Lantern rings and seals

Abstract

To provide a lantern ring that purges internal fluid handled in a fluid device over the whole circumference.SOLUTION: A lantern ring (10) allows purge gas to flow around a shaft member (110) of a shaft seal device (1), and comprises a plurality of blade parts (16) that receives purge gas supplied from an outer peripheral side. Each of the plurality of blade parts (16) generates rotational torque in response to an external force caused by the purge gas.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a lantern ring and a shaft sealing device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, shaft seals equipped with lantern rings have been known as shaft seals installed in fluid equipment such as pumps and valves. Such shaft seals include a stuffing box, an annular gland packing, a lantern ring, and a packing gland. A shaft member is inserted into the stuffing box. The gland packing and lantern ring are housed in a housing space formed between the inner circumferential surface of the stuffing box and the shaft member.

[0003] The lantern ring is placed between the gland packings. The packing gland is screwed to the stuffing box and presses the gland packings together with the lantern ring in the axial direction of the shaft member. The shaft seal device uses the lantern ring to circulate a purge gas such as nitrogen gas around the shaft member to purge the internal fluid that enters the housing space from inside the fluid equipment and prevent the internal fluid from leaking.

[0004] A shaft seal device equipped with such a lantern ring is disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-279783 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the above-described shaft seal device, even when a lantern ring is used to circulate purge gas around the shaft member, a so-called short pass can occur, in which the purge gas escapes to the inside of the machine from a section where it preferentially flows before reaching the entire circumference of the lantern ring. This can result in uneven distribution of the purge gas around the lantern ring, resulting in areas where the internal fluid cannot be purged. If this occurs, the internal fluid used in the fluid equipment can penetrate the lantern ring, becoming trapped in the tapped holes in the lantern ring or becoming stuck between the lantern ring and the stuffing box, making maintenance of the lantern ring difficult.

[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a lantern ring that can purge the internal fluid handled in a fluid device over its entire circumference. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The technology disclosed herein is directed to a lantern ring that circulates pressurized fluid around a shaft member of a shaft sealing device. The lantern ring according to the technology disclosed herein includes a fluid receiving portion that receives pressurized fluid supplied from the outer periphery. The fluid receiving portion receives an external force from the pressurized fluid and generates rotational torque.

[0009] In this lantern ring, the fluid receiving portion receives an external force from the pressurized fluid, generating a rotational torque. When the rotational torque is generated, the lantern ring rotates around the shaft member. This rotation of the lantern ring can suppress the intrusion of the internal fluid used in the fluid equipment. This allows the internal fluid to be purged around the entire circumference of the lantern ring. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the technology of the present disclosure, a lantern ring can be provided that can purge the internal fluid handled in fluid equipment over the entire circumference. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of a shaft sealing device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the lantern ring of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the configuration of the lantern ring of the first embodiment and its operation during use. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the lantern ring taken along line IV-IV in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating an exploded state of the lantern ring of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a side view illustrating a divided body of the lantern ring according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a view corresponding to FIG. 4 illustrating a lantern ring according to a modification of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a plan view illustrating the configuration of the lantern ring of the second embodiment and its operation during use. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the lantern ring taken along line IX-IX in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a view corresponding to FIG. 8 illustrating a lantern ring according to a modification of the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a plan view illustrating an example of a supply position of purge gas to a lantern ring of a shaft sealing device of a first modified example. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a plan view illustrating the supply position of the purge gas to the lantern ring of the shaft sealing device of the second modified example. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a lantern ring of a third modified example. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a plan view showing the configuration of a lantern ring of a third modified example and its operation during use. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of a shaft sealing device according to another embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of a shaft sealing device of a comparative example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the drawings are intended to conceptually explain the present disclosure. Therefore, in the drawings, dimensions, ratios, and numbers may be exaggerated or simplified to facilitate understanding of the technology of the present disclosure.

[0013] First Embodiment The shaft sealing device 1 of this embodiment 1 is used in various fluid equipment 100 such as a rotary pump, a reciprocating pump, a valve, and an agitator. The fluid equipment 100 handles fluids (hereinafter referred to as internal fluids) such as liquids such as water and oil, gases such as air and gas, and muddy materials such as slurry. The fluid equipment 100 includes a shaft member 110 shown in Fig. 1. The shaft member 110 is a movable shaft that performs rotational motion around an axis CL and reciprocating motion or helical motion in an axial direction Da (direction along the axis CL).

