Automatic liquid supplementing system for upstream pumping liquid film mechanical seal

Abstract

The utility model discloses an upstream pumping liquid film mechanical seal automatic liquid supplementing system which comprises a sealing body, a heat exchange assembly and a liquid supplementing assembly, the sealing body is of a cavity sealing structure for containing a liquid film mechanical seal, and a sealing liquid inlet N2 and a sealing liquid outlet N3 which are communicated with an inner cavity are formed in the cavity sealing structure. The heat exchange assembly is connected with the sealed liquid inlet N2 and the sealed liquid outlet N3 to form a circulating heat exchange pipeline, the liquid supplementing assembly comprises a liquid supplementing pipeline, one end of the liquid supplementing pipeline is connected with an external hydraulic source, and the other end of the liquid supplementing pipeline is connected with the circulating heat exchange pipeline; by utilizing the characteristic that the upstream pumping liquid film mechanical seal consumes working liquid during working, the working medium is automatically supplemented through the circulating heat exchange pipeline and the liquid supplementing assembly, so that the circulating heat exchange pipeline is always filled with the working medium; the problems that automatic liquid supplementing frequently fails and the temperature of a working medium cannot be effectively controlled in an existing upstream pumping liquid film mechanical seal auxiliary system are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of mechanical seal technology, specifically to an automatic fluid replenishment system for an upstream pumping liquid film mechanical seal. Background Technology

[0002] Upstream pumping fluid film mechanical seals, with their excellent sealing performance, are widely used in petrochemical, energy, and other industries where high sealing reliability is required. The upstream pumping fluid film mechanical seal auxiliary system, as a key supporting facility for this sealing device, primarily functions to provide a stable working fluid for the seal. Through automatic fluid replenishment, cooling and lubrication of the seal, and real-time monitoring of seal leakage, it ensures the normal operation of the sealing system.

[0003] Existing upstream pumping liquid film mechanical seal auxiliary systems typically employ a combination of float valves or solenoid valves, storage tanks, and level gauges to achieve their functions. However, this system suffers from several technical defects that urgently need to be addressed: First, in the automatic replenishment process, float valves are susceptible to jamming due to impurities in the medium, and solenoid valves have a limited lifespan due to the number of opening cycles, leading to frequent failures of the automatic replenishment function on-site. This, in turn, causes seal damage due to insufficient liquid, ultimately forcing the unit to shut down. Second, the storage tanks in existing systems are mostly atmospheric pressure tanks. When the sealing medium (often a dangerous, flammable, or explosive liquid at room temperature) leaks, the medium may be directly discharged into the site or flare network, which not only reduces flare combustion efficiency but also poses risks such as equipment damage, increased safety risks, and environmental pollution. Third, the method of storing the sealing working fluid in storage tanks and monitoring the liquid level and seal leakage through differential pressure transmitters results in high overall system costs and numerous inconveniences during on-site operation and maintenance. Utility Model Content

[0004] Traditional fluid replenishment systems use float valves or solenoid valves for automatic fluid replenishment, which suffers from problems such as float valves being prone to jamming and solenoid valves having limited lifespans, leading to frequent failures in automatic fluid replenishment. The purpose of this invention is to provide an automatic fluid replenishment system for an upstream pumping liquid film mechanical seal. By utilizing the characteristic that the upstream pumping liquid film mechanical seal consumes working fluid during operation, the fluid replenishment component can automatically replenish the formed circulating heat exchange pipeline, thus solving this problem at its root.

[0005] This utility model is achieved through the following technical solution:

[0006] An automatic fluid replenishment system for an upstream pumping liquid film mechanical seal includes:

[0007] A sealing body, wherein the sealing body is a cavity sealing structure for accommodating a liquid film mechanical seal, and a sealed liquid inlet N2 and a sealed liquid outlet N3 communicating with the internal cavity are provided on the cavity sealing structure.

[0008] A heat exchange assembly is connected to the sealed liquid inlet N2 and the sealed liquid outlet N3 respectively to form a circulating heat exchange pipeline.

[0009] A fluid replenishment assembly includes a fluid replenishment pipeline, one end of which is connected to an external hydraulic power source, and the other end of which is connected to the circulating heat exchange pipeline, so that the circulating heat exchange pipeline is always filled with working medium.

