Seal stack assembly for reciprocating pump

Abstract

The present application relates to a seal stack assembly for a reciprocating pump. Systems and methods include providing an annular seal stack for an assembly. The seal stack assembly includes at least one second annular seal, a spacer disposed axially adjacent the at least one second annular seal, and a third annular seal disposed axially adjacent the spacer. The seal stack assembly is disposed between a probe and a housing of the assembly and is configured to provide an annular seal between the probe and the housing during operation of the assembly at cryogenic temperatures, during exposure of at least a portion of the seal stack assembly to cryogenic temperatures, during pressure changes, during temperature changes, or during a combination thereof.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on November 23, 2021, with application number 202180088512.6 and entitled "Sealed Stack Assembly for Reciprocating Pump". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to a sealed stack assembly for reciprocating pumps. Background Technology

[0003] Seals are used in many industrial applications to prevent leakage between components. In some applications, seals may be subjected to extreme operating conditions, such as extreme pressure or temperature. These extreme operating conditions often require the use of seal stack assemblies, which employ multiple individual seals to provide an effective and reliable seal along a long probe or shaft that oscillates, reciprocates, rotates, vibrates, or a combination thereof relative to the housing. Under such extreme operating conditions, such as those present during the use of liquid hydrogen, conventional seal stack assemblies may not effectively maintain a seal. Therefore, there is a continuous industrial demand for improved sealing technologies for such applications. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention relates to an annular seal stack assembly, comprising: at least one second annular seal; a spacer disposed axially adjacent to the at least one second annular seal; and a third annular seal disposed axially adjacent to the spacer.

[0005] The present invention also relates to an annular sealing stack assembly, comprising: at least one second annular seal disposed toward a lower end of the sealing stack; a spacer disposed relative to the at least one second annular seal toward the lower end of the sealing stack; and a third annular seal disposed at the lower end of the sealing stack assembly. Attached Figure Description

[0006] To gain a more detailed understanding and to obtain the features and advantages of the embodiments, a more specific description can be obtained by referring to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, the drawings only show some embodiments and should therefore not be considered as a limitation of scope, as other equivalent embodiments may exist.

[0007] Figure 1A This is a partial cross-sectional view of an assembly having an annular sealed stack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0008] Figure 1B This is a partial cross-sectional view of an assembly having an annular sealed stack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the first annular seal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the second annular seal according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the spacer according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0012] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the third annular seal according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0013] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a method for forming an annular seal in an assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] The same reference numerals are used in different accompanying drawings to indicate similar or identical items. Detailed Implementation

[0015] Figure 1A A partial cross-sectional view of an assembly 100 having an annular sealed stack assembly 101 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In some embodiments, assembly 100 may be a cryogenic reciprocating application. In some embodiments, assembly 100 may be a coupling assembly, a pump assembly, a solenoid assembly, or a valve assembly. In some embodiments, assembly 100 may be a reciprocating pump assembly. In some embodiments, assembly 100 may be a cryogenic pump assembly. In a particular embodiment, assembly 100 may include a liquid hydrogen (LH2) reciprocating pump. Assembly 100 typically includes a housing 102 and a probe or shaft 104 that oscillates, reciprocates, rotates, vibrates, or a combination thereof relative to the housing 102. In a more specific embodiment, assembly 100 may include a housing 102 and a shaft 104 that reciprocates axially along an axis 106 of shaft 104. Assembly 100 may also include a cavity 108 formed between the housing 102 and the probe 104 and configured to receive the sealed stack assembly 101. In some embodiments, cavity 108 may include a first portion 107 and a second portion 109. In some embodiments, the first portion 107 may include an outer diameter larger than that defined by the housing 102 than the second portion 109. In some embodiments, the first portion 107 may include an outer diameter smaller than that defined by the housing 102 than the second portion 109. However, in some embodiments, the first portion 107 and the second portion 109 may include substantially similar or identical outer diameters defined by the housing 102. It should be understood that portions of the sealing stack assembly 101 may be disposed in each portion 107, 109 of the cavity 108 to form an annular seal between the housing 102 and the shaft 104.

[0016] An annular seal stack assembly 101, including a first seal 110, at least one second seal 120, a spacer 130, and a third seal 140, is typically disposed within a cavity 108 of assembly 100 and annularly surrounds shaft 104. The seal stack assembly 101 typically includes an upper end portion (first end portion) defined by the first annular seal 110 and a lower end portion (opposite second end portion) defined by the third annular seal 140. The seal stack assembly 101 is typically configured to contact the housing 102 of assembly 100 and shaft 104 and provide a radial seal therebetween. In some embodiments, the seal stack assembly 101 may continuously provide an annular seal between the housing 102 of assembly 100 and shaft 104 during operation of assembly 100 at cryogenic temperatures, during exposure of at least a portion of the seal stack assembly 101 to cryogenic temperatures, or during their combination. In some embodiments, the sealing stack assembly 101 is adapted to operate between room temperature (at least about 15 degrees Celsius) and cryogenic temperatures (at least about -150 degrees Celsius, or even at least -270 degrees Celsius) to continuously provide an annular seal between the housing 102 and the shaft 104 of the assembly. In some embodiments, the sealing stack assembly 101 is also adapted to operate at elevated pressures (at least up to 24 bar (about 350 psi) or greater) to continuously provide an annular seal between the housing 102 and the shaft 104 of the assembly 100. In some embodiments, the sealing stack assembly 101 can be configured to continuously provide an annular seal between the housing 102 and the shaft 104 of the assembly during pressure changes, temperature changes, or combinations thereof.

[0017] A first annular seal 110 may be configured to contact and provide an annular seal between a portion of the housing 102 of assembly 100 and a portion of the shaft 104. The first annular seal 110 typically includes a sheath 111 comprising a base 112, an inner sealing leg 114 extending from the base 112, and an outer sealing leg 116 extending from the base 112. The first annular seal 110 may also include an energizing spring 118 disposed within the sheath 111, between and in contact with the inner sealing leg 114 and the outer sealing leg 116. In some embodiments, the energizing spring 118 may be circular. However, in other embodiments, the energizing spring 118 may be elliptical, oval, U-shaped, or any other suitable shape. The energizing spring 118 can be configured to bias the inner sealing leg 114 and the outer sealing leg 116 away from each other to maintain contact between the sealing legs 114, 116 of the first annular seal 110 and each of the housing 102 and the shaft 104 of the assembly 100.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first annular seal 110 may include a scraper 119. However, in some embodiments, the scraper 119 may be a separate component and may be present in the sealing stack assembly 101 without the first annular seal 110. In some embodiments, the scraper 119 may be disposed adjacent to the base of the first annular seal 110. In other embodiments, the scraper 119 may be disposed at the upper end of the sealing stack assembly and adjacent to the ends of the sealing legs 114, 116 of the sheath 111 of the first annular seal 110. The scraper 119 may be configured to prevent and / or remove the accumulation of moisture, ice, or combinations thereof from the shaft 104 of the assembly 100. It should be understood that the first annular seal 110 including the scraper 119 may be substantially similar to those disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 10,626,994 B2, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0019] A first annular seal 110 may be disposed in a first portion 107 of a cavity 108 of assembly 100. The first annular seal 110 may be disposed at the upper end of a sealing stack assembly 101. The first annular seal 110 may generally be oriented in the cavity 108 such that a sheath 111 is open outward toward the upper end of the sealing stack assembly 101, and the base 112 of the sheath 111 is oriented inward toward the lower end of the sealing stack assembly 101. Additionally, the first annular seal 110 may generally be oriented in the cavity 108 such that an inner sealing leg 114 of the sheath 111 extends along and contacts a shaft 104, and an outer sealing leg 116 of the sheath 111 extends along and contacts a housing 102. In some embodiments, the sealing stack assembly 101 may include a plurality of first annular seals 110. In such embodiments, each of the plurality of first annular seals 110 may be oriented in the same direction as disclosed herein. Furthermore, in embodiments including a plurality of first annular seals 110, one or more of the plurality of first annular seals 110 may not include a scraper 119. Therefore, in some embodiments including a plurality of first annular seals 110, only one of the first annular seals 110 may include a scraper 119, such that the sealing stack assembly 101 includes a single scraper 119. However, in some embodiments including a plurality of first annular seals 110, the sealing stack assembly 101 may include a plurality of scrapers 119.

