The present invention is directed to a photothermographic element in which the density formed in a thermally processed photothermographic element is limited for the purpose of scanning the element prior to removal of silver halide, metallic silver, andor any organic silver salts. By providing hard contact between the pumpmotor drive plates and a common shaft, the drive plates and shaft act as a substantially solid element under compression, thereby substantially canceling axial loads generated by the pumpmotors directly through the shaft. A first seal is located on the passage wall proximate a first end of the body.