Sealing detection system and method

Abstract

A seal detection device includes at least one seal having an outer surface, where the outer surface is partially composed of a side surface and an axial surface. The at least one sealing element is provided with at least one sealing element mark, and the sealing element mark is arranged on the side face or the axial face of the at least one sealing element. The at least one seal may also be provided with a unique code and may be associated with related seal data (e.g., seal material, installation date, last maintenance date, next predetermined maintenance / replacement, material security data table, etc.

Description

[0001] This invention application is a divisional application of Chinese patent application CN201880072468.8. Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to the inspection of seals, and more particularly to a system and method for determining relevant characteristics of seals. Background Technology

[0003] Seal inspection devices are used to determine when seals should be repaired or replaced. Existing seal inspection devices lack the ability to analyze the seal surface by referring to known reference objects or, alternatively, to previously provided images of existing seal surfaces.

[0004] U.S. Patent No. 8,166,891, granted to Borowski et al., discloses a concentric V-shaped structure on a sealing surface for visual inspection of proper installation. U.S. Patent No. 7,477,374, granted to Schmidt et al., discloses a method and apparatus for inspecting a sealing surface, wherein an optical deflector is used to scatter light through the sealing surface. U.S. Patent No. 7,405,818, granted to Heinzen, discloses a self-monitoring static seal that uses an optical sensor and a wear indicator on the sealing surface. U.S. Patent Nos. 9,168,696, granted to Farrell, and 9,662,833, granted to Farrell et al., disclose the use of lasers to alter the optical properties of the sealing surface.

[0005] U.S. Patent No. 8282013 to Stewart et al. discloses a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip that is embedded in an O-ring or other fluid seal during the manufacturing process. This embedded RFID chip can be used as a passive tag or onboard chip, functioning as a radio receiver or transmitter and storing electronic data. A drawback of Stewart et al.'s invention is the addition of an extra component to the O-ring or fluid seal: the RFID chip, which needs to be embedded during the manufacturing stage.

[0006] There is a need in this field for an inexpensive solution to track the condition of seal surfaces and provide guidance based on maintenance and / or replacement needs. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a seal detection device is provided. The seal detection device includes at least one seal having an outer surface, wherein the outer surface is partially composed of a side surface and a axial surface. The at least one seal is provided with at least one seal mark, and the seal mark is located on the side surface or axial surface of the at least one seal. The at least one seal may also be provided with a unique code, which can be associated with relevant seal data (e.g., seal material, installation date, last maintenance date, next scheduled maintenance / replacement, material safety data sheet, etc.).

[0008] In another exemplary embodiment formed according to the present invention, a seal detection system is provided. The seal detection system includes: at least one seal having at least one sealing surface and an outer surface, the outer surface including an edge region surface and an axially facing surface; at least one seal mark located on the outer surface of the at least one seal, the at least one seal mark being configured to be readable in both installed and uninstalled states, wherein the at least one seal mark is associated with at least one associated seal information feature of the at least one seal; at least one sealed element including a contact surface communicating with at least one sealing surface of the at least one seal, the at least one seal mark being associated with the at least one sealed element; and a means configured to store at least one associated seal information feature.

[0009] In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method for tracking the sealing performance between a seal and a sealed element is provided. The method includes the steps of: providing a seal configured for the sealed element; marking the seal with a seal mark; identifying the seal by a unique code; marking the sealed element with a sealed element mark; identifying the element by a unique code; visually inspecting the sealing surface of the seal to determine if the seal is acceptable; visually inspecting the sealed surface to determine if the sealed surface is acceptable; and optionally identifying the connection torque between the sealed element and the seal to generate torque curve data indicating the compression condition of the seal.

[0010] One example of a code that can be placed on seals and sealing elements is a unique two-dimensional code (QR code) placed as a sticker or otherwise. Other possible approaches include augmented reality concepts or measuring plates that clamp the seal between a measuring plate and the surface being sealed, where information about the seal is detected by magnetic, acoustic, or capacitive, resistive, or impedance methods.

[0011] To determine whether a seal surface is suitable for sealing, a reference seal surface image can be stored and associated with the seal's markings. The user can then obtain a current image of the seal surface and compare it to the reference image to determine the difference between the two. If the deviation between the current image and the reference image exceeds a predetermined threshold, the system can indicate that the seal needs to be replaced. Attached Figure Description

[0012] The above and other features and advantages of the invention, as well as the ways of achieving these features and advantages, will become more apparent and better understood from the following description of embodiments of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 A seal inspection device is shown; Figure 2 A seal inspection system is shown; Figure 3 A seal with an axially oriented contact surface is shown; and Figure 4 A method for tracking sealing performance is shown.