[0020] The second annular seal 120 may be configured to contact and provide an annular seal between a portion of the housing 102 of the assembly 100 and a portion of the shaft 104. The second annular seal 120 may differ from the first annular seal 110. The second annular seal 120 typically includes a body 122, an inner sealing leg 123 extending at an angle from the body 122, and a sealing flange 124 extending at an angle from the end of the inner sealing leg 123. The second annular seal 120 may also include a sealing ring 126 disposed in a cavity 127 formed in the body 122 and on a side of the body 122 opposite to the sealing leg 123 and the sealing flange 124. In some embodiments, the sealing ring 126 may include an O-ring. In some embodiments, the sealing ring 126 may include an energizing spring. In some embodiments, the sealing ring 126 may include a spring-energized seal integrated within the cavity 127. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the second annular seal 120 may also include an outer sealing leg on the outer diameter of the second annular seal 120. In certain embodiments, the outer sealing leg may extend from the body 122 and may be substantially similar to or symmetrical with respect to the sealing leg 123 on the inner diameter of the second annular seal 120. In some embodiments, the body 122 may include a substantially rectangular or square profile. In some embodiments, the body 122 may include rounded or chamfered corners. In some embodiments, the second annular seal 120 may include an energizing spring disposed between the body 122 and the sealing leg 123 and / or sealing flange 124. In some embodiments, the second annular seal 120 may include a metal strip 129 disposed throughout the body 122. The metal strip 129 may reduce the sensitivity of the second annular seal 120 to thermal shrinkage.

[0021] A second annular seal 120 may be disposed in a first portion 107 of a cavity 108 of assembly 100. In some embodiments, the second annular seal 120 may be disposed adjacent to the scraper 119. In some embodiments, the second annular seal 120 may be disposed adjacent to the first annular seal 110. In some embodiments, the second annular seal 120 may be disposed between the scraper 119 and the spacer 130. In some embodiments, the second annular seal 120 may be disposed between the first annular seal 110 and the spacer 130. The second annular seal 120 may generally be oriented in the cavity 108 such that the inner sealing leg 123 extends inwardly at an angle from the body 122 toward the shaft 104 and in the direction of the spacer 130. The second annular seal 120 may also be oriented such that the sealing flange 124 contacts the shaft 104. In some embodiments, the sealing flange 124 may be substantially flat around the circumference or outer diameter of the shaft 104. However, in other embodiments, the sealing flange 124 may contact the shaft 104 at an angle. The second annular seal 120 may also be oriented such that the sealing ring 126 contacts the housing 102 and forms an annular seal with the housing. In some embodiments, the sealing stack assembly 101 may include a plurality of second annular seals 120. In some embodiments, the sealing stack assembly 101 may include two second annular seals 120. In some embodiments, the sealing stack assembly 101 may include more than two second annular seals 120. In such embodiments, the plurality of second annular seals 120 may be oriented in the same direction as disclosed herein. In embodiments including a plurality of second annular seals 120, one or more of the second annular seals 120 may not have a sealing ring 126. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the sealing stack assembly 101 may not include a first annular seal 110, such that the second annular seal 120 and / or the scraper 119 define the upper end of the sealing stack assembly 101.

[0022] Spacer 130 may be configured to cooperate with and / or support the first annular seal 110, at least one second annular seal 120, and the third annular seal 140 to maintain an annular seal between the housing 102 and the shaft 104 of assembly 100. In some embodiments, spacer 130 may comprise a rigid hollow member having a substantially uniform inner diameter and a substantially uniform outer diameter. In some embodiments, spacer 130 may also distribute forces acting on one or more of the annular seals 110, 120, 140 to other annular seals 110, 120, 140 in the sealing stack assembly 101 to maintain a pressure distribution across the sealing stack assembly 101. Furthermore, in alternative embodiments, spacer 130 may comprise a plurality of annular seals (e.g., seals 110, 120, 140, or any other suitable annular seal) or other annular members configured to fill the length of the sealing stack assembly 101 along the axial length of the shaft 104 of the assembly.

[0023] Spacer 130 may be disposed in a first portion 107 of cavity 108 of assembly 100. In some embodiments, spacer 130 may include a clearance fit within the first portion 107 of cavity 108 of assembly 100. In some embodiments, spacer 130 may include a tight tolerance clearance fit within the first portion 107 of cavity 108 of assembly 100. Spacer 130 may be disposed adjacent to second annular seal 120. Spacer 130 may be disposed between second annular seal 120 and third annular seal 140. In some embodiments, spacer 130 may be a single integral component. In some embodiments, the sealing stack assembly 101 may include a plurality of spacers 130. In such embodiments, O-rings or other sealing mechanisms may be disposed between adjacent spacers 130. In alternative embodiments, spacer 130 may include any other profile configured to occupy a length along axis 104 of assembly 100.

[0024] In some embodiments, spacer 130 may include a length that is axially longer than the total length of the first annular seal 110, the second annular seal 120, the third annular seal 140, and / or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, spacer 130 may include a majority of the total axial length of the sealing stack assembly 101. In some embodiments, spacer 130 may include at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 65%, or at least 75% of the total axial length of the sealing stack assembly 101. In some embodiments, spacer 130 may include no more than 95%, no more than 90%, no more than 85%, no more than 80%, no more than 75%, no more than 70%, no more than 65%, or no more than 60% of the total axial length of the sealing stack assembly 101. In addition, the spacer 130 may be included between any of these minimum and maximum values ​​of the total axial length of the sealing stack assembly 101, such as at least 25% to no more than 95% of the total axial length of the sealing stack assembly 101, or even at least 50% to no more than 75%.

[0025] A third annular seal 140 may be configured to contact and provide an annular seal between a portion of the housing 102 of assembly 100 and a portion of the shaft 104. The third annular seal 140 may differ from the first annular seal 110. The third annular seal 140 may differ from the second annular seal 120. The third annular seal 140 typically includes a sheath 141 comprising a base 142, an inner sealing leg 144 extending from the base 142, and an outer sealing leg 146 extending from the base 142. The third annular seal 140 may also include a support ring 148 disposed within the sheath 141. In some embodiments, the support ring 148 may include a substantially L-shaped member, a substantially U-shaped member, a substantially rectangular member, or any other suitable shape. In some embodiments, the support ring 148 may be disposed within the sheath 141 such that the support ring 148 contacts the outer sealing leg 146 of the sheath 141. In some embodiments, the support ring 148 may be disposed within the sheath 141 such that the support ring 148 contacts the base 142 and the outer sealing leg 146 of the sheath 141. In other embodiments, the support ring 148 may be disposed within the sheath 141 such that the support ring 148 contacts the base 142, the inner sealing leg 144 of the sheath 141, and the outer sealing leg 146 of the sheath 141.

[0026] In some embodiments, the support ring 148 may provide additional support to the third annular seal 140 compared to the first annular seal 110 and the second annular seal 120. In some embodiments, the support ring 148 may enable the third annular seal 140 to withstand more extreme temperatures and / or pressures compared to the first annular seal 110 and the second annular seal 120. The third annular seal 140 may also include an energizing spring 150. The energizing spring 150 may be disposed within the sheath 141, between and in contact with the inner sealing leg 144 of the sheath 141 and the support ring 148. In some embodiments, the energizing spring 150 may be elliptical or oval. However, in other embodiments, the energizing spring 150 may be circular, U-shaped, or any other shape. The energizing spring 150 can be configured to bias the inner sealing leg 144 and the outer sealing leg 146 away from each other to maintain contact between the sealing legs 144, 146 of the third annular seal 140 and each of the housing 102 and the shaft 104 of the assembly 100.

[0027] A third annular seal 140 may be disposed in the second portion 109 of the cavity 108 of the assembly 100. In some embodiments, the third annular seal 140 may include an outer diameter smaller than that of the first annular seal 110, the second annular seal 120, and / or the spacer 130. In some embodiments, the third annular seal 140 may include an outer diameter larger than that of the first annular seal 110, the second annular seal 120, and / or the spacer 130. In some embodiments, the third annular seal 140 may include an outer diameter substantially similar to or the same as that of the first annular seal 110, the second annular seal 120, and / or the spacer 130. It should be understood that the outer diameter of the third annular seal 140 may be based on the outer diameter of the second portion 109 of the cavity 108.