[0010] In this solution, the sealing body provides a space for the liquid film mechanical seal. Its sealing inlet N2 and sealing outlet N3 are the channels for the working medium to enter and exit. The heat exchange component is connected to the two interfaces of the sealing body to form a circulating heat exchange pipeline, which can cool or heat the working medium. The replenishment component is connected to the external hydraulic source and the circulating heat exchange pipeline through the replenishment pipeline. Taking advantage of the characteristic that the upstream pumped liquid film mechanical seal consumes working fluid during operation, it automatically replenishes the working medium to ensure that the circulating heat exchange pipeline is always full of working medium, maintain the normal operation of the system, and solve the problems of frequent failure of automatic replenishment and inability to effectively control the temperature of the working medium in the existing upstream pumped liquid film mechanical seal auxiliary system.

[0011] As a further embodiment of the automatic liquid replenishment system, the heat exchange component includes a drain pipe, one end of which is connected to the circulating heat exchange pipe, and the other end of which is connected to external equipment through a drain valve.

[0012] In this scheme, one end of the venting pipeline is connected to the circulating heat exchange pipeline, and the other end is connected to the external equipment via the venting valve. Before the system is started, the venting pipeline can be opened by turning the engine and using the venting valve to release the gas in the circulating heat exchange pipeline. This avoids the gas from accumulating in the pipeline and affecting the normal circulation of the working medium, ensuring that the working medium can circulate smoothly in the circulating heat exchange pipeline.

[0013] As a further embodiment of the automatic liquid replenishment system, the heat exchange assembly also includes a heat exchanger that cools or heats the working medium flowing through the circulating heat exchange pipeline.

[0014] In this solution, the temperature of the working medium is adjusted by a heat exchanger, which creates a suitable working environment for the seal, improves the sealing effect, reduces the risk of seal damage caused by unsuitable temperature, and ensures the stable operation of the upstream pump liquid film mechanical seal.

[0015] As a further embodiment of the automatic liquid replenishment system, the heat exchange assembly also includes a pressure gauge, which is connected to the circulating heat exchange pipeline via a root valve.

[0016] In this solution, the pressure gauge is connected to the circulating heat exchange pipeline via the gauge root valve, enabling real-time measurement of the pressure of the working medium within the circulating heat exchange pipeline. If a leak occurs during operation of the sealing body, the process medium will enter the circulating heat exchange pipeline, causing a rise in system pressure. At this time, the pressure gauge can promptly detect the pressure change, allowing operators to quickly determine if a leak has occurred based on the abnormal pressure. Simultaneously, the gauge root valve facilitates maintenance and replacement of the pressure gauge without affecting the normal operation of the system.

[0017] As a further embodiment of the automatic fluid replenishment system, the fluid replenishment component also includes a one-way valve, which is connected to the outlet of the fluid replenishment pipeline.

[0018] In this solution, when the seal is damaged, the pressure in the system may become unbalanced. At this time, the check valve can effectively prevent the sealing medium from flowing back along the replenishment line, thus avoiding contamination of the working fluid of the external hydraulic power source by the sealing medium.

[0019] As a further embodiment of the automatic fluid replenishment system, the fluid replenishment component also includes a filtration unit, which is connected to the fluid replenishment pipeline.

[0020] In this solution, the working fluid may carry various impurities during the process of entering the system from an external hydraulic source. If these impurities enter the sealing body or circulating heat exchange pipeline, they will cause many adverse effects on the system. The filter unit can effectively intercept these impurities and prevent them from clogging key parts such as the pressure reducing valve and the dynamic pressure groove of the sealing surface.

[0021] As a further embodiment of the automatic fluid replenishment system, the fluid replenishment component also includes a pressure reducing unit, which is connected to the fluid replenishment pipeline.

[0022] In this solution, excessive pressure may cause excessive wear, deformation, or even damage to the mechanical seal surface, leading to leakage. By controlling the working fluid pressure, the pressure reducing unit not only protects the integrity and performance of the seal but also ensures the stability and reliability of the entire system.