[0013] In these views, corresponding reference numerals denote corresponding parts. The examples described herein illustrate embodiments of the invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any way. Detailed Implementation

[0014] Now refer to the attached diagram, and more specifically, refer to... Figure 1 The image illustrates a seal testing device 10, which typically includes one or more seals 12 and one or more markings 14 located on the seals 12. The seal testing device 10 can be incorporated into a variety of applications across various industries, where the seals 12 are used to seal components. For example, the seal testing device 10 can be used for plate heat exchanger gaskets, manway seals on railway vehicles, gaskets on various valves and engine assemblies, seals in piping systems, annular seals, shaft seals, and other applications.

[0015] The seal 12 can be in any desired form (such as a gasket placed between two or more mating surfaces of the sealed element 24). The seal 12 can be made of any desired material (such as rubber, plastic or other materials used for sealing).

[0016] Mark 14 can be in the form of any machine-readable optical label (such as a barcode, QR code, data matrix, etc.). Mark 14 can be associated with information about seal 12 (such as the type of seal 12, seal model, manufacturing date of seal 12, installation date, material of seal 12, previous and / or subsequent service intervals, photographs or service reports of previous inspections of seal 12, replacement date of seal 12, and any other required information). Furthermore, mark 14 can be associated with the element 24 to be sealed or other hardware on which seal 12 is to be installed. Mark 14 can be located at any desired location on seal 12. For example, mark 14 can be located on the edge region 20 of seal 12, such as an axially oriented surface, which does not contact the sealing surface of the element 24 to be sealed. Figure 2 Furthermore, for example, mark 14 can be placed on contact surface 22, or as... Figure 3 As shown, the mark 14 is positioned axially towards the contact surface 32. Alternatively, the mark 14 can be placed in the non-contact or non-sealing area 18 or the minimum contact area to minimize the impact of the mark 14 on the sealing performance. The mark 14 can also be incorporated into the seal 12 so that when the seal is correctly installed, the mark 14 can only be read by the optical device 26 (e.g., scanner, optical sensor, mobile phone, etc.). Figure 2 As shown. If seal 12 is not installed or is not installed correctly, mark 14 may be unreadable, but mark 14 can be readable when seal 12 is deformed after proper installation. In other words, mark 14 can be readable when seal 12 is subjected to a suitable amount of compression and / or torsion, which deforms (e.g., bulges) the area of ​​seal 12 where mark 14 is located, thus making the size, shape, and / or depth of mark 14 readable. For example, if mark 14 is located on the side of seal 12, the side of seal 12 may bulge after installation and compression, enlarging the size of mark 14. Therefore, mark 14 is only readable when seal 12 is installed correctly. This ensures proper assembly when seal 12 is first installed or after inspection.

[0017] Mark 14 may be placed and / or engraved on seal 12. For example, mark 14 may be placed on seal 12 by sticker or other means. Alternatively, mark 14 may be etched onto the surface of seal 12 by photoablation using a light source 16 (e.g., laser 16). Laser 16 can engrave mark 14 of any desired size, shape, and / or depth; for example, laser 16 can create a rectangular data matrix with a depth of approximately 15-20 micrometers. Mark 14 may be laser-etched during or after the manufacture of seal 12. Laser 16 may be in the form of any desired laser (e.g., a commercially available laser).

[0018] Now for reference Figure 4 This document illustrates a method for monitoring the seal between a seal 12 and a sealed element 24. The method typically includes the following steps: marking the seal 12 with one or more markings 14; identifying the markings 14 on the seal 12; obtaining information about the seal 12; inspecting the seal 12; examining mating and / or non-matting surfaces; and reinstalling or replacing the seal 12. This method can be performed by one or more persons. For example, a field person can perform the method, or alternatively, the person performing the method can include both field and non-field personnel (e.g., a remote inspector). It is also conceivable that an automated program can perform the method independently or in conjunction with personnel.

[0019] Initially, as described above, the seal 12 can be marked using a marker 14, such as a QR code. It is also conceivable to mark the element 24 or hardware sealed by the seal 12. The method further includes the step of storing relevant data associated with the marker 14 located on the seal 12 and / or the marker located on the element 24 to be sealed.