[0028] In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the third annular seal 140 may be at least 1%, at least 2%, at least 3%, at least 4%, at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, or at least 25% smaller or larger than the outer diameters of the first annular seal 110, the second annular seal 120, and / or the spacer 130. In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the third annular seal 140 may be no more than 50%, no more than 45%, no more than 40%, no more than 35%, no more than 30%, or no more than 25% smaller or larger than the outer diameters of the first annular seal 110, the second annular seal 120, and / or the spacer 130. Furthermore, the outer diameter of the third annular seal 140 may be between any of these minimum and maximum values, such as being at least 1% smaller or larger than the outer diameters of the first annular seal 110, the second annular seal 120, and / or the spacer 130 by no more than 50%, or even at least 10% smaller or no more than 25%.

[0029] A third annular seal 140 may be disposed adjacent to the spacer 130 at the lower end of the sealing stack assembly 101. The third annular seal 140 may generally be oriented in the cavity 108 such that the sheath 141 is open outward toward the lower end of the sealing stack assembly 101, and the base 142 of the sheath 141 is oriented adjacent to the spacer 130 and / or inward toward the upper end of the sealing stack assembly 101. Additionally, the third annular seal 140 may generally be oriented in the cavity 108 such that the inner sealing leg 144 of the sheath 141 extends along and contacts the shaft 104, and the outer sealing leg 116 of the sheath 141 extends along and contacts the housing 102. In some embodiments, the sealing stack assembly 101 may include a plurality of third seals 140. In such embodiments, each of the plurality of third annular seals 140 may be oriented in the same direction as disclosed herein.

[0030] Figure 1B A partial cross-sectional view of an assembly 100 having an annular sealing stack assembly 101 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. In some embodiments, the assembly 100 may include a sealing stack assembly 101 having only a second seal 120 and a third seal 140. Components of the assembly 100 may have the features described above. Figure 1A All the same features of the components referenced in the text. For example... Figure 1B As shown, the second seal 120 may include a body 122, an inner sealing leg 123, and a sealing flange 124 extending at an angle from the end of the sealing leg 123. Furthermore, the second seal 120 may include a sealing ring 126 disposed within a cavity 127 of the body 122 of the second seal 120. Additionally, the sealing ring 126 may include an energizing spring. In this embodiment, the second seal 120 forms an outer sealing leg on the outer diameter of the second annular seal 120, the outer sealing leg forming the cavity 127.

[0031] Further as Figure 1BAs shown, the sealing stack assembly 101 may include a third seal 140. The third annular seal 140 may be disposed in a second portion 109 of the cavity 108 of the assembly 100. The third annular seal 140 typically includes a sheath 141 comprising a base 142, an inner sealing leg 144 extending from the base 142, and an outer sealing leg 146 extending from the base 142. The third annular seal 140 may also include an energizing spring 150. The energizing spring 150 may be disposed within the sheath 141, between and in contact with the inner sealing leg 144 and the support ring 148. In some embodiments, the energizing spring 150 may be elliptical or oval. However, in other embodiments, the energizing spring 150 may be circular, U-shaped, or any other shape. The energizing spring 150 may be configured to offset the inner sealing leg 144 and the outer sealing leg 146 away from each other to maintain contact between the sealing legs 144, 146 of the third annular seal 140 and each of the housing 102 and the shaft 104 of the assembly 100. Furthermore, the third annular seal 140 may also include a support ring 148 disposed within a sheath 141. In some embodiments, the support ring 148 may include a substantially L-shaped member, a substantially U-shaped member, a substantially rectangular member, or any other suitable shape. In some embodiments, the support ring 148 may be disposed within the sheath 141 such that the support ring 148 contacts the outer sealing leg 146 of the sheath 141. In some embodiments, the support ring 148 may be disposed within the sheath 141 such that the support ring 148 contacts the base 142 of the sheath 141 and the outer sealing leg 146. In other embodiments, the support ring 148 may be disposed within the sheath 141 such that the support ring 148 contacts the base 142, the inner sealing leg 144 of the sheath 141, and the outer sealing leg 146 of the sheath 141. In some embodiments, the outer sealing leg 146 may at least partially overlap the support ring 148 to retain the support ring 148 within the sheath 141. Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a first annular seal 110 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The first annular seal 110 typically includes a sheath 111 comprising a base 112, an inner sealing leg 114 extending from the base 112, and an outer sealing leg 116 extending from the base 112. The first annular seal 110 may also include an energizing spring 118 disposed within the sheath 111, between and in contact with the inner sealing leg 114 and the outer sealing leg 116. In some embodiments, the inner sealing leg 114 and the outer sealing leg 116 may be substantially similar and / or symmetrical about the centerline of the base 112. Additionally, although not shown, the first annular seal 110 may also include a scraper 119.

[0032] In some embodiments, the sheath 111 may be formed of a thermosetting material, a thermoplastic material, or a combination thereof. More specifically, the sheath 111 may be formed of PTFE, a fluoropolymer, a perfluoropolymer, TFM, PVF, PVDF, PCTFE, PFA, FEP, ETFE, ECTFE, PCTFE, polyaryl ketones (such as PEEK, PEK, or PEKK), polysulfones (such as PPS, PPSU, PSU, PPE, or PPO), aromatic polyamides (such as PPA), thermoplastic polyimides (such as PI, PEI, or TPI), or any combination thereof (with or without reinforcing fillers).

[0033] In some embodiments, the energizing spring 118 may be formed of an elastic metallic material. More specifically, the energizing spring 118 may be formed of a nickel-chromium-based alloy (such as Inconel®), a nickel-based alloy, a cobalt-chromium-nickel-molybdenum alloy, a cobalt-chromium-nickel alloy (such as Elgiloy®), nickel, titanium, tungsten, stainless steel, spring steel, steel, aluminum, zinc, copper, magnesium, tin, platinum, lead, iron, or bronze. In some embodiments, the energizing spring 118 may include a coating or plating, such as a gold plating, a silver plating, a nickel plating, an aluminum chromium nitride (AlCrN) plating, a titanium aluminum nitride (TiAlN) plating, any other wear-resistant metallic plating, or any combination thereof.

[0034] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a second annular seal 120 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The second annular seal 120 typically includes a body 122, an inner sealing leg 123 extending at an angle from the body 122, and a sealing flange 124 extending at an angle from the end of the inner sealing leg 123. The second annular seal 120 may also include a sealing ring 126 disposed in a cavity 127 formed in the body 122 and on a side of the body 122 opposite to the sealing leg 123 and the sealing flange 124. In some embodiments, the sealing ring 126 may include an O-ring. However, in some embodiments, the sealing ring 126 may include a energizing spring. In some embodiments, the body 122 may include a substantially rectangular or square profile. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the body 122 may include rounded or chamfered corners. In some embodiments, the second annular spring 120 may include an energizing spring disposed between the body 122 and the sealing leg 123 and / or the sealing flange 124. In some embodiments, the second annular seal 120 may include a metal strip 129 disposed throughout the body 122. The metal strip 129 can reduce the sensitivity of the second annular seal 120 to thermal shrinkage.

[0035] As described above, the inner sealing leg 123 may extend from the body 122 at a certain angle. In some embodiments, the inner sealing leg 123 may extend from the body 122 at an angle of at least 15 degrees, at least 30 degrees, at least 35 degrees, at least 40 degrees, at least 45 degrees, at least 50 degrees, at least 55 degrees, at least 60 degrees, at least 65 degrees, or at least 70 degrees. In some embodiments, the inner sealing leg 123 may extend from the body 122 at an angle not greater than 90 degrees, not greater than 85 degrees, not greater than 80 degrees, not greater than 75 degrees, or not greater than 70 degrees. Furthermore, it should be understood that the inner sealing leg 123 may extend from the body 122 at an angle between any of these minimum and maximum values ​​(such as at least 15 degrees to not greater than 90 degrees, or even at least 30 degrees to not greater than 60 degrees).

[0036] In some embodiments, the body 122, the inner sealing leg 123, and the sealing flange 124 (collectively referred to as the body portion) may typically be formed of a thermosetting material, a thermoplastic material, or a combination thereof. More specifically, the body 122, the inner sealing leg 123, and the sealing flange 124 (collectively referred to as the body portion) may be formed of PTFE, a fluoropolymer, a perfluoropolymer, TFM, PVF, PVDF, PCTFE, PFA, FEP, ETFE, ECTFE, PCTFE, polyaryl ketones (such as PEEK, PEK, or PEKK), polysulfones (such as PPS, PPSU, PSU, PPE, or PPO), aromatic polyamides (such as PPA), thermoplastic polyimides (such as PI, PEI, or TPI), or any combination thereof (with or without reinforcing fillers).