[0014] The shaft member 110 of this example comprises a shaft body 112 and a sleeve 114. The shaft body 112 is the drive shaft of the fluid device 100. The shaft body 112 has an axis CL that faces horizontally. The sleeve 114 is a cylindrical object that is inserted into the shaft body 112. The sleeve 114 forms the exterior of the shaft member 110. The sleeve 114 is fixed to the shaft body 112 by a fastener such as a set screw (not shown). The gap between the shaft body 112 and the sleeve 114 is sealed by a seal member (O-ring) 116.

[0015] -Configuration of shaft seal device- As shown in Figure 1, the shaft sealing device 1 seals the space between the inside and outside of the fluid equipment 100 around the shaft member 110, preventing the internal fluid handled by the fluid equipment 100 from leaking to the outside. The shaft sealing device 1 of this example is applied to the shaft member 110 that extends horizontally as described above. The shaft sealing device 1 includes a stuffing box 2, multiple gland packings 3, a lantern ring 10, a pair of sliding members 5, a packing gland 6, a pressing mechanism 7, and a gas supply device 8.

[0016] A shaft member 110 is inserted into the stuffing box 2. An annular storage space Sc is formed between the inner peripheral surface of the stuffing box 2 and the outer peripheral surface of the shaft member 110. A plurality of gland packings 3, a lantern ring 10, and a pair of sliding members 5 are housed in the storage space Sc. The plurality of gland packings 3, the lantern ring 10, and a pair of sliding members 5 are arranged around the shaft member 110 and aligned in the axial direction Da of the shaft member 110. In this example, the lantern ring 10 is located on the inboard side of the plurality of gland packings 3.

[0017] The pair of sliding members 5 are arranged on both sides of the lantern ring 10 in the axial direction Da. The sliding members 5 are annular plates. The sliding members 5 reduce the frictional force generated when the lantern ring 10 rotates. The coefficient of friction of the sliding members 5 is smaller than that of the stuffing box 2 (strictly speaking, the bottom surface located on the inboard side of the box 2) and is also smaller than that of the gland packing 3. The sliding members 5 are made of, for example, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

[0018] The gland packings 3, the lantern ring 10, and the pair of sliding members 5 are arranged in the following order from the inside to the outside of the machine: sliding member 5, lantern ring 10, sliding member 5, and the gland packings 3. The packing gland 6 is pressed against the gland packing 3 located furthest outboard. The pressing mechanism 7 elastically presses the packing gland 6 with a predetermined pressure. As a result, the packing gland 6 presses the gland packings 3 in the axial direction Da of the shaft member 110.

[0019] The pressing mechanism 7 includes a clamping bolt 7a, a compression coil spring 7b, a clamping nut 7c, and a collar 7d. The clamping bolt 7a is inserted through a flange 6f provided at the end of the packing gland 6 on the outer side of the machine. The base end of the clamping bolt 7a is screwed into a flange 2f provided at the end of the stuffing box 2 on the outer side of the machine. The clamping nut 7c is screwed onto the tip end portion of the clamping bolt 7a that protrudes from the flange 6f of the packing gland 6.

[0020] The compression coil spring 7b is inserted into the tip end of the clamping bolt 7a and is located between the flange 6f of the packing gland 6 and the clamping nut 7c. The collar 7d is a cylindrical body with a bottom that covers the compression coil spring 7b. The bottom wall of the collar 7d is inserted into the clamping bolt 7a and is held between the compression coil spring 7b and the clamping nut 7c. The position of the collar 7d relative to the clamping nut 7c in the pressing direction of the packing gland 6 remains unchanged regardless of the amount of compression of the compression coil spring 7b.

[0021] Each of the multiple gland packings 3 is compressed and crushed by the packing gland 6, causing each gland packing 3 to come into surface contact with the inner circumferential surface of the stuffing box 2 and the outer circumferential surface of the shaft member 110. Each gland packing 3 seals the internal fluid handled by the fluid equipment 100 while allowing the above-mentioned motion (rotational motion, reciprocating motion, or helical motion) of the shaft member 110. The lantern ring 10 is a component that circulates purge gas around the shaft member 110 of the shaft sealing device 1. The purge gas is an example of a pressurized fluid.

