A sealing system is disclosed for preventing liquid escape from the
reservoir of an apparatus, such as an x-ray tube, that utilizes a
diaphragm for maintaining constant liquid pressure in the reservoir. The
sealing system of embodiments of the present invention contains liquid
that leaks from the reservoir as a result of rupture or other failure of
the diaphragm. In one embodiment, a diaphragm cooperates with an outer
housing of an x-ray tube to define a reservoir for containing a cooling
liquid. The diaphragm sealing system surrounds the diaphragm and includes
a semi-permeable membrane that enables air to pass through to the
diaphragm to expose it to atmospheric pressure for proper operation
thereof. Upon diaphragm failure, the membrane has hydrophobic and
oleophobic properties to prevent cooling liquid from escaping the
diaphragm sealing system, and hence, the x-ray tube, thereby preventing
the cooling liquid from presenting a health or safety hazard.