[0037] In some embodiments, the sealing ring 126 may be formed of an elastomeric material. In some embodiments, the sealing ring 126 may be formed of an elastic metallic material. More specifically, the sealing ring 126 may be formed of a nickel-chromium-based alloy (such as Inconel®), a nickel-based alloy, a cobalt-chromium-nickel-molybdenum alloy, a cobalt-chromium-nickel alloy (such as Elgiloy®), nickel, titanium, tungsten, stainless steel, spring steel, steel, aluminum, zinc, copper, magnesium, tin, platinum, lead, iron, or bronze. In some embodiments, the sealing ring 126 may include a coating or plating, such as a gold plating, a silver plating, a nickel plating, an aluminum chromium nitride (AlCrN) plating, a titanium aluminum nitride (TiAlN) plating, any other wear-resistant metallic plating, or any combination thereof.

[0038] Figure 4A perspective view of a spacer 130 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The spacer 130 typically includes a rigid hollow component having a substantially uniform inner diameter and a substantially uniform outer diameter. In some embodiments, the spacer 130 may be configured to cooperate with and / or support a first annular seal 110, at least one second annular seal 120, and a third annular seal 140 to maintain an annular seal between the housing 102 and the shaft 104 of the assembly 100. In some embodiments, the spacer 130 may also distribute forces acting on one or more of the annular seals 110, 120, and 140 to other annular seals 110, 120, and 140 in the sealing stack assembly 101 to maintain a pressure distribution across the sealing stack assembly 101.

[0039] In some embodiments, spacer 130 may be formed of a metallic material. More specifically, spacer 130 may be formed of nickel-chromium based alloys (such as Inconel®), nickel-based alloys, cobalt-chromium-nickel-molybdenum alloys, cobalt-chromium-nickel alloys (such as Elgiloy®), nickel, titanium, tungsten, stainless steel, spring steel, steel, aluminum, zinc, copper, magnesium, tin, platinum, lead, iron, or bronze. In some embodiments, spacer 130 may include a coating or plating. In some embodiments, the coating may be formed of PTFE, gold, silver, nickel, aluminum chromium nitride (AlCrN), titanium aluminum nitride (TiAlN), bronze, any other wear-resistant metal plating, any other soft metal plating, or any combination thereof. The coating or plating may be configured to protect spacer 130 from wear caused by relative movement of shaft 104 relative to spacer 130.

[0040] In other embodiments, spacer 130 may be formed of a thermosetting material, a thermoplastic material, or a combination thereof. More specifically, spacer 130 may be formed of PTFE, a fluoropolymer, a perfluoropolymer, TFM, PVF, PVDF, PCTFE, PFA, FEP, ETFE, ECTFE, PCTFE, polyaryl ketones (such as PEEK, PEK, or PEKK), polysulfones (such as PPS, PPSU, PSU, PPE, or PPO), aromatic polyamides (such as PPA), thermoplastic polyimides (such as PI, PEI, or TPI), or any combination thereof (with or without reinforcing fillers).

[0041] Figure 5A cross-sectional view of a third annular seal 140 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The third annular seal 140 typically includes a sheath 141 comprising a base 142, an inner sealing leg 144 extending from the base 142, and an outer sealing leg 146 extending from the base 142. The third annular seal 140 may also include a support ring 148 disposed within the sheath 141. In some embodiments, the support ring 148 may include a substantially L-shaped member, a substantially U-shaped member, or any other suitable shape. In some embodiments, the support ring 148 may be disposed within the sheath 141 such that the support ring 148 contacts the outer sealing leg 146 of the sheath 141. In some embodiments, the support ring 148 may be disposed within the sheath 141 such that the support ring 148 contacts the base 142 and the outer sealing leg 146 of the sheath 141. In other embodiments, the support ring 148 may be disposed within the sheath 141 such that the support ring 148 contacts the base 142, the inner sealing leg 144 of the sheath 141, and the outer sealing leg 146 of the sheath 141. In some embodiments, the outer sealing leg 146 may at least partially overlap the support ring 148 to retain the support ring 148 within the sheath 141.

[0042] In some embodiments, the support ring 148 may provide additional support to the third annular seal 140 compared to the first annular seal 110 and the second annular seal 120. In some embodiments, the support ring 148 may enable the third annular seal 140 to withstand more extreme temperatures and / or pressures compared to the first annular seal 110 and the second annular seal 120. The third annular seal 140 may also include an energizing spring 150. The energizing spring 150 may be disposed within the sheath 141, between and in contact with the inner sealing leg 144 of the sheath 141 and the support ring 148. In some embodiments, the energizing spring 150 may be elliptical or oval. However, in other embodiments, the energizing spring 150 may be circular, U-shaped, or any other shape. The energizing spring 150 can be configured to bias the inner sealing leg 144 and the outer sealing leg 146 away from each other to maintain contact between the sealing legs 144, 146 of the first annular seal 140 and each of the housing 102 and the shaft 104 of the assembly 100.

[0043] In some embodiments, the sheath 141 may typically be formed of a thermosetting material, a thermoplastic material, or a combination thereof. More specifically, the sheath 141 may be formed of PTFE, a fluoropolymer, a perfluoropolymer, TFM, PVF, PVDF, PCTFE, PFA, FEP, ETFE, ECTFE, PCTFE, polyaryl ketones (such as PEEK, PEK, or PEKK), polysulfones (such as PPS, PPSU, PSU, PPE, or PPO), aromatic polyamides (such as PPA), thermoplastic polyimides (such as PI, PEI, or TPI), or any combination thereof (with or without reinforcing fillers).

[0044] In some embodiments, the support ring 148 may typically be formed of a resilient metallic material. More specifically, the support ring 148 may be formed of a nickel-chromium-based alloy (such as Inconel®), a nickel-based alloy, a cobalt-chromium-nickel-molybdenum alloy, a cobalt-chromium-nickel alloy (such as Elgiloy®), nickel, titanium, tungsten, stainless steel, spring steel, steel, aluminum, zinc, copper, magnesium, tin, platinum, lead, iron, or bronze. In some embodiments, the metallic support ring 148 may include a coating or plating, such as a gold plating, a silver plating, a nickel plating, an aluminum chromium nitride (AlCrN) plating, a titanium aluminum nitride (TiAlN) plating, any other wear-resistant metallic plating, or any combination thereof.

[0045] In some embodiments, the energizing spring 150 may typically be formed of an elastic metallic material. More specifically, the energizing spring 150 may be formed of a nickel-chromium-based alloy (such as Inconel®), a nickel-based alloy, a cobalt-chromium-nickel-molybdenum alloy, a cobalt-chromium-nickel alloy (such as Elgiloy®), nickel, titanium, tungsten, stainless steel, spring steel, steel, aluminum, zinc, copper, magnesium, tin, platinum, lead, iron, or bronze. In some embodiments, the energizing spring 150 may include a coating or plating, such as a gold plating, a silver plating, a nickel plating, an aluminum chromium nitride (AlCrN) plating, a titanium aluminum nitride (TiAlN) plating, any other wear-resistant metallic plating, or any combination thereof.

[0046] Figure 5A flowchart of a method 500 for forming an annular seal in component 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Method 500 may begin at block 502 by providing component 100, which includes a sealing stack assembly 101 having a first annular seal 110, at least one second annular seal 120 disposed axially adjacent to the first annular seal 110, a spacer 130 disposed axially adjacent to the at least one second annular seal 120, and a third annular seal 140 disposed axially adjacent to the spacer 130. Method 500 may continue at block 504 by operating component 100 at a cryogenic temperature, exposing at least a portion of the sealing stack assembly 101 to a cryogenic temperature, or a combination thereof. Method 500 may continue at block 506 by continuously providing an annular seal between housing 102 and shaft 104 of component 100. In some embodiments, the continuous provision of an annular seal between the housing 102 and shaft 104 of component 100 can be performed simultaneously with operating component 100 at a cryogenic temperature, exposing at least a portion of the seal stack assembly 101 to a cryogenic temperature, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the continuous provision of an annular seal between the housing 102 and shaft 104 of component 100 can be performed during relative movement between shaft 104 and seal stack assembly 101. In some embodiments, the continuous provision of an annular seal between the housing 102 and shaft 104 of component 100 can be performed during pressure changes, temperature changes, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, seal stack assembly 101 may be oriented within component 100 such that the third annular seal 140 is subjected to a cryogenic temperature.