[0022] Two gas supply holes 2p are formed on the outer periphery of the lantern ring 10 in the stuffing box 2. In this example, the gas supply holes 2p are provided directly above and directly below the lantern ring 10. The gas supply holes 2p may be provided on both the left and right sides of the lantern ring 10 when viewed in the axial direction Da of the shaft member 110. A gas pipe 9 is connected to each gas supply hole 2p. A gas supply device 8 delivers purge gas to the gas pipe 9, and supplies the purge gas to the lantern ring 10 from the gas supply holes 2p. An inert gas such as nitrogen gas is used as the purge gas.

[0023] -Lantern Ring Composition- As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the lantern ring 10 includes a pair of annular plates (a first annular plate 12 and a second annular plate 14) and a plurality of blades 16. The pair of annular plates is the first annular plate 12 and the second annular plate 14. The first annular plate 12 and the second annular plate 14 are disposed opposite each other. The first annular plate 12 and the second annular plate 14 are formed in an annular shape with the same inner and outer diameters. The lantern ring 10 is installed in the storage space Sc with the first annular plate 12 positioned on the outboard side and the second annular plate 14 positioned on the inboard side. The lantern ring 10 is rotatable relative to the stuffing box 2.

[0024] The plurality of blade portions 16 are provided between the first annular plate 12 and the second annular plate 14 at intervals in the circumferential direction. Each blade portion 16 is a plate-like body and connects the first annular plate 12 and the second annular plate 14. One end of each blade portion 16 is connected to the inner peripheral edge of the first annular plate 12. The other end of each blade portion 16 is connected to the outer peripheral edge of the second annular plate 14. The plurality of blade portions 16 are provided so as to spread radially from the first annular plate 12 toward the second annular plate 14. Each blade portion 16 functions as a fluid receiver. The fluid receiver is a portion that receives purge gas supplied from the outer periphery through the gas supply holes 2p.

[0025] Each blade 16 has an outer surface 16s that receives the flow of purge gas. The outer surface 16s of each blade 16 faces radially outward from the lantern ring 10 and expands in the circumferential direction of the lantern ring 10. Each blade 16 is inclined with respect to the axial direction Da of the lantern ring 10 so that the outer surface 16s faces the first annular plate 12. Each blade 16 generates rotational torque when subjected to an external force from the purge gas. The angle α (see FIG. 4) formed between the outer surface 16s of each blade 16 and the radial direction of the lantern ring 10 that passes perpendicular to the outer surface 16s is set to, for example, 30° or more and 70° or less.

[0026] If the angle α of each vane portion 16 exceeds 70°, the rotational torque generated when the vane portion 16 receives the purge gas becomes relatively small, and the vane portion 16 inhibits the flow of the purge gas toward the inner periphery of the lantern ring 10. On the other hand, if the angle α of each vane portion 16 is less than 30°, the rotational torque generated when the vane portion 16 receives the purge gas becomes relatively small, and it is difficult to mold the vane portion 16 into the lantern ring 10. In contrast, if the angle α of each vane portion 16 is 30° or more and 70° or less, as in this example, a relatively large rotational torque is obtained, the purge gas flows smoothly toward the inner periphery of the lantern ring 10, and this is advantageous for improving the moldability of the vane portion 16. From the same viewpoint, the angle α of each vane portion 16 is preferably 40° or more and 50° or less.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 5, the lantern ring 10 of this example is configured as a split type. The lantern ring 10 is composed of two split bodies 10P. Each split body 10P is a half body having a semicircular arc shape. The two split bodies 10P are combined with each other to form a circular ring shape as a whole. The two split bodies 10P are joined together using a pair of joining pins 18. A pin hole 20 is formed in each of the end faces on both sides of the two split bodies 10P where they are joined.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 6, one pin hole 20 is formed in the end face of the arc plate 12P that forms the first annular plate 12 of the segment 10P. The other pin hole 20 is formed in the end face of the arc plate 14P that forms the second annular plate 14 of the segment 10P. As shown in FIG. 5, each joining pin 18 is inserted into the corresponding pin holes 20 of the two segments 10P. The two segments 10P are connected via the joining pin 18 with both end faces of the arc plates 12P, 14P that form the first annular plate 12 and the second annular plate 14 butted against each other. A parting line 22 is formed at the joint between the two segments 10P.

