Patent attributes
Systems and methods are presented for sealing a higher pressure fluid cavity from a lower pressure fluid cavity in a rotating machine. The cavities are at least partially disposed between a rotatable shaft and a housing. The seal assembly comprises a runner mounting assembly, a circumferential ceramic runner, a carbon seal ring, and an annular seal member. The carbon seal ring is sealing engaged with the housing and at least a portion of the runner to thereby form a boundary between the higher pressure fluid cavity and the lower pressure fluid cavity. The annular seal member is coupled to the housing axially displaced from the seal ring in the lower pressure fluid cavity. The seal member has a curvilinear face surface that engages the runner.