[0047] Embodiments of the hermetically sealed stack assembly 101 may include a total circumferential length suitable for a particular application. In some embodiments, the total axial length of the hermetically sealed stack assembly 101 may be at least 25 mm, at least 50 mm, at least 75 mm, at least 100 mm, at least 125 mm, at least 150 mm, at least 175 mm, at least 200 mm, at least 225 mm, at least 250 mm, at least 275 mm, at least 300 mm, at least 325 mm, at least 350 mm, at least 375 mm, at least 400 mm, at least 425 mm, at least 450 mm, at least 475 mm, at least 500 mm, or at least 1000 mm.

[0048] Embodiments of the hermetically sealed stack assembly 101 may include an inner diameter and an outer diameter suitable for a particular application. In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the hermetically sealed stack assembly 101 may be at least 1 mm, at least 2 mm, at least 3 mm, at least 4 mm, at least 5 mm, at least 6 mm, at least 7 mm, at least 8 mm, at least 9 mm, at least 10 mm, at least 25 mm, at least 50 mm, at least 75 mm, at least 100 mm, at least 150 mm, at least 200 mm, at least 250 mm, at least 300 mm, at least 500 mm, or even larger. In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the sealed stack assembly 101 may be at least 1 mm, at least 2 mm, at least 3 mm, at least 4 mm, at least 5 mm, at least 6 mm, at least 7 mm, at least 8 mm, at least 9 mm, at least 10 mm, at least 11 mm, at least 12 mm, at least 13 mm, at least 14 mm, at least 15 mm, at least 25 mm, at least 50 mm, at least 75 mm, at least 100 mm, at least 150 mm, at least 200 mm, at least 250 mm, at least 300 mm, at least 500 mm, at least 1000 mm, or even larger.

[0049] Furthermore, it should be understood that the first annular seal 110, the second annular seal 120, and / or the third annular seal 140 may be interchangeable with other suitable annular seals. For example, in some embodiments, the first annular seal 110, the second annular seal 120, and / or the third annular seal 140 may be interchangeable. In some embodiments, the first annular seal 110, the second annular seal 120, and / or the third annular seal 140 may not be in the sealing stack assembly 101. In some embodiments, the sealing stack assembly 101 may not include the first annular seal 110, but may include a scraper 119. In some embodiments, the first annular seal 110 may be substantially similar to or even identical to the third annular seal 140. Therefore, in some embodiments, the first annular seal 110 may be identical to the third annular seal 140 and may include a scraper 119 as disclosed herein. Furthermore, in some embodiments, component 100 and / or sealing stack component 101 may include an additional intermediate annular seal between the first annular seal 110, the second annular seal 120 or any of the second annular seals 120, the spacer 130 and / or the third annular seal 140.

[0050] Embodiments of component 100, the sealed stack assembly 101, and / or the method 600 for forming an annular seal in component 100 may include one or more of the following:

[0051] Implementation Scheme 1. An annular seal stack assembly, comprising: a first annular seal; at least one second annular seal, the at least one second annular seal being disposed axially adjacent to the first annular seal; a spacer, the spacer being disposed axially adjacent to the at least one second annular seal; and a third annular seal, the third annular seal being disposed axially adjacent to the spacer.

[0052] Implementation Scheme 2. An annular sealing stack assembly, comprising: a first annular seal disposed at an upper end of the annular sealing stack; at least one second annular seal disposed relative to the first annular seal toward a lower end of the sealing stack; a spacer disposed relative to the at least one second annular seal toward the lower end of the sealing stack; and a third annular seal disposed at the lower end of the sealing stack assembly.

[0053] Implementation Scheme 3. A sealed stack assembly according to any one of Implementation Schemes 1 to 2, wherein the sealed stack assembly is configured to provide a seal between the housing and the shaft of the assembly.

[0054] Implementation Scheme 4. The hermetically sealed stacked assembly according to Implementation Scheme 3, wherein a cavity is formed between the housing and the shaft of the assembly.

[0055] Implementation Scheme 5. An assembly comprising: a housing; a shaft disposed within the housing; a cavity formed between the housing and the shaft; and an annular sealing stack assembly disposed in the cavity and circumferentially surrounding the shaft, wherein the annular sealing stack is configured to provide a seal between the housing and the shaft, the sealing stack assembly comprising: a first annular seal; and at least one second annular seal axially adjacent to the first annular seal;

[0056] A spacer, the spacer being disposed axially adjacent to the at least one second annular seal; and a third annular seal, the third annular seal being disposed axially adjacent to the spacer.

[0057] Implementation Scheme 6. The sealed stack assembly according to Implementation Scheme 4 or the assembly according to Implementation Scheme 5, wherein the cavity includes a first portion and a second portion.

[0058] Implementation Scheme 7. The hermetically sealed stacked assembly or assembly according to Implementation Scheme 6, wherein the first portion includes an outer diameter defined by the housing that is larger than the second portion.

[0059] Implementation Scheme 8. The hermetically sealed stacked assembly or assembly according to Implementation Scheme 6, wherein the first portion includes an outer diameter defined by the housing that is smaller than that of the second portion.

[0060] Implementation Scheme 9. The hermetically sealed stacked assembly or component according to Implementation Scheme 6, wherein the first portion includes an outer diameter defined by the housing that is substantially similar to or the same as the second portion.

[0061] Implementation Scheme 10. A sealing stack assembly or component according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the sealing stack assembly includes an upper end portion defined by the first annular seal and a lower end portion defined by the third annular seal.

[0062] Implementation Scheme 11. A sealing stack assembly or assembly according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the first annular seal comprises: a sheath including a base, an inner sealing leg extending from the base and an outer sealing leg extending from the base; and an energizing spring disposed within the sheath, between and in contact with the inner sealing leg and the outer sealing leg of the sheath.

[0063] Implementation Scheme 12. The sealing stack assembly or assembly according to Implementation Scheme 11, wherein the first annular seal includes a scraper.

[0064] Implementation Scheme 13. The sealing stack assembly or assembly according to Implementation Scheme 12, wherein the scraper is disposed adjacent to the base of the first annular seal.

[0065] Implementation Scheme 14. A sealed stacked assembly or component according to any one of Implementation Schemes 12 to 13, wherein the scraper is configured to prevent or remove the accumulation of moisture, ice, or a combination thereof from the shaft of the assembly.

[0066] Implementation Scheme 15. A sealed stack assembly or assembly according to any one of Implementation Schemes 5 to 7, wherein the first annular seal is disposed in a first portion of the cavity of the assembly.

[0067] Implementation Scheme 16. A sealing stack assembly or component according to any one of Implementation Schemes 10 to 15, wherein the first annular seal is disposed at the upper end of the sealing stack assembly.

[0068] Implementation Scheme 17. A sealing stack assembly or assembly according to any one of Implementation Schemes 11 to 16, wherein the first annular seal is oriented in the cavity such that the sheath is open outward toward the upper end of the sealing stack assembly and the base of the sheath is oriented inward toward the lower end of the sealing stack assembly.

[0069] Implementation Scheme 18. The sealing stack assembly or assembly according to Implementation Scheme 17, wherein the first annular seal is oriented in the cavity such that the inner sealing leg of the sheath extends along the axis and contacts the axis, and the outer sealing leg of the sheath extends along the housing and contacts the housing.

[0070] Implementation Scheme 19. A sealing stack assembly or component according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the sealing stack assembly includes a plurality of first annular seals.

[0071] Implementation Scheme 20. The sealing stack assembly or assembly according to Implementation Scheme 19, wherein each of the plurality of first annular seals is oriented along the same direction.

[0072] Implementation Scheme 21. A sealing stack assembly or assembly according to any one of Implementation Schemes 11 to 20, wherein the sheath of the first annular seal is formed of a thermosetting material, a thermoplastic material, or a combination thereof.

[0073] Implementation Scheme 22. The sealing stack assembly or assembly according to Implementation Scheme 21, wherein the sheath of the first annular seal is formed of PTFE, a fluoropolymer, a perfluoropolymer, PTFE, TFM, PVF, PVDF, PCTFE, PFA, FEP, ETFE, ECTFE, PCTFE, polyaryl ketones such as PEEK, PEK, or PEKK, polysulfones such as PPS, PPSU, PSU, PPE, or PPO, aromatic polyamides such as PPA, thermoplastic polyimides such as PEI or TPI, or any combination thereof, with or without reinforcing filler.

[0074] Implementation Scheme 23. A sealed stack assembly or assembly according to any one of Implementation Schemes 11 to 22, wherein the energizing spring is formed of an elastic metal material.