[0029] The lantern ring 10 (each segment 10P) is a metal or resin component. Examples of metal materials used for the lantern ring 10 include stainless steel and copper. Examples of resin materials used for the lantern ring 10 include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is heat-resistant, chemical-resistant, and has slipperiness (low friction, self-lubricating properties), making it a suitable material for the lantern ring 10. The lantern ring 10 may be made of a carbon material such as carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP).

[0030] A plurality of tap holes 24 are formed in the outer surface of the first annular plate 12 (the surface opposite to the second annular plate 14). The tap holes 24 are used for extracting the lantern ring 10. The tap holes 24 are provided, for example, at four locations equally spaced apart around the circumference of the first annular plate 12.

[0031] 16, in a shaft seal device 301 in which a lantern ring 210 is fixed to a stuffing box 202, pressurized internal fluid FL may enter the accommodation space Sc. In particular, when the shaft seal device 301 is applied to a horizontally extending shaft member 310 as in this example, the internal fluid FL that has entered the accommodation space Sc tends to accumulate at the bottom due to its own weight. Therefore, even if purge gas is supplied around the shaft member 310 through the lantern ring 210 from the gas supply holes 202p, a short path is likely to occur in which the purge gas escapes from the upper part to the inside of the machine before spreading around the entire circumference of the lantern ring 210.

[0032] When such a short pass occurs, the portion through which the purge gas flows is biased toward the upper side of the lantern ring 210, and there is a portion below the lantern ring 210 where the internal fluid FL cannot be purged. In this case, the lantern ring 210 is exposed to the internal fluid FL, and the internal fluid FL may become caught in the tap holes for extraction provided in the lantern ring 210, or may adhere between the lantern ring 210 and the stuffing box 202 or at the parting line of the lantern ring 210, making maintenance work on the lantern ring 210 difficult.

[0033] In contrast, the shaft seal device 1 of this embodiment employs a configuration in which the lantern ring 10 rotates upon receiving purge gas supplied from the outer periphery. As indicated by the two-dot chain arrows in Figures 1, 3, and 4, the purge gas supplied from each gas supply hole 2p on both the upper and lower sides of the stuffing box 2 is impinged on the outer surfaces 16s of the blade portions 16 of the lantern ring 10. After impinging on the outer surfaces 16s of the blade portions 16, the purge gas flows in the circumferential direction of the lantern ring 10 and then flows between adjacent blade portions 16 to the inner periphery of the lantern ring 10. The purge gas then passes from the inner periphery of the lantern ring 10 through the gap between the stuffing box 2 and the shaft member 110 and enters the interior of the fluid device 100.

[0034] When the blades 16 receive the flow of purge gas, they generate a rotational torque. This causes the lantern ring 10 to rotate in one direction around the shaft member 110 (the direction indicated by the solid arrow or the dashed arrow in Figures 2 and 3). When the lantern ring 10 begins to rotate, the blades 16, which are positioned corresponding to the gas supply holes 2p, sequentially receive the purge gas, thereby continuing the rotation of the lantern ring 10. As the lantern ring 10 rotates, the purge gas spreads favorably around the lantern ring 10, pushing back any internal fluid that may have entered the storage space Sc of the stuffing box 2. Furthermore, even if internal fluid adheres to the lantern ring 10, the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the lantern ring 10 effectively removes the internal fluid.

[0035] -Features of the first embodiment- The lantern ring 10 of this first embodiment includes multiple blades 16 that receive purge gas supplied from the outer periphery. Each of the multiple blades 16 receives an external force from the purge gas and generates a rotational torque. When the rotational torque is generated, the lantern ring 10 rotates around the shaft member 110. This rotation of the lantern ring 10 prevents the intrusion of the internal fluid handled by the fluid device 100. This allows the internal fluid to be purged around the entire circumference of the lantern ring 10, resulting in a push-back effect. Furthermore, the rotation of the lantern ring 10 effectively removes the internal fluid adhering to the lantern ring 10. This prevents the internal fluid from getting caught in the tapped hole 24 of the lantern ring 10 or adhering between the lantern ring 10 and the stuffing box 2 or at the parting line 22 of the lantern ring 10. As a result, maintenance of the lantern ring 10 can be easily performed.

[0036] In the lantern ring 10 of this embodiment 1, the angle formed by the outer surface 16s of each vane portion 16 and the radial direction of the lantern ring 10 passing perpendicularly to the outer surface 16s is set to be equal to or greater than 30° and equal to or less than 70°. When the angle α of each vane portion 16 is equal to or greater than 30° and equal to or less than 70°, a relatively large rotational torque is obtained when the vane portion 16 receives the flow of purge gas, and smooth circulation of the purge gas toward the inner peripheral side of the lantern ring 10 is realized, which is also advantageous for improving the formability of the vane portion 16.

[0037] In the shaft seal device 1 of this embodiment 1, the lantern ring 10 rotates by receiving purge gas supplied from the outer periphery. This has the effect of pushing back internal fluid that enters the accommodation space Sc of the stuffing box 2 and the effect of scattering internal fluid adhering to the lantern ring 10 by centrifugal force. This improves the sealing performance of the shaft seal device 1 around the shaft member 110.

[0038] In the shaft seal device 1 of this embodiment 1, sliding members 5 are arranged on both sides of the lantern ring 10. The sliding members 5 reduce the frictional force that occurs when the lantern ring 10 rotates. This makes it easier for the lantern ring 10 to rotate with the rotational torque that occurs when the blade portions 16 receive the purge gas, and the above-mentioned internal fluid push-back effect and internal fluid splash-out effect can be preferably obtained.

[0039] In the shaft seal device 1 of this embodiment 1, the sliding member 5 is made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is an appropriate material for the sliding member 5 because it has excellent sliding properties (low friction, self-lubricating properties).

[0040] The shaft sealing device 1 of this embodiment 1 is applied to a shaft member 110 that extends horizontally. When a conventional shaft sealing device is applied to a shaft member 110 that extends horizontally as in this example, as described above, the internal fluid that has entered the accommodation space Sc tends to accumulate at the bottom due to its own weight, making short-pass flow more likely to occur. The shaft sealing device 1 of this example is effective as a shaft sealing device for a shaft member 110 that extends horizontally because it can obtain the effect of pushing back the internal fluid in the fluid equipment 100 and the effect of splashing the internal fluid.

[0041] <Modification of the First Embodiment> As shown in Figure 7, the lantern ring 10 may be configured as an integrally molded product rather than a split type. Such a lantern ring 10 does not have a split line 22, but has tapped holes 24 in the first annular plate 12. Similar to the first embodiment, the lantern ring 10 of this example is configured to rotate by receiving purge gas supplied from the outer periphery at the blade portions 16. This provides the effect of pushing the internal fluid of the fluid device 100 back toward the inside of the device and the effect of scattering the internal fluid adhering to the lantern ring 10 by centrifugal force.

[0042] Second Embodiment The shaft sealing device 1 of this embodiment 2 differs from that of the above-described embodiment 1 in the configuration of the lantern ring 10. In this embodiment, the shaft sealing device 1 is configured similarly to that of the above-described embodiment 1 except for the configuration of the lantern ring 10, so only the lantern ring 10, which has a different configuration, will be described, and detailed descriptions of the same components will be omitted.

[0043] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, in the lantern ring 10 of this second embodiment, each of the multiple vane portions 16 has a through-hole 17 formed therethrough in the radial direction. Each vane portion 16 receives an external force from the purge gas and generates a rotational torque. The lantern ring 10 rotates by receiving the purge gas supplied from the outer periphery on the outer surfaces 16s of the vane portions 16. The through-holes 17 allow the purge gas to pass from the outer periphery to the inner periphery of the lantern ring 10. The lantern ring 10 of this example is configured as a split type similar to that of the first embodiment.

[0044] -Features of the second embodiment- In the lantern ring 10 of this second embodiment, a through hole 17 is formed in each vane portion 16. A portion of the purge gas supplied from the gas supply holes 2p flows through the through holes 17 toward the inner periphery of the lantern ring 10. This allows the purge gas to quickly spread around the axial member 110. This allows the internal fluid to be purged around the entire periphery of the lantern ring 10, and the internal fluid can be effectively pushed back.

