US3688872A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Combined bearing lubrication-hydrogen seal system for generator
Assignee: General Electric Co
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Filing: 1971-02-11
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Granted: 1972-09-05
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Expires: 1991-02-11
Abstract
Abstract A combined bearing lubrication-hydrogen seal system for a generator which utilizes a unitized lubrication system in cooperation with a hydrogen-cooled generator. A liquid lubricant, under pressure, is pumped to the hydrogen seal about the generator shaft to prevent hydrogen leakage. As the lubricant passes through the seal portion, it may be distributed into an end shield which houses a unitized lubrication system for cooling the generator shaft end bearing. Thereafter, the liquid lubricant is fed to a receiver tank where it is recirculated to the hydrogen seal.
Inventors
- 👤 James B Wagner
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 16:55
CPC Classifications
F; F16; F16N; F16N7/00; F16N7/14; F16N7/16; F16N7/18; F16C; F16C33/00; F16C33/02; F16C33/04; F16C33/06; F16C33/10; F16C33/1025; F16C33/103; F16N2210/00; F16N2210/14; F16N7/38; F16N7/40; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S277/00; Y10S277/918
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
149 words
In a generator, of the kind which is cooled by hydrogen gas, having a rotor shaft mounted within a generator casing, and an end shield extending outwardly from said generator casing; an end bearing supporting said generator shaft and a hydrogen seal assembly of the type requiring a pressurized fluid lubricant between said seal assembly and the rotor shaft; a combined bearing lubrication system including: a receiver tank containing a supply of fluid lubricant and a conduit including a pump delivering said fluid lubricant under pressure to said hydrogen seal assembly; a reservoir in said end shield assembly adjacent said hydrogen seal assembly into which a portion of the fluid lubricant drains, a viscous pump, partially submerged in said reservoir, coaxially mounted on said rotor shaft for distributing fluid lubricant about said end bearing; and, an overflow weir in said reservoir recirculating excess fluid lubricant to said receiver tank.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
149 words
In a generator, of the kind which is cooled by hydrogen gas, having a rotor shaft mounted within a generator casing, and an end shield extending outwardly from said generator casing; an end bearing supporting said generator shaft and a hydrogen seal assembly of the type requiring a pressurized fluid lubricant between said seal assembly and the rotor shaft; a combined bearing lubrication system including: a receiver tank containing a supply of fluid lubricant and a conduit including a pump delivering said fluid lubricant under pressure to said hydrogen seal assembly; a reservoir in said end shield assembly adjacent said hydrogen seal assembly into which a portion of the fluid lubricant drains, a viscous pump, partially submerged in said reservoir, coaxially mounted on said rotor shaft for distributing fluid lubricant about said end bearing; and, an overflow weir in said reservoir recirculating excess fluid lubricant to said receiver tank.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
The combined bearing lubrication system as recited in claim 1 wherein there is a heat exchanger mounted in said reservoir between said viscous pump and said end bearing.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
43 words
The combined bearing lubrication system as recited in claim 2 wherein there is a distribution tray adjacent said viscous pump for distributing fluid lubricant to said end bearing and an overflow weir in said distribution tray for returning excess fluid to said reservoir.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
49 words
The combined system as recited in claim 3 wherein there is an exhaust inlet pipe above the reservoir overflow weir in closed communication with an exhauster connection pipe in said receiver tank, whereby free hydrogen accumulating in said end shield assembly may be evacuated through said exhauster connection pipe.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
38 words
The combination as recited in claim 4 wherein fluid lubricant leaking into the generator casing may be removed from said casing through a trap drain system to the receiver tank while hydrogen is retained in the generator casing.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-09-05 | 1976-03-06 | 1976-09-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-09-05 | 1980-03-06 | 1980-09-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-09-05 | 1984-03-06 | 1984-09-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |