HYBRID FLOATING BRUSH SEAL

摘要

A hybrid floating brush seal (10) generally includes a brush (30) that encircles a rotating shaft (12). The brush (30) includes a bristle portion (32) that is carried by a holder (34). A self acting film device such as a spiral groove seal (52) is disposed adjacent to a back plate (36) of the holder (34). A collar (72) is disposed adjacent to a front plate (38) of the holder (34). A plurality of pins (70) and springs (76) act to bias the brush (30) away from the collar (72) towards the spiral groove seal (52). When the shaft (12) rotates, the spiral groove seal (52) creates a cushion of air between itself and the back plate (36) of the brush (30) thus forcing the brush (30) against the springs (76). Thus, the brush (30) constantly adjusts its position between the collar (72) and the spiral groove seal (52) while creating minimal friction. A primary seal is formed by the engagement of the bristle portion (32) with the shaft (12) while a secondary seal is formed between the back plate (36) and the spiral groove seal (52).