[0045] <Modification of the second embodiment> As shown in Fig. 10, the lantern ring 10 may be configured as a single-piece molded product rather than a split type. Such a lantern ring 10 does not have a split line 22, but has tapped holes 24 formed in the first annular plate 12. Similar to the second embodiment, the lantern ring 10 of this example is configured to receive purge gas supplied from the outer periphery at the blade portions 16, rotate, and flow toward the inner periphery of the lantern ring 10 through the through holes 17. This effectively pushes back the internal fluid of the fluid device 100.

[0046] First Modified Example As shown in Fig. 11, in the shaft sealing device 1 of this example, purge gas is supplied to the lantern ring 10 from three directions (indicated by the white arrows with two-dot chain lines in Fig. 11). Although not shown, three gas supply holes 2p are formed in the peripheral wall portion of the stuffing box 2 located on the outer periphery of the lantern ring 10. In this example, the gas supply holes 2p are arranged unbalanced in the circumferential direction of the stuffing box 2. Specifically, the gas supply holes 2p are provided directly above and directly below the lantern ring 10 (positions indicated by the up and down arrows with two-dot chain lines in Fig. 11), and on either the left or right side of the lantern ring 10 when viewed in the axial direction Da of the shaft member 110 (positions indicated by the left arrows with two-dot chain lines in Fig. 11).

[0047] In the shaft seal device 1 of this first modified example, purge gas is supplied to the lantern ring 10 from three directions at positions asymmetrical from the left to right. This allows the rotational torque generated in each blade portion 16 by the external force of the purge gas to be efficiently used for the rotational movement of the lantern ring 10. This promotes the rotation of the lantern ring 10. This is advantageous for optimally obtaining the above-mentioned internal fluid pushing-back effect and internal fluid blowing effect.

[0048] Second Modified Example As shown in Fig. 12, in the shaft sealing device 1 of this example, purge gas is supplied to the lantern ring 10 from three directions (indicated by the white arrows in the two-dot chain line in Fig. 12). Although not shown, three gas supply holes 2p are formed in the peripheral wall portion of the stuffing box 2 located on the outer periphery of the lantern ring 10. In this example, the gas supply holes 2p are arranged unbalanced in the circumferential direction of the lantern ring 10. Specifically, the gas supply holes 2p are provided directly below the lantern ring 10 (the positions indicated by the upward arrows in the two-dot chain line in Fig. 12) and on both the left and right sides of the lantern ring 10 when viewed in the axial direction Da of the shaft member 110 (the positions indicated by the left and right arrows in the two-dot chain line in Fig. 12).

[0049] The shaft sealing device 1 of this second modified example can promote rotation of the lantern ring 10, as in the first modified example. This effectively achieves the above-mentioned internal fluid push-back effect and internal fluid splash-off effect. In particular, the shaft sealing device 1 of this example supplies purge gas from a position biased toward the lower side where internal fluid is likely to accumulate, making it advantageous as a shaft sealing device applied to a shaft member 110 extending in the horizontal direction.

[0050] <<Third Modification>> 13 and 14, in the lantern ring 10 of this example, the outer surface 16s of each blade 16 is inclined toward one side in the circumferential direction with respect to the surface facing outward in the radial direction. The outer surfaces 16s of the multiple blades 16 are inclined in the same direction in the circumferential direction of the lantern ring 10. The angle β (see FIG. 14) formed between the outer surface 16s of each blade 16 and a tangent TL on the circumference of the lantern ring 10 at a position corresponding to the center of that outer surface 16s is set to, for example, 5° or more and 20° or less.

[0051] In the lantern ring 10 of this third modification, the outer surface 16s of each vane 16 is inclined to one side in the circumferential direction. When the outer surface 16s of each vane 16 receives the flow of purge gas supplied from the outer periphery, a rotational torque is generated in the direction opposite to the inclined side of the outer surface 16s. This allows the rotation direction of the lantern ring 10 to be set in one direction.

