Combined rotary electrical contact and shaft seal system

摘要

A combined rotary electrical contact and seal system for rotating machines, using a liquid metal for electrical continuity and convertible labyrinth and rotating rubbing face seals to effect a nearly perfect seal system for the liquid metal, both while the machine is at rest and during rotation at normal operating speed. To avoid leakage of the liquid metal while the rotor is stopped or at low speeds, a face seal is effected by a slight axial movement of the rotor. As the rotational speed increases, the rubbing face seal becomes a labyrinth seal to avoid wear while maintaining an adequate seal. The liquid metal level is monitored and drains are provided to recover any leakage losses, and a replenishment system is provided to maintain the liquid metal at a proper level.