摘要 |
A mechanical seal control apparatus includes a thermally responsive element for reducing or negating face contact pressure upon at least one seal face of a mechanical seal when heat is generated within the mechanical seal above a pre-determined temperature. The thermally responsive element preferably includes, or is, a shape-memory material sensitive to thermal changes to increase or decrease in size, or change in shape, when subjected to changes of temperature of the mechanical seal and is, preferably, a bimetal, such as, for example, nitinol. Upon cooling of the mechanical seal, the shape-memory material substantially, or entirety, reverts to its original size or original shape to increase the face contact pressure for retaining the integrity of the mechanical seal. |