[0075] Implementation Scheme 24. The sealed stacked assembly or assembly according to Implementation Scheme 23, wherein the energy-enabling spring is formed of a nickel-chromium-based alloy (such as Inconel®), a nickel-based alloy, a cobalt-chromium-nickel-molybdenum alloy, a cobalt-chromium-nickel alloy (such as Elgiloy®), nickel, titanium, tungsten, stainless steel, spring steel, steel, aluminum, zinc, copper, magnesium, tin, platinum, lead, iron, or bronze, with or without a coating.

[0076] Implementation Scheme 25. A sealed stacked assembly or assembly according to any one of Implementation Schemes 2 to 24, wherein the first annular seal is configured to contact a portion of the housing and a portion of the shaft of the assembly and to provide an annular seal therebetween.

[0077] Implementation Scheme 26. A sealed stack assembly or assembly according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the second annular seal is different from the first annular seal.

[0078] Implementation Scheme 27. A sealing stack assembly or assembly according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the second annular seal comprises a body, an inner sealing leg extending from the body at an angle, a sealing flange extending from the end of the inner sealing leg at an angle, and a sealing ring disposed in a cavity formed in the body and on a side of the body opposite to the sealing leg and the sealing flange.

[0079] Implementation Scheme 28. The sealing stack assembly or assembly according to Implementation Scheme 27 further includes: an energizing spring disposed between the body and the sealing leg and / or the sealing flange.

[0080] Implementation Scheme 29. A sealed stacked assembly or component according to any one of Implementation Schemes 27 to 28, wherein the body comprises a substantially rectangular or square outline.

[0081] Implementation Scheme 30. The sealed stacked assembly or component according to Implementation Scheme 29, wherein the body includes rounded corners or chamfers.

[0082] Implementation Scheme 31. A sealed stack assembly or assembly according to any one of Implementation Schemes 6 to 30, wherein the second annular seal is disposed in the first portion of the cavity of the assembly.

[0083] Implementation Scheme 32. A sealing stack assembly or assembly according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the second annular seal is disposed adjacent to the first annular seal.

[0084] Implementation Scheme 33. The sealing stack assembly or assembly according to Implementation Scheme 32, wherein the second annular seal is disposed between the first annular seal and the spacer.

[0085] Implementation Scheme 34. A sealing stack assembly or assembly according to any one of Implementation Schemes 27 to 33, wherein the second annular seal is oriented in the cavity such that the inner sealing leg extends inward at an angle from the body toward the axis and in the direction of the spacer.

[0086] Implementation Scheme 35. The sealing stack assembly or assembly according to Implementation Scheme 34, wherein the second annular seal is oriented such that the sealing flange contacts the shaft.

[0087] Implementation Scheme 36. The sealing stack assembly or assembly according to Implementation Scheme 35, wherein the sealing flange is substantially flat around the circumference or outer diameter of the shaft.

[0088] Implementation Scheme 37. A sealed stack assembly or assembly according to any one of Implementation Schemes 27 to 36, wherein the second annular seal is oriented such that the sealing ring contacts the housing of the assembly and forms an annular seal with the housing.

[0089] Implementation Scheme 38. The sealing stack assembly or assembly according to Implementation Scheme 37, wherein the sealing ring includes an O-ring, an energizing spring, or a spring-energized seal.

[0090] Implementation Scheme 39. A sealing stack assembly or component according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the sealing stack assembly includes a plurality of second annular seals.

[0091] Implementation Scheme 40. The sealing stack assembly or component according to Implementation Scheme 39, wherein the sealing stack assembly includes two second annular seals.

[0092] Implementation Scheme 41. The sealing stack assembly or assembly according to Implementation Scheme 39, wherein the sealing stack assembly includes more than two second annular seals.

[0093] Implementation Scheme 42. A sealing stack assembly or assembly according to any one of Implementation Schemes 39 to 41, wherein each of the plurality of second annular seals is oriented along the same direction.

[0094] Implementation Scheme 43. A sealing stack assembly or assembly according to any one of Implementation Schemes 39 to 42, wherein one or more of the plurality of second annular seals does not have the sealing ring.

[0095] Implementation Scheme 44. A sealing stack assembly or assembly according to any one of Implementation Schemes 27 to 43, wherein the body portion is formed of a thermosetting material, a thermoplastic material, or a combination thereof, said body portion comprising the body of the second annular seal, the inner sealing leg, and the sealing flange.

[0096] Implementation Scheme 45. The hermetically sealed stacked assembly or component according to Implementation Scheme 44, wherein the body portion is formed of PTFE, a fluoropolymer, a perfluoropolymer, PTFE, TFM, PVF, PVDF, PCTFE, PFA, FEP, ETFE, ECTFE, PCTFE, polyaryl ketones such as PEEK, PEK, or PEKK, polysulfones such as PPS, PPSU, PSU, PPE, or PPO, aromatic polyamides such as PPA, thermoplastic polyimides such as PEI or TPI, or any combination thereof, with or without reinforcing fillers.

[0097] Implementation Scheme 46. A sealed stack assembly or assembly according to any one of Implementation Schemes 27 to 45, wherein the sealing ring is formed of an elastomeric material.

[0098] Implementation Scheme 47. A sealed stack assembly or assembly according to any one of Implementation Schemes 27 to 45, wherein the sealing ring is formed of an elastic metal material.

[0099] Implementation Scheme 48. The sealing stack assembly or assembly according to Implementation Scheme 47, wherein the sealing ring is formed of a nickel-chromium based alloy (such as Inconel®), a nickel-based alloy, a cobalt-chromium-nickel-molybdenum alloy, a cobalt-chromium-nickel alloy (such as Elgiloy®), nickel, titanium, tungsten, stainless steel, spring steel, steel, aluminum, zinc, copper, magnesium, tin, platinum, lead, iron, or bronze.

[0100] Implementation Scheme 49. A sealed stack assembly or assembly according to any one of Implementation Schemes 2 to 48, wherein the second annular seal is configured to contact a portion of the housing and a portion of the shaft of the assembly and to provide an annular seal therebetween.

[0101] Implementation Scheme 50. A sealing stack assembly or assembly according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the spacer comprises a rigid hollow member having a substantially uniform inner diameter and a substantially uniform outer diameter, a plurality of annular seals, other annular members, or combinations thereof.

[0102] Implementation Scheme 51. A sealed stacked assembly or assembly according to any one of Implementation Schemes 6 to 50, wherein the spacer is disposed in the first portion of the cavity of the assembly.

[0103] Implementation Scheme 52. The sealed stack assembly or assembly according to Implementation Scheme 51, wherein the spacer includes a clearance fit within the first portion of the cavity of the assembly.

[0104] Implementation Scheme 53. A sealing stack assembly or assembly according to any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the spacer is disposed adjacent to the second annular seal.

[0105] Implementation Scheme 54. The sealing stack assembly or assembly according to Implementation Scheme 53, wherein the spacer is disposed between the second annular seal and the third annular seal.

[0106] Implementation Scheme 55. A sealed stacking assembly or assembly according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the spacer is a single integral component.

[0107] Implementation Scheme 56. A sealed stack assembly or component according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the spacer comprises at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 65%, or at least 75% of the total axial length of the sealed stack assembly.

[0108] Implementation Scheme 57. The sealing stack assembly or assembly according to Implementation Scheme 56, wherein the spacer comprises no more than 95%, no more than 90%, no more than 85%, no more than 80%, no more than 75%, no more than 70%, no more than 65%, or no more than 60% of the total axial length of the sealing stack assembly.

[0109] Implementation Scheme 58. A sealed stack assembly or assembly according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the spacer is formed of a metallic material.

[0110] Implementation Scheme 59. The sealed stack assembly or assembly according to Implementation Scheme 58, wherein the spacer is formed of a nickel-chromium based alloy (such as Inconel®), a nickel-based alloy, a cobalt-chromium-nickel-molybdenum alloy, a cobalt-chromium-nickel alloy (such as Elgiloy®), nickel, titanium, tungsten, stainless steel, spring steel, steel, aluminum, zinc, copper, magnesium, tin, platinum, lead, iron, or bronze.

[0111] Implementation Scheme 60. The sealed stack assembly or assembly according to Implementation Scheme 59, wherein the spacer includes a coating.

[0112] Implementation Scheme 61. The sealed stacked assembly or component according to Implementation Scheme 60, wherein the coating is formed of PTFE, bronze, silver, gold, nickel, aluminum chromium nitride (AlCrN), titanium aluminum nitride (TiAlN), any other wear-resistant metal coating, any other soft metal coating, or any combination thereof.