[0023] As a further solution to the automatic fluid replenishment system, to further ensure the long-term and stable operation of the entire automatic fluid replenishment system, the working medium pressure in the fluid replenishment pipeline is <0.2MPa.

[0024] As a further solution to the automatic fluid replenishment system, in order to enable operators to clearly understand the working fluid consumption of the seal and determine whether the automatic fluid replenishment function is operating normally, the fluid replenishment component also includes a flow meter, which is connected to the fluid replenishment pipeline and is located between the check valve and the pressure reducing unit.

[0025] As a further embodiment of the automatic fluid replenishment system, the fluid replenishment component also includes a shut-off valve. The shut-off valve is connected to the fluid replenishment pipeline and is located at the inlet of the fluid replenishment pipeline. When the system needs maintenance, repair, or a sudden failure occurs, the operator can quickly close the shut-off valve to cut off the passage between the external hydraulic source and the system in a timely manner, preventing the working medium from continuing to flow into the system.

[0026] Compared with the prior art, this utility model has the following advantages and beneficial effects:

[0027] 1. This utility model utilizes the characteristic of the upstream pumped liquid film mechanical seal consuming working fluid during operation to enable the replenishment component to automatically replenish the formed circulating heat exchange pipeline, fundamentally avoiding the drawbacks of traditional valves, ensuring stable and reliable replenishment, significantly reducing the risk of seal damage due to lack of fluid, and ensuring continuous and stable operation of the device.

[0028] 2. This utility model eliminates the need for flare connection or direct emission into the atmosphere by forming a circulating heat exchange pipeline with the sealed body, thereby greatly reducing the safety hazards and environmental pollution caused by media leakage and creating a safer and more environmentally friendly working environment;

[0029] 3. This utility model simplifies the structure, eliminates the storage tank, reduces equipment investment and maintenance costs, and optimizes the monitoring method, thereby reducing overall costs and improving economic efficiency;

[0030] 4. This utility model has separate flow meter and pressure meter, which can monitor the sealing operation status in real time, accurately and intuitively. Compared with traditional systems, it can detect abnormalities such as sealing leakage more quickly, making it easier for operators to take timely measures to avoid the escalation of the fault. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of the present invention and form part of this application, do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings:

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model.

[0033] The attached diagram shows the markings and corresponding component names:

[0034] 1-Flange, 2-Shut-off valve, 3-Filter unit, 4-Pressure reducing unit, 5-Flow meter, 6-Check valve, 7-Instrument root valve, 8-Pressure meter, 9-Heat exchanger, 10-Drain valve, 11-Sealing body. Detailed Implementation

[0035] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments and accompanying drawings. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of this utility model are only used to explain this utility model and are not intended to limit this utility model.

[0036] Example 1

[0037] This embodiment 1 provides an automatic fluid replenishment system for an upstream pumping liquid film mechanical seal, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it includes a sealing body 11, a heat exchange assembly, and a liquid replenishment assembly;

[0038] Among them, such as Figure 1 As shown, the sealing body 11 is a cavity sealing structure, and the liquid film mechanical seal is installed in the cavity sealing structure. The sealing body 11 has a sealing inlet N2 and a sealing outlet N3 that connect the internal cavity. These two interfaces are the channels for the working medium to enter and exit the sealing body. The working medium enters the interior of the sealing body 11 from the sealing inlet N2. During the operation of the liquid film mechanical seal, the working medium provides cooling and lubrication for it, and then flows out from the sealing outlet N3 to participate in the circulation of the entire system.

[0039] Please refer to the following: Figure 1 As shown, the heat exchange components are connected to the sealed inlet N2 and the sealed outlet N3 respectively to form a circulating heat exchange pipeline, so that the working medium flowing out from the sealed outlet N3 can enter the pipeline, be processed, and then return to the sealing body 11 through the sealed inlet N2, thereby realizing the recycling of the working medium.

[0040] Specifically, the heat exchange assembly includes a heat exchanger 9, which is connected to a circulating heat exchange pipeline and is used to cool or heat the working medium flowing through the circulating heat exchange pipeline. Depending on the actual working conditions, liquid cooling or air cooling, or steam or hot water heating can be selected to adjust the temperature of the working medium and create a suitable working environment for the sealing body.

