Sealing system, container with sealing system and motor vehicle with container

Abstract

The invention relates to a sealing system, a container with a sealing system and a motor vehicle with a container. Hot fluids, in particular hot gases or gas mixtures, are contained in and / or flow through a container or a line piece, the sealing system comprising: an inner first sealing region which directly contacts the hot fluid present in the container or line piece, an outer second sealing region which is arranged at a distance from the first sealing region, wherein the first sealing region has at least one first sealing element which is arranged and designed such that a partial volume of the hot fluid flows past the first sealing element to the sealing region. It is proposed here that the second sealing region has at least one further sealing element which is designed to achieve a complete sealing of the second sealing region, the first sealing region is provided to cool the fluid flowing to the second sealing region, a fluid channel is formed between the limiting region and the enclosing region, in which fluid channel the cooled fluid is contained.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sealing system for a container or piping fitting in which a hot fluid, particularly a hot gas or gas mixture, is contained and / or flows through, wherein the sealing system comprises: an interior confined region in direct contact with the interior of the hot fluid present in the container or piping fitting; and an outer closed region arranged at a distance from the confined region, wherein the confined region has at least one limiting element arranged and designed such that a portion of the volume of the hot fluid flows toward the closed region beside the limiting element. Background Technology

[0002] Various sealing systems are known from the prior art, particularly sealing systems for gas turbine engines in aircraft. Reference is made in particular to DE 41 23 303A1 and US 4 889 348A. A sealing device is known from US 2006 0125188A, in which a cooling fluid is used to enable expansion or contraction of the seal. DE 10 2020 127 772 A1 discloses a cooling plate for a fuel cell, wherein liquid-fillable channels, which are part of a sealing device, are arranged outside the chemically active region.

[0003] When sealing high-temperature or hot media or fluids, especially steam or gaseous media, special fluorinated seals are typically used to provide durability to the seals in contact with the hot media. These seals are usually quite expensive, and it has been shown that their sealing effectiveness degrades relatively quickly, necessitating replacement. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a sealing system that avoids the above-mentioned drawbacks.

[0005] Therefore, a sealing system for containers or piping components is proposed, in which a hot fluid, particularly a hot gas or gas mixture, is contained and / or flows through. This sealing system comprises: an internal confined region in direct contact with the hot fluid present in the container or piping component; and an external closed region arranged at a distance from the confined region, wherein the confined region has at least one limiting element arranged and designed such that a portion of the volume of the hot fluid flows toward the closed region beside the limiting element. Specifically, the closed region has at least one sealing element designed to achieve a complete seal of the closed region, and the confined region is configured to cool the fluid flowing toward the closed region, wherein a fluid channel is formed between the confined region and the closed region, the fluid channel containing the cooled fluid.

[0006] This sealing system prevents direct contact between hot fluids, particularly hot gases, and the inherent sealing material. The confined area essentially keeps the hot fluid within the fluid space of the container or piping, where a small volume fraction of the hot fluid can flow from the confined area to the closed area. During this process, the flowing volume fraction is cooled. At least a partial phase change from gaseous to liquid can occur here. The fluid then reaching the closed area, and particularly to at least one sealing element, then has a temperature capable of achieving low wear and a reliable seal. Therefore, an intermediate fluid chamber is formed between the confined and closed areas, which can be filled with a cooled fluid, particularly a multiphase fluid.

[0007] Therefore, the restricted area with at least one limiting element has a throttling function for the hot fluid, wherein the flow of the hot fluid is restricted. The enclosed area provides an external seal. Regarding the hot fluid, it should be noted that it can have a temperature of approximately 100°C to 1200°C, particularly approximately 200°C to 800°C. The hot fluid can be, for example, exhaust gas from a combustion process, process gas from a fuel cell, refrigerant in a refrigeration system, etc.

[0008] In a sealing system, the limiting element of the restricted area can be designed as a cooling channel in which cooling fluid circulates or flows. If multiple (e.g., two) limiting elements are provided, these elements can be designed as a process section and a return section for the cooling fluid.

[0009] The circulation of cooling fluid in the limiting element can be adjusted according to the temperature of the hot fluid and / or the pressure in the container or piping and / or the volumetric flow rate of the hot fluid.

[0010] In a sealing system, the cross-sectional shape of the limiting element can be changed, particularly deformable under force, thereby allowing adjustment of the gap formed between the limiting element and the container wall or between two limiting elements. Alternatively, the limiting element can be designed with a fixed cross-sectional shape. This allows adjustment, particularly reduction or increase, of the distance between the limiting element and the container wall or between two limiting elements. It is also conceivable that this distance can be reduced to such an extent, through corresponding deformation, that no or almost no hot fluid flows into the enclosed area. In particular, it is conceivable that the two limiting elements come into contact with each other, especially under pressure. In this case, the limiting area can also act as a seal.