[0113] Implementation Scheme 62. A sealed stack assembly or assembly according to any one of Implementation Schemes 2 to 61, wherein the spacer is configured to support the first annular seal, the second annular seal and the third annular seal to maintain an annular seal between the housing and the shaft of the assembly.

[0114] Implementation Scheme 63. The sealing stack assembly or assembly according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the third annular seal is different from the first annular seal.

[0115] Implementation Scheme 64. A sealed stack assembly or assembly according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the third annular seal is different from the second annular seal.

[0116] Implementation Scheme 65. A sealing stack assembly or assembly according to any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the third annular seal comprises: a sheath including a base, an inner sealing leg extending from the base and an outer sealing leg extending from the base; a support ring disposed within the sheath; and an energizing spring disposed between and in contact with the inner sealing leg and the support ring of the sheath.

[0117] Implementation Scheme 66. The sealed stack assembly or assembly according to Implementation Scheme 65, wherein the support ring comprises substantially L-shaped, substantially U-shaped or substantially rectangular components.

[0118] Implementation Scheme 67. A sealed stack assembly or assembly according to any one of Implementation Schemes 65 to 66, wherein the support ring is disposed in the sheath such that the support ring contacts the base, the inner sealing leg of the sheath, the outer sealing leg of the sheath, or a combination thereof.

[0119] Implementation Scheme 68. A sealed stack assembly or assembly according to any one of Implementation Schemes 65 to 67, wherein the support ring provides additional support to the third annular seal compared to the first annular seal and the second annular seal, and enables the third annular seal to withstand more extreme temperatures and / or pressures compared to the first annular seal and the second annular seal.

[0120] Implementation Scheme 69. A sealed stack assembly or assembly according to any one of Implementation Schemes 11 to 68, wherein the energizing spring of the first annular seal and the energizing spring of the second annular seal are elliptical, oval, circular or U-shaped.

[0121] Implementation Scheme 70. A sealed stack assembly or assembly according to any one of Implementation Schemes 6 to 69, wherein the third annular seal is disposed in the second portion of the cavity of the assembly.

[0122] Implementation Scheme 71. The sealing stack assembly or assembly according to Implementation Scheme 70, wherein the third annular seal has an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the first annular seal, the second annular seal and / or the spacer.

[0123] Implementation Scheme 72. The sealing stack assembly or assembly according to Implementation Scheme 71, wherein the outer diameter of the third annular seal is at least 1%, at least 2%, at least 3%, at least 4%, at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, or at least 25% smaller than the outer diameter of the first annular seal, the second annular seal, and / or the spacer.

[0124] Implementation Scheme 73. The sealing stack assembly or assembly according to Implementation Scheme 72, wherein the outer diameter of the third annular seal is not more than 50%, not more than 45%, not more than 40%, not more than 35%, not more than 30%, or not more than 25% smaller than the outer diameter of the first annular seal, the second annular seal, and / or the spacer.

[0125] Implementation Scheme 74. The sealing stack assembly or assembly according to Implementation Scheme 70, wherein the third annular seal has an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the first annular seal, the second annular seal and / or the spacer.

[0126] Implementation Scheme 75. The sealing stack assembly or assembly according to Implementation Scheme 74, wherein the outer diameter of the third annular seal is at least 1%, at least 2%, at least 3%, at least 4%, at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, or at least 25% larger than the outer diameter of the first annular seal, the second annular seal, and / or the spacer.

[0127] Implementation Scheme 76. The sealing stack assembly or assembly according to Implementation Scheme 75, wherein the outer diameter of the third annular seal is not greater than 50%, not greater than 45%, not greater than 40%, not greater than 35%, not greater than 30%, or not greater than 25% larger than the outer diameter of the first annular seal, the second annular seal, and / or the spacer.

[0128] Implementation Scheme 77. The sealing stack assembly or assembly according to Implementation Scheme 70, wherein the third annular seal includes an outer diameter substantially similar to or the same as the outer diameter of the first annular seal, the second annular seal and / or the spacer.

[0129] Implementation Scheme 78. A sealing stack assembly or component according to any one of Implementation Schemes 11 to 77, wherein the third annular seal is disposed adjacent to the spacer at the lower end of the sealing stack assembly.

[0130] Implementation Scheme 79. A sealing stack assembly or assembly according to any one of Implementation Schemes 63 to 78, wherein the third annular seal is oriented in the cavity such that the sheath is open outward toward the lower end of the sealing stack assembly and the base of the sheath is oriented inward adjacent to the spacer and / or toward the upper end of the sealing stack assembly.

[0131] Implementation Scheme 80. The sealing stack assembly or assembly according to Implementation Scheme 79, wherein the third annular seal is oriented in the cavity such that the inner sealing leg of the sheath extends along the axis and contacts the axis, and the outer sealing leg of the sheath extends along the housing and contacts the housing.

[0132] Implementation Scheme 81. A sealed stack assembly or component according to any one of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the sealed stack assembly includes a plurality of third seals.

[0133] Implementation Scheme 82. The sealing stack assembly or assembly according to Implementation Scheme 81, wherein each of the plurality of third annular seals is oriented along the same direction.

[0134] Implementation Scheme 83. A sealing stack assembly or assembly according to any one of Implementation Schemes 11 to 82, wherein the sheath of the third annular seal is formed of a thermosetting material, a thermoplastic material, or a combination thereof.

[0135] Implementation Scheme 84. The sealing stack assembly or assembly according to Implementation Scheme 83, wherein the sheath of the third annular seal is formed of PTFE, a fluoropolymer, a perfluoropolymer, PTFE, TFM, PVF, PVDF, PCTFE, PFA, FEP, ETFE, ECTFE, PCTFE, polyaryl ketones such as PEEK, PEK, or PEKK, polysulfones such as PPS, PPSU, PSU, PPE, or PPO, aromatic polyamides such as PPA, thermoplastic polyimides such as PEI or TPI, or any combination thereof, with or without reinforcing filler.

[0136] Implementation Scheme 85. A sealed stack assembly or assembly according to any one of Implementation Schemes 11 to 84, wherein the energizing spring is formed of an elastic metal material.

[0137] Implementation Scheme 86. The sealed stack assembly or assembly according to Implementation Scheme 85, wherein the energy-enabling spring is formed of a nickel-chromium based alloy (such as Inconel®), a nickel-based alloy, a cobalt-chromium-nickel-molybdenum alloy, a cobalt-chromium-nickel alloy (such as Elgiloy®), nickel, titanium, tungsten, stainless steel, spring steel, steel, aluminum, zinc, copper, magnesium, tin, platinum, lead, iron, or bronze, with or without a coating.

[0138] Implementation Scheme 87. A sealed stack assembly or assembly according to any one of Implementation Schemes 2 to 86, wherein the third annular seal is configured to contact a portion of the housing and a portion of the shaft of the assembly and to provide an annular seal therebetween.

[0139] Implementation Scheme 88. A sealed stack assembly or component according to any one of Implementation Schemes 2 to 87, wherein the sealed stack assembly is adapted to operate at room temperature (at least about 15 degrees Celsius) and low temperature (at least about -150 degrees Celsius, or even at least about -270 degrees Celsius), at elevated pressure (at least up to 24 bar (about 350 psi) or greater), or a combination thereof, to continuously provide an annular seal between the housing and the shaft of the assembly.

[0140] Implementation Scheme 89. A hermetically sealed stack assembly or assembly according to any one of Implementation Schemes 2 to 88, wherein the hermetically sealed stack assembly is configured to continuously provide an annular seal between the housing and the shaft of the assembly during operation of the assembly at a cryogenic temperature, during exposure of at least a portion of the hermetically sealed stack assembly to a cryogenic temperature, or during their combination.

[0141] Implementation Scheme 90. A sealing stack assembly or assembly according to any one of Implementation Schemes 2 to 89, wherein the sealing stack assembly is configured to continuously provide an annular seal between the housing and the shaft of the assembly during pressure changes, temperature changes, or combinations thereof.

[0142] Implementation Scheme 91. A hermetically sealed stacked assembly or assembly according to any one of Implementation Schemes 2 to 90, wherein the assembly includes cryogenic reciprocating applications.

[0143] Implementation Scheme 92. A hermetically stacked assembly or component according to any one of Implementation Schemes 2 to 91, wherein the component includes a pump.

