium chamber. The fluid medium sealing segment substantially maintains the fluid medium within the chamber and the fluid medium sealing segment. A contaminant sealing segment is in fluid flow communication with the fluid medium sealing segment and with an outer environment. The contaminant sealing segment substantially prevents a contaminant from migrating into the fluid medium sealing segment. A fluid pathway extends between the fluid medium sealing segment and the contaminant sealing segment along an innermost radius defined by each respective sealing segment. Alternatively or additionally, a stator separates the fluid medium sealing segment and the contaminant sealing segment. |