Ipsen, Cherry Valley, Ill., was recently awarded a U.S. patent for the development of a new shaft-sealing mechanism. This invention enables motors to be located outside of the vacuum chamber, thus placing it in a cooler and more stable environment. Relocation of the motor has numerous advantages, including extended motor life and a longer interval between rebuilds.
In addition, placing the motor outside in ambient air means that a step-down transformer for argon cooling gas is no longer needed. Maintenance has also been simplified, with users able to easily grease bearings, monitor vibration, and perform routine maintenance checks. Combined with Ipsen’s unique, innovative production and assembly process that integrates premium components, this lowers the cost of ownership.
Chief Engineer Craig Moller, Chief Operating Officer Jake Hamid, and Dr. W. Hendrik Grobler, the named inventors on the patent, began formulating this design seven years ago for Ipsen’s Titan vacuum furnace lines. Today, this innovative shaft seal is present in every Titan furnace in the field – almost 200 total to date. Since the installation of this shaft seal on the first Titan unit in 2009, the furnaces have experienced thousands of hours of trouble-free operation.
With more than 120 approved and 50 pending patents worldwide, Ipsen’s shaft seal is just one invention among many that helps improve day-to-day operations.