[0011] In this sealing system, the limiting element can be made of metal. In this case, optimized heat dissipation of the hot fluid can be achieved by means of one or more limiting elements made of metal, preferably by inputting heat into the cooling fluid circulating in the limiting element.

[0012] In a sealing system, the confined area may have two confining elements that are opposite to each other or at least partially overlap, and these two confining elements are arranged and designed such that hot fluid flows between the confining elements into the closed area.

[0013] In a sealing system, the sealing element for the enclosed area can be an elastomeric seal.

[0014] In a sealing system, the closed area may have two opposing first sealing elements as sealing elements, with a second sealing element arranged between the two first sealing elements.

[0015] In a sealing system, the cross-sectional shape of the first sealing element can be variable, particularly deformable under force, so that the force acting on the second sealing element can be adjusted, or the cross-sectional shape of the first sealing element can be designed to be fixed.

[0016] In a sealing system, the first sealing element can be made of metal, while the second sealing element is specifically made of an elastomer. The reason why a design with an elastomer as the second sealing element can be considered in such a sealing system is that the fluid in contact with the second sealing element has been cooled. Therefore, conventional elastomers can be used, and the use of fluorine can be avoided.

[0017] In sealing systems, it is also conceivable to use fluid channels formed between the confined and enclosed areas, allowing cooled fluid to circulate or actively circulate within the fluid channels, particularly along the confined and enclosed areas.

[0018] In a container for a hot fluid under pressure, the container has a fluid space in which the hot fluid is contained or circulated, and this fluid space may be at least partially or substantially completely confined by the aforementioned sealing system. Motor vehicles, for example, may be equipped with such containers for cooling vehicle components.

[0019] The sealing system described herein is not limited to use in motor vehicles. Rather, it can be used in various applications where hot fluids are contained in or flow through containers, piping, or other components, requiring external sealing. In particular, this sealing system can also be used in power plants or turbines. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Further advantages and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings show:

[0021] Figure 1 This is a simplified schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a sealing system;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a simplified schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a sealing system;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a simplified schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a sealing system;

[0024] Figure 4 This is a simplified schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a sealing system;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a simplified schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a sealing system;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a simplified schematic cross-sectional view of an example of a sealing system. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Figure 1 A simplified and schematic cross-sectional view of a sealing system 10 for a container 12 or piping is shown, in which a hot fluid 14h, particularly a hot gas or gas mixture, is contained and / or flows.

[0028] The sealing system 10 includes an internal confined area 16 that is in direct contact with the hot fluid 14h present in the container 12 (or piping). An outer enclosed area 18 is arranged to be separated from the confined area 16 by a distance AB.

[0029] The restricted area 16 has two opposing restrictive elements 16-1 and 16-2, which are arranged and designed such that the hot fluid 14h flows between the restrictive elements toward the closed area 18, as indicated by the white outline arrow. Therefore, only an incomplete or partial seal can be provided in the restricted area 16, which can also be understood as the throttling function of the restricted area.

[0030] The enclosed region 18 has two opposing first sealing elements 18-1 and 18-2, and a second sealing element 20 is accommodated between the two first sealing elements 18-1 and 18-2, so that the enclosed region 18 achieves a complete seal of the container 12 to the outside. The first sealing elements 18-1 and 18-2 shown here can also be understood as reinforcing elements in the enclosed region 18.

[0031] Here, the restricted region 16 is configured to cool the fluid 14h flowing toward the enclosed region 18. In particular, at least a partial phase change of the fluid 14k in contact with the enclosed region 18 can be achieved through cooling.

[0032] The limiting elements 16-1 and 16-2 in the limiting area 16 can be designed as cooling channels in which cooling fluid circulates. Figure 1The image is shown by two opposing arrows, VL and RL. The cooling fluid circulation in the limiting elements 16-1 and 16-2 can be adjusted according to the temperature of the hot fluid 14h and / or the pressure in the container 12 (or piping) and / or the volumetric flow rate of the hot fluid 14h.

[0033] from Figure 2 As can be seen, according to one embodiment of the sealing system 10, the cross-sectional shape of the limiting elements 16-1, 16-2 can be changed, particularly deformable under force, as indicated by two vertically oriented double arrows VF. Utilizing this deformability VF, the gap ZR formed between the limiting elements 16-1, 16-2 can be adjusted (see also...). Figure 1 Alternatively, the limiting elements 16-1 and 16-2 can also be designed with a fixed cross-sectional shape, for example, having a constant gap ZR, such as... Figure 1 As shown.

