NON-CONTACTING FACE SEALS AND THRUST BEARINGS

摘要

Apparatus is for spacing two relatively rotatable facing surfaces in use by entraining gas between the surfaces. The apparatus includes a first portion defining a generally frusto-conical surface, a second portion including at least one flat surface disposed on a carrier, the flat surface being located adjacent the first portion so that the generally frusto-conical surface and the flat surface face each other and define at least one point of closest engagement between the surfaces, with diverging gaps extending between the surfaces on either side of a plane which contains the point or points of closest engagement and which extends generally orthogonal to the direction of relative rotation, and a device for biasing the flat surface towards the frusto-conical surface to maintain a gap between the surfaces within a predetermined dimensional range. The carrier includes a plurality of portions releasably connected together.