[0020] Mark 14 and / or the element to be sealed 24 can be identified by scanning mark 14 and / or the element to be sealed 24. To identify seal 12 and / or the element to be sealed 24, mark 14 can be scanned by a person or an automated computer scanner. For this purpose, a person can use a mobile phone with an image acquisition device 28 to scan mark 14. After scanning mark 14, the person can view previously stored data 30 associated with seal 12 and / or the element to be sealed 24. As mentioned above, mark 14 can only be scanned or otherwise identified when seal 12 is correctly installed.

[0021] Acquiring information and inspecting seal 12 may include: obtaining images of seal 12 and visually inspecting seal 12 and / or the sealed element 24. The surface of seal 12 may be visually inspected to determine whether seal 12 is in an acceptable condition. For example, personnel may perform visual analysis, scan, photograph, or write reports, upload them to a remote database for review by off-site personnel or off-site computer programs, and / or on-site computer programs may perform visual analysis of seal 12. Visual inspection may include: visually identifying defects in seal 12 and / or analyzing seal 12 by comparing it with previous visual inspections (e.g., previous reports or photographs of seal 12). For example, to determine whether a seal is an acceptable seal, personnel may compare a current image of the seal surface with a reference seal surface image (e.g., a previous photograph of seal 12 or a standard model of seal associated with mark 14 and previously stored in a database). If the deviation between the current image of the seal surface and the reference seal surface image exceeds a predetermined threshold, personnel or a computer program may indicate that seal 12 needs to be repaired or replaced. Visual inspection of seal 12 may also be performed. For example, visual inspection of seal 12 may include: visually inspecting the sealed element 24, visually inspecting the contact surfaces of the sealed element 24, and / or visually inspecting non-contact or non-sealing surfaces where seal 12 is not attached.

[0022] It should be understood that detecting the seal 12 may also include collecting and analyzing any relevant data. For example, the method may also include collecting and analyzing torque information between the seal 12 and the sealed element 24. Torque information can be collected automatically, for example, by a torque clamp itself, and can be wirelessly transmitted to a remote database. The torque information can be used to generate a torque curve representing the compression of the seal 12.

[0023] Reinstalling or replacing seal 12 may include reinstalling the same seal 12, repairing seal 12, or replacing seal 12 to install a new seal 12.

[0024] After installation, it may be necessary to rescan the mark 14 on the seal, as the mark 14 can only be identified after correct installation, thus ensuring that the seal 12 has been correctly (re)installed. Therefore, this method can be used to maintain records of the initial installation, the current state of the seal 12 and / or the sealed element 24, and to check whether the seal 12 has been correctly assembled.

[0025] As an example, monitoring of gaskets on plate heat exchangers can be provided. Personnel can scan unique keymarks on the heat exchanger at specific locations and / or markings on the plate heat exchanger seals that seal different fluid channels. This personnel can use their mobile phones to obtain images of the plate heat exchanger gaskets and send them to off-site personnel who will analyze the seals. Based on the off-site personnel's or computer program's determination of whether the seals are in the correct or incorrect condition, on-site personnel can reinstall or replace the plate heat exchanger gaskets. After reassembling the heat exchanger, on-site personnel can rescan the plate heat exchanger seals to ensure they are correctly installed. Additionally, torque information between the tie rods on the plate heat exchanger can be used to further determine whether the plate heat exchanger gaskets have been correctly assembled after inspection. Therefore, various problems related to missing seals, insufficient torque during heat exchanger assembly, and invalid seals can be significantly reduced or completely eliminated.

[0026] Although the invention has been described in conjunction with at least one embodiment, further modifications can be made to the invention within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or modifications of the invention using the general principles of the invention. Furthermore, this application is intended to cover any deviations from this disclosure within the known or customary practice of the field to which this invention pertains.

Claims

1. A seal detection device, comprising: At least one seal, the at least one seal comprising at least one sealing surface and at least one non-sealing surface; At least one seal mark is located on the outer surface of the at least one seal, wherein the at least one seal mark is configured to be in an unreadable, undeformed state when not compressed and / or torsion in an installed state, and is configured to be in a readable deformed state when the at least one seal mark is compressed and / or torsion in an installed state. The at least one seal marking is a machine-readable optical marking; and An optical device for reading the at least one seal mark; The optical device is configured to display a reference seal surface image associated with the at least one seal mark, thereby enabling a person to compare the reference seal surface image to determine the difference between the reference seal surface image and the current state of the at least one seal; Specifically, the at least one seal mark is in the readable state only when an installation force is applied to the at least one seal, causing the area of ​​the at least one seal mark located to deform in order to indicate that the at least one seal is in a correctly installed state.