[0034] The limiting elements 16-1 and 16-2 can be made of metal. This ensures good thermal conductivity, thereby utilizing the cooling fluid (arrows VL and RL) circulating in the limiting elements 16-1 and 16-2 to remove heat from the hot fluid 14h as it flows between the limiting elements 16-1 and 16-2.

[0035] Figure 3 An embodiment of the sealing system 10 is shown, wherein the cross-sectional shapes of the first sealing elements 18-1, 18-2 can be varied, particularly deformed under force (double arrow VF2). For this purpose, the first sealing elements 18-1, 18-2 can be filled with fluid, allowing them to expand to a certain extent. Therefore, the force acting on the second sealing element 20 can be adjusted by the first sealing elements 18-1, 18-2 to increase the sealing effect of the closed area 18 as needed. Alternatively, the cross-sectional shapes of the first sealing elements 18-1, 18-2 can be fixed, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown by the cross-shading in the exemplary embodiment.

[0036] The first sealing elements 18-1 and 18-2 may be made of metal. The second sealing element 20 may be made of an elastomer.

[0037] Combination Figures 1 to 3 As can be seen, in each embodiment (which may also be combined with each other), a fluid channel 22 is formed between the restricted region 16 and the closed region 18, which contains at least partially multiphase, particularly cooled fluid 14k.

[0038] Limiting elements 16-1, 16-2 and first sealing elements 18-1, 18-2 in Figures 1 to 3The shape is simplified and exemplarily shown as an ellipse. It should be noted that this shape is not mandatory, and the limiting element or sealing element may also have other (cross-sectional) shapes.

[0039] Figure 4 One embodiment is shown in which only one limiting element 16-1 is arranged in the restricted area 16. In this example, a gap ZR is formed by the limiting element 16-1 and the wall 12w of the container 12, through which hot fluid can flow to the enclosed area 18.

[0040] Cooling fluid can also flow through the limiting element 16-1, as indicated by arrow VL. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the limiting element 16-1 can be deformed, particularly for adjusting the size of the gap ZR, as indicated by double arrow VF1.

[0041] exist Figure 4 In the example, sealing element 18-n is arranged in the closed region 18. This single sealing element 18-n can be, for example, an elastomeric seal. In this example, it is shown having a substantially rectangular cross-section.

[0042] Figure 5 One embodiment is shown in which only one limiting element 16-1 is arranged in the limiting region 16. In this case, the limiting element 16-1 is received between the container walls 12-w with a corresponding gap ZR. Therefore, hot fluid can flow to the second sealing region 18 from both sides of the limiting element 16-1. The arrangement of the limiting element 16-1 shown here can also be understood as a suspended arrangement, since the limiting element is essentially surrounded by fluid in all directions. However, the limiting element 16-1 arranged in this way is also connected to the container 12 or the wall 12w by one or more fasteners 30 in order to hold it in the desired position.

[0043] Cooling fluid can also flow through the limiting element 16-1, as indicated by arrow VL. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the limiting element 16-1 can be deformed, particularly for adjusting the size of the gap ZR, as indicated by double arrow VF1.

[0044] exist Figure 5 In the example, sealing element 18-n is arranged in the closed region 18. This single sealing element 18-n can be, for example, an elastomeric seal. As shown in this example, the sealing element has a substantially circular cross-section.

[0045] Figure 6One embodiment is shown in which only one limiting element 16-1 is arranged in the restricted area 16. The limiting element 16-1 is designed as a trapezoidal channel. In this example, the limiting element 16-1 and the wall 12w of the container 12 form a gap ZR through which hot fluid can flow to the enclosed area 18.

[0046] Cooling fluid can also flow through the limiting element 16-1, as indicated by arrow VL. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the limiting element 16-1 is deformable, particularly for adjusting the dimensions of the gap ZR, as indicated by double arrow VF1.

[0047] exist Figure 6 In the example, sealing element 18-n is arranged in the closed region 18. This single sealing element 18-n can be, for example, an elastomeric seal. The example shows the polygonal shape of sealing element 18-n, which specifically matches the shape of container 12, for example, for reinforcement or strengthening purposes.

[0048] refer to Figures 1 to 6 In the above examples, it should be noted that various configurations of the restrictive region 16 and the enclosed region 18 can be combined with each other as needed. Therefore, for example, it is conceivable to use different configurations in a sealing system according to... Figure 1 Restricted area 16 and according to Figure 4 The enclosed area is composed of 18 combinations. However, it is also conceivable to base it on... Figure 3 The enclosed area 18 and according to Figure 2 The restricted area has 16 combinations. Therefore... Figures 1 to 6 All embodiments shown are merely examples of how their various features can be combined with each other.