[0052] As described above, preferred embodiments have been described as examples of the technology of the present disclosure. However, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to these, and can be applied to embodiments in which appropriate modifications, substitutions, additions, omissions, etc. are made. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications are possible to the above-described embodiments without departing from the spirit of the technology of the present disclosure, and that such modifications also fall within the scope of the technology of the present disclosure.

[0053] For example, the above embodiment may be configured as follows.

[0054] 15, in the shaft seal device 1, the lantern ring 10 may be installed in the middle of the storage space Sc in the stuffing box 2. In this case, the lantern ring 10 is disposed between the gland packings 3. The lantern ring 10 can be installed at any position in the storage space Sc in the stuffing box 2.

[0055] The lantern ring 10 may be accommodated in the accommodation space Sc in the stuffing box 2 in a posture opposite to that of the first embodiment. That is, the lantern ring 10 may be installed in the accommodation space Sc with the second annular plate 14 positioned on the outboard side and the first annular plate 12 positioned on the inboard side.

[0056] Furthermore, the lantern ring 10 is configured to have a plurality of blade portions 16 that function as fluid receiving portions, but this is not limited to this, and any form may be used as long as it has a fluid receiving portion that receives an external force from the purge gas and generates rotational torque.

[0057] The sliding member 5 may be disposed on only one side of the lantern ring 10 in the axial direction Da. The sliding member 5 may be provided between the lantern ring 10 and the gland packing 3 on the inboard or outboard side of the lantern ring 10. Furthermore, the sliding member 5 may be provided only between the lantern ring 10 and the bottom surface of the stuffing box 2 located on the inboard side.

[0058] In the above embodiment, the sliding member 5 is made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), but polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is only one example of a material for the sliding member 5, and the sliding member 5 may be made of a material other than polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) as long as it is possible to reduce the frictional force generated when the lantern ring 10 rotates.

[0059] In the above embodiment, the shaft sealing device 1 uses purge gas as the pressurized fluid, but purge gas is only one example of a pressurized fluid, and other fluids such as water or grease may be used as the pressurized fluid as long as it is possible to purge the internal fluid in the fluid equipment 100 by circulating the purge gas around the shaft member 110 using the lantern ring 10.

[0060] The first to third modified examples have been described while illustrating the configurations common to the first embodiment, but it is of course possible to adopt the same configurations as the first to third modified examples in the second embodiment as well. [Industrial Applicability]

[0061] As described above, the technology of the present disclosure is useful for lantern rings and shaft sealing devices. [Explanation of symbols]

[0062] 1 Shaft sealing device 2 stuffing box 3 Gland packing (packing) 5 Sliding member 6 Packing retainer 10 Lantern Ring 12 First circular plate 14 Second annular plate 16 Blade section (fluid receiving section) 17 Outer surface of blade 110 Shaft member

Claims

1. A lantern ring that allows pressurized fluid to flow around a shaft member of a shaft sealing device, a pair of annular plates arranged opposite to each other; a plurality of blade portions provided between the pair of annular plates at intervals in the circumferential direction, The vane portion has an outer surface that receives a flow of pressurized fluid, and is inclined with respect to the axial direction of the lantern ring so that the outer surface faces one of the annular plates, and the outer surface of the vane portion is inclined to one side in the circumferential direction with respect to a surface that faces outward in the radial direction of the lantern ring, The lantern ring has a plurality of blade portions each functioning as a fluid receiving portion that receives pressurized fluid supplied from the outer periphery, and receives an external force from the pressurized fluid on the outer surface to generate a rotational torque.

2. 2. The lantern ring of claim 1, A lantern ring, wherein an angle formed between an outer surface of the blade portion and a radial direction of the lantern ring passing through the outer surface in a direction perpendicular to the outer surface is set to be equal to or greater than 30° and equal to or less than 70°.

3. a stuffing box into which the shaft member is inserted; a packing and a lantern ring accommodated in an accommodation space formed between an inner peripheral surface of the stuffing box and the shaft member and arranged in an axial direction of the shaft member; a packing gland that presses the packing in the axial direction of the shaft member, A shaft sealing device, wherein the lantern ring is the lantern ring according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The shaft seal device according to claim 3, The lantern ring further includes a ring-shaped sliding member that is accommodated in the accommodation space and disposed on one or both sides in the axial direction of the lantern ring. The sliding member reduces the frictional force generated when the lantern ring rotates.

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