[0144] Implementation Scheme 93. The hermetically sealed stacked assembly or assembly according to Implementation Scheme 92, wherein the assembly includes a reciprocating pump.

[0145] Implementation Scheme 94. The hermetically sealed stacked assembly or assembly according to Implementation Scheme 93, wherein the assembly includes a cryogenic reciprocating pump.

[0146] Implementation Scheme 95. The hermetically sealed stacked assembly or component according to Implementation Scheme 94, wherein the assembly includes a liquid hydrogen (LH2) reciprocating pump.

[0147] Implementation Scheme 96. The sealed stack assembly or assembly according to Implementation Scheme 95, wherein the sealed stack assembly is disposed on the low-pressure side of the liquid hydrogen (LH2) reciprocating pump.

[0148] Implementation Scheme 97. A method of forming an annular seal in an assembly, the method comprising: providing an assembly including a sealing stack assembly having: a first annular seal; at least one second annular seal disposed axially adjacent to the first annular seal; a spacer disposed axially adjacent to the at least one second annular seal; and a third annular seal disposed axially adjacent to the spacer; operating the assembly at a cryogenic temperature; exposing at least a portion of the sealing stack assembly to the cryogenic temperature or a combination thereof; and continuously providing an annular seal between a housing and a shaft of the assembly.

[0149] Implementation Scheme 98. The method according to Implementation Scheme 97, wherein an annular seal is continuously provided between the housing and the shaft of the component during relative movement between the shaft and the sealed stack assembly.

[0150] Implementation Scheme 99. The method according to any one of Implementation Schemes 97 to 98, wherein providing an annular seal between the housing and the shaft of the component is performed simultaneously with operating the component at a cryogenic temperature, exposing at least a portion of the sealed stacked component to a cryogenic temperature, or a combination thereof.

[0151] Implementation Scheme 100. The method according to any one of Implementation Schemes 97 to 99, wherein an annular seal is continuously provided between the housing and the shaft of the component during pressure changes, temperature changes, or combinations thereof.

[0152] Implementation Scheme 101. The method according to any one of Implementation Schemes 97 to 100, wherein the component includes a cryogenic reciprocating application.

[0153] Implementation Scheme 102. The method according to any one of Implementation Schemes 97 to 101, wherein the component includes a pump.

[0154] Implementation Scheme 103. The method according to Implementation Scheme 102, wherein the component includes a reciprocating pump.

[0155] Implementation Scheme 104. The method according to Implementation Scheme 103, wherein the component includes a cryogenic reciprocating pump.

[0156] Implementation Scheme 105. The method according to Implementation Scheme 104, wherein the component includes a liquid hydrogen (LH2) reciprocating pump.

[0157] Implementation Scheme 106. The method according to Implementation Scheme 105, wherein the sealing stack assembly is disposed on the low-pressure side of the liquid hydrogen (LH2) reciprocating pump.

[0158] This written description uses examples to disclose embodiments, including best practices, and also enables those skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The scope of patentability is defined by the claims and may include other examples that would occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that are not different from the wording of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that are not substantially different from the wording of the claims.

[0159] It should be noted that not all activities described above in the general description or examples are required; a portion of a particular activity may not be needed, and one or more additional activities may be performed besides those described. Furthermore, the order in which the activities are listed does not necessarily represent the order in which they are performed.

[0160] In the foregoing specification, the concepts have been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. Therefore, the specification and drawings should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the invention.

[0161] As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article of manufacture, or apparatus that includes a list of features is not necessarily limited to those features, but may include other features not expressly listed or inherent to such a process, method, article of manufacture, or apparatus. Furthermore, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” indicates inclusion, not exclusivity. For example, condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or exists) and B is false (or does not exist); A is false (or does not exist) and B is true (or exists); and both A and B are true (or exist).

[0162] Furthermore, the terms "a" or "an" are used to describe the elements and components described herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general meaning to the scope of the invention. The description should be understood to include one, at least one, or a singular, as well as a plural, or vice versa, unless it is clearly indicated otherwise.

[0163] The benefits, other advantages, and solutions to the problems have been described above with respect to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to the problems, and any features that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to appear or become more significant should not be construed as key, necessary, or essential features of any or all claims.

[0164] Upon reading this specification, those skilled in the art will understand that, for clarity, certain features described herein in the context of individual embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, for brevity, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be provided individually or in any sub-combination. Furthermore, references to values ​​stated in the scope include every value within that scope.

Claims

1. A sealing assembly, comprising: Multiple first shaft seals; A plurality of second shaft seals, wherein the plurality of second shaft seals are different from the plurality of first shaft seals; The middle portion has a first end and a second end, the second end being spaced apart from the first end; Wherein, the first shaft seal is disposed adjacent to the first end of the intermediate portion, wherein one of the first shaft seals engages with the first end of the intermediate portion, and the first shaft seals are stacked such that the first shaft seal extends outward from the first end of the intermediate portion along a first direction, and The second shaft seal is disposed at the second end of the intermediate portion, wherein one of the second shaft seals engages with the second end of the intermediate portion, and the second shaft seals are stacked such that the second shaft seal extends from the second end of the intermediate portion in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

2. The sealing assembly of claim 1, further comprising a housing, wherein the intermediate portion is connected to the housing.

3. The sealing assembly of claim 2, further comprising a shaft disposed within the housing, wherein each of the first shaft seal, the second shaft seal, and the intermediate portion engages circumferentially with at least a portion of the shaft.

4. The sealing assembly of claim 1, wherein the intermediate portion is oriented along the longitudinal axis, and the first direction and the second direction are parallel to the intermediate portion.

5. The sealing assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the first shaft seals comprises a metal strip seal.

6. The sealing assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the second shaft seals comprises an energized spring seal.

7. The sealing assembly of claim 1, wherein the intermediate portion includes a spacer that separates the first shaft seal from the second shaft seal.

8. A sealing assembly, comprising: The first cavity and the second cavity are separated from the first cavity; A plurality of first shaft seals are disposed within the first cavity; and A plurality of second shaft seals are disposed in the second cavity, such that the second shaft seals are spaced apart from the first shaft seals in the first cavity, and the second shaft seals are different from the first shaft seals; The first shaft seal is stacked along the first direction, and The second shaft seal is stacked along a second direction opposite to the first direction.

9. The sealing assembly of claim 8, further comprising a housing and a shaft disposed within the housing, wherein the first shaft seal and / or the second shaft seal engages circumferentially with at least a portion of the shaft.

10. The sealing assembly of claim 9, wherein the shaft is movable along the longitudinal axis, and wherein the first direction and the second direction are parallel to the longitudinal axis.

11. The sealing assembly of claim 8, wherein each of the first shaft seals comprises a metal strip seal.

12. The sealing assembly of claim 8, wherein each of the second shaft seals comprises an energized spring seal.

13. The sealing assembly of claim 8, further comprising a spacer that partially defines the first cavity and the second cavity, the spacer separating the first cavity and the second cavity.

14. A sealing assembly configured for a pump assembly having a housing and a shaft movably disposed within the housing, the sealing assembly comprising: A spacer extending along a longitudinal axis, the spacer being located between a first end and a second end, the second end being spaced apart from the first end; Multiple stacked first shaft seals are disposed adjacent to the first end of the spacer and extend along the longitudinal axis; and Multiple stacked second shaft seals are disposed adjacent to the second end of the spacer and extend along the longitudinal axis, wherein the second shaft seals are different from the first shaft seals. Wherein, the first shaft seal is configured to provide a first seal to the shaft at a first temperature, the first temperature being a low temperature, and wherein the second shaft seal is configured to provide a second seal to the shaft at a second temperature, the second temperature being higher than the first temperature.

15. The sealing assembly of claim 14, wherein the first shaft seal, the second shaft seal, and the spacer are arranged to engage circumferentially with at least a portion of the shaft.

16. The sealing assembly of claim 14, wherein each of the first shaft seals comprises a metal strip seal.

17. The sealing assembly of claim 14, wherein each of the second shaft seals comprises an energized spring seal.

18. The sealing assembly of claim 14, wherein the length of the spacer along the longitudinal axis is greater than the length of all stacked first shaft seals and / or the length of all stacked second shaft seals.

19. The sealing assembly of claim 14, wherein the first shaft seal and the second shaft seal are arranged to seal against the housing.

20. The sealing assembly of claim 14, wherein the second temperature is at least 50 degrees Celsius higher than the first temperature.

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