2. The sealing detection device according to claim 1, wherein, The outer surface includes an edge region surface and an axially oriented surface.

3. The sealing detection device according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one sealing element is a gasket.

4. The sealing detection device according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one seal mark is associated with at least one related seal information feature.

5. The sealing detection device according to claim 2, wherein, The at least one seal mark is located on the surface of the edge region.

6. The sealing detection device according to claim 1, wherein, A laser is used to etch the at least one seal mark.

7. The sealing detection device according to claim 6, wherein, The at least one seal mark is a rectangular data matrix with a depth of 15-20 μm.

8. A seal detection system, comprising: At least one seal, the at least one seal comprising at least one sealing surface and at least one non-sealing surface; At least one seal mark is located on the outer surface of the at least one seal, wherein the at least one seal mark is configured to be in a readable deformed state when the at least one seal mark is compressed and / or twisted in an installed state, and is configured to be in an unreadable undeformed state when not compressed and / or twisted in an installed state, and the at least one seal mark is associated with at least one associated seal information feature of the at least one seal; At least one sealed element, the at least one sealed element including a contact surface communicating with the at least one sealing surface of the at least one seal, the at least one seal being marked and associated with the at least one sealed element; and A device configured to store the at least one associated seal information feature; The device includes an optical device for reading the at least one seal mark, wherein the optical device is configured to display a reference seal surface image associated with the at least one seal mark, thereby enabling a person to compare the reference seal surface image to determine the difference between the reference seal surface image and the current state of the at least one seal. The at least one seal mark is readable only when an installation force is applied to the at least one seal, causing deformation of the area of ​​the at least one seal where the at least one seal mark is located to indicate that the at least one seal is in a correctly installed state.

9. A method for monitoring a sealing surface, comprising the following steps: At least one seal is provided, the at least one seal comprising at least one sealing surface and at least one non-sealing surface; At least one sealing mark is provided, the at least one sealing mark being located on the outer surface of the at least one seal, wherein the at least one sealing mark is configured to be in an unreadable, undeformed state when not subjected to compression and / or torsion in an installed state, and is configured to be in a readable deformed state when the at least one sealing mark is subjected to compression and / or torsion in an installed state. An optical device is provided for reading the at least one seal mark; The optical device identifies the at least one seal mark, wherein the optical device is configured to display a reference seal surface image associated with the at least one seal mark, thereby enabling a person to compare the reference seal surface image to determine the difference between the reference seal surface image and the current state of the at least one seal. Obtain at least one associated seal information feature related to the at least one seal mark; At least one sealed element is provided, the at least one sealed element including at least one sealed element sealing surface; Inspect the sealing surface of the at least one seal and the sealing surface of the at least one sealed element; as well as Reinstall or replace at least one of the seals; The at least one seal mark is in the readable state only when an installation force is applied to the at least one seal, causing deformation of the area of ​​the at least one seal mark to indicate that the at least one seal is in a correctly installed state. The method also includes a final step: rescanning the at least one seal mark to verify the correctly installed state.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The method for monitoring the sealing surface is performed by field personnel, off-site personnel, automated programs, or a combination thereof.

11. The method of claim 9, further comprising the following steps: Store the associated seal information features associated with the at least one seal mark.

12. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The at least one sealed element is provided with at least one sealed element mark, wherein the method for monitoring the sealing surface further comprises the step of: identifying the at least one sealed element mark.

13. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The step of identifying the at least one seal mark is performed by a person using an image acquisition device or by an automated computer scanner.

14. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The steps of acquiring information and inspecting the seal include: acquiring an image of the at least one seal; visually inspecting the at least one seal and at least one sealed element; and determining whether the at least one seal is in an acceptable condition.

15. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The step of reinstalling or replacing the at least one seal includes: comparing an image of the at least one seal with a reference seal surface image, wherein the comparison is performed by a person or an automated system using a predetermined threshold to determine whether the at least one seal should be reinstalled or replaced.

16. The method according to claim 9, wherein, A torque clamp is provided between the surface of at least one seal and the surface of at least one sealed element to collect and analyze torque information.

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