[0049] Regarding the accumulation state of fluids 14h and 14k, it should be further noted that the hot fluid 14h can be a gas, a gas mixture, or a condensate. Specifically, the hot fluid 14h can be directed through or flow through container 12 or piping, or can be contained or stored therein substantially without flow. The cooled fluid 14k can be a cooling gas or a gas mixture, or a liquid or a condensate, wherein the cooled fluid 14k can also be a multiphase mixture, such as a cooling gas with a liquid component, like a refrigerant in a refrigeration system.

[0050] Figures 1 to 6 The container 12 shown for the hot fluid 14h under pressure has only Figures 1 to 6 The fluid space 24 shown contains or circulates the hot fluid 14h. From Figures 1 to 6 As can be seen, the fluid space 24 can be defined at least partially or substantially entirely by the aforementioned sealing system 10.

[0051] Regarding the exemplary embodiments described above, it should also be noted that the limiting region 16, having at least one limiting element 16-1, 16-2, has a throttling function for the hot fluid, thereby restricting the passage of the hot fluid. The enclosed region 18 provides an external seal.

[0052] Regarding the heat fluid, it should be noted that it can have temperatures ranging from approximately 100°C to 1200°C, particularly from approximately 200°C to 800°C. Heat fluids can be, for example, exhaust gases from combustion processes, process gases from fuel cells, or refrigerants in refrigeration systems.

[0053] Motor vehicles, not shown in detail, may be equipped with such a container 12 for cooling vehicle components.

[0054] The use of the sealing system 10 presented herein is not limited to the field of motor vehicles. Rather, it can be used in various applications where hot fluid 14h is contained in or flows through a container 12, piping, or other component, and an external seal is required. In particular, this sealing system 10 can also be used in power plants or turbines, etc.

Claims

1. A sealing system (10) for a container (12) or piping, wherein a hot fluid is contained in the container (12) or piping and / or flows through the container (12) or piping, wherein, The sealing system (10) includes: An internal confined area (16) that is in direct contact with the hot fluid present in the container (12) or piping. An outer enclosed area (18) is arranged at a certain distance (AB) from the restricted area (16). The restricted area (16) has at least one restricting element (16-1, 16-2), which is arranged and designed such that a portion of the volume of the hot fluid flows through the restricting element (16-1, 16-2) into the enclosed area (18). The feature is that the enclosed region (18) has at least one sealing element (18-1, 18-2; 20), said sealing element being designed to achieve a complete seal of the enclosed region (18). The restricted area (16) is configured to cool the fluid reaching the closed area (18), and a fluid channel (22) is formed between the restricted area (16) and the closed area (18), in which the cooled fluid is contained.

2. The sealing system (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting elements (16-1, 16-2) of the restricted area (16) are designed as cooling channels (VL, RL) in which cooling fluid circulates.

3. The sealing system (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cooling fluid circulation in the limiting elements (16-1, 16-2) can be adjusted according to the temperature of the hot fluid and / or the pressure in the container (12) or piping and / or the volumetric flow rate of the hot fluid.

4. The sealing system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The cross-sectional shape of the limiting elements (16-1, 16-2) can be changed, thereby adjusting the gap (ZR) formed between the limiting elements and the container wall or between the two limiting elements, or the limiting elements (16-1, 16-2) can be designed with a fixed cross-sectional shape.

5. The sealing system (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The limiting elements (16-1, 16-2) are made of metal.

6. The sealing system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The restricted area (16) has two restrictive elements (16-1, 16-2) that are opposite to each other or at least partially overlap, the restrictive elements being arranged and designed such that hot fluid flows between the restrictive elements toward the closed area (18).

7. The sealing system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The sealing element of the enclosed area (18) is an elastomeric seal.

8. The sealing system (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The closed area (18) as an additional sealing element has: two first sealing elements (18-1, 18-2) opposite to each other, and a second sealing element (20) disposed between the first sealing elements.

9. The sealing system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The cross-sectional shape of the first sealing element (18-1, 18-2) can be changed so that the force acting on the second sealing element (20) can be adjusted, or the first sealing element (18-1, 18-2) can be designed with a fixed cross-sectional shape.

10. The sealing system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hot fluid (14h) is a hot gas or a mixture of gases.

11. The sealing system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The cross-sectional shape of the limiting elements (16-1, 16-2) can be deformed under the action of force.

12. The sealing system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first sealing element can deform under force.

13. A container (12) for a hot fluid (14h) under pressure, the container (12) having a fluid space (24) in which the hot fluid is contained or in which the hot fluid circulates, characterized in that, The fluid space (24) is defined at least partially or substantially entirely by the sealing system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims.

14. A motor vehicle having a container (12) according to claim 13.

15. The motor vehicle according to claim 14, characterized in that, The container is designed to cool vehicle components.

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