James R Kozlowski

US Patent:

46912762, Sep 1, 1987

Filed:

Oct 21, 1985

Appl. No.:

6/789890

Inventors:

Alan L. Miller - Chicago IL
James L. Kozlowski - Whiting IN

Assignee:

Borg-Warner Industrial Products, Inc. - Long Beach CA

International Classification:

G06F 1546
F16J 1534

US Classification:

364148

Abstract:

An adaptive control system regulates operation of a mechanical seal assembly by reacting dynamically to changes in seal operating conditions to provide minimal wear with minimal fluid leakage. The disclosed "self-learning" method adapts automatically to arbitrary changes in fluid medium temperature and pressure, as well as shaft rotation speed, by detecting a limit cycle type oscillation of a seal-related variable, such as temperature of a seal face and/or fluid temperature. This variable is monitored via a microcomputer-based system which identifies these abrupt oscillations or spikes. The control algorithm selects a particular displacement of an actuator to modify the seal face deflection to the optimal value, and in this way attains maximum seal life while minimizing leakage.