Fluid control system for rotating shaft or flywheel

摘要

A fluid control system for a rotating shaft which provides a seal to limit fluid leakage from around the shaft and which vacuums away any fluid leaking past the provided seal. The fluid control system may be installed around a rotating shaft such as a flywheel in a press. The fluid control system includes a housing which forms a clearance space with the rotating shaft in which fluid, such as oil being used to create or service the flywheel bearing, can be collected. A seal is provided between the rotating shaft and the housing to prevent fluid leakage from the clearance space. A vacuum mechanism positioned along a leakage path beyond the seal is provided with an air duct through which passes a vacuum induced air flow which vacuums away fluid leaked from the seal. The air duct is preferably configured to include a radial clearance between a portion of the fluid collection system and the rotating shaft such that relative axial movement therebetween does not compromise the vacuuming capabilities of the vacuum mechanism, and therefore the fluid collection system can be employed with axially reciprocating or moving rotating shafts.