The manufacture of precision strips with extremely close tolerances from copper and copper alloys requires a continuous kiln with heating and cooling zones for tempering the strip in closed chambers containing an inert gas atmosphere. The tempering process permits recrystallization after previous rolling, in order to achieve the desired mechanical and physical parameters such as expansion, grain size and strength. The strips are transported through the plant without contact on a gas cushion generated by a system of nozzles. The energy required by the flow of gas for this purpose is provided by fans. For reasons of assembly and servicing, the fan motors are mounted outside the chambers. Since very little space is available, the entry of the shafts into the processing area must be implemented with a very short shaft seal. This system protects the copper strips from the oxygen in the atmosphere.

Solution from EagleBurgmann Espey:

To meet the operator's needs, EagleBurgmann Espey selected an Espey WDKS with barrier gas port, 3 seal rings and a length of no more than 50 mm (1.97 “). Because of its split casing it can easily be fitted without dismantling the motors or other components. The seal is designed for a temperature of 150 °C (302 °F), a pressure of 1.053 bar (15.27 PSI) and a rotation speed of 1500 rpm. Nitrogen is used as the barrier gas, which guarantees that no oxygen gets into the inert gas zones. The seal solution has a long service life, is maintenance-free, and compensates for shaft deflections.

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