[0041] Meanwhile, a venting pipeline is also connected to the circulating heat exchange pipeline. One end of the venting pipeline is connected to the circulating heat exchange pipeline, and the other end is connected to external equipment through the venting valve 10. Before the system is started, the venting valve 10 can be opened, and the gas in the circulating heat exchange pipeline can be discharged through the venting pipeline by operations such as turning the engine, so as to prevent the gas from accumulating and affecting the normal circulation of the working medium.

[0042] Furthermore, in order to monitor seal leakage, a pressure gauge 8 is also connected to the circulating heat exchange pipeline. The pressure gauge 8 is connected to the circulating heat exchange pipeline through the instrument root valve 7. Utilizing the incompressibility of liquids, when the process medium leaks in the seal, the system pressure will rise. The pressure gauge 8 can monitor the system pressure change in real time, thereby determining whether the seal is leaking. The instrument root valve 7 facilitates online switching when the pressure gauge 8 needs to be replaced or maintained, without stopping the equipment operation and ensuring the continuous operation of the system.

[0043] Please refer to the following: Figure 1 As shown, the above-mentioned fluid replenishment component includes a fluid replenishment pipeline. One end of the fluid replenishment pipeline is connected to an external hydraulic power source to provide the working medium source for the system, and the other end is connected to a circulating heat exchange pipeline. During the operation of the system, when the working medium in the circulating heat exchange pipeline is reduced due to the consumption of the sealing body, the working medium is replenished in time to ensure that the circulating heat exchange pipeline is always full of working medium and maintain the normal operation of the system.

[0044] Specifically, the fluid replenishment assembly includes a one-way valve 6, which is connected to the outlet of the fluid replenishment pipeline to prevent the sealing medium from flowing back into the fluid replenishment pipeline and contaminating the working fluid of the external hydraulic power source when the seal 11 is damaged.

[0045] Since the working fluid may carry various impurities during the process of entering the system from the external hydraulic source, these impurities may cause many adverse effects on the system if they enter the sealing body or the circulating heat exchange pipeline. The fluid replenishment component also includes a filter unit 3, which is connected to the fluid replenishment pipeline to filter the medium flowing through the fluid replenishment pipeline.

[0046] In this embodiment, since excessive pressure may also cause excessive wear, deformation or even damage to the mechanical seal surface, thereby causing leakage, the fluid replenishment component also includes a pressure reducing unit 4. The pressure reducing unit 4 is connected to the fluid replenishment pipeline to ensure that the working medium pressure in the seal body 11 is <0.2MPa, thereby ensuring the long-term and stable operation of the entire automatic fluid replenishment system.

[0047] In this embodiment, to enable operators to clearly understand the working fluid consumption of the seal and determine whether the automatic fluid replenishment function is operating normally, the fluid replenishment component also includes a flow meter 5, which is connected to the fluid replenishment pipeline and is located between the check valve 6 and the pressure reducing unit 4. At the same time, when the system needs maintenance, repair, or a sudden failure occurs, the operator can promptly cut off the passage between the external hydraulic source and the system. The fluid replenishment component also includes a shut-off valve 2, which is connected to the fluid replenishment pipeline and is located at the inlet of the fluid replenishment pipeline.

[0048] Working process: The working fluid enters through flange 1, which is connected to the external hydraulic power source interface N1, and then passes through shut-off valve 2. Shut-off valve 2 controls the flow of the working fluid, facilitating system maintenance. Next, it enters filter unit 3, which removes impurities from the working fluid to prevent clogging of subsequent components. Subsequently, the working fluid enters pressure reducing unit 4, which reduces the pressure to less than 0.2 MPa to ensure that it meets the working requirements of the sealing body.

[0049] After depressurization, the working fluid flows into flow meter 5, which monitors the flow rate in real time to understand the consumption of working fluid in the sealing body and whether the replenishment function is normal. Then the working fluid flows through check valve 6, which prevents the sealing medium from backflowing and contaminating the working fluid source when the sealing body is damaged.

[0050] The working fluid enters the sealing body through interface N2 after passing through check valve 6. Inside the sealing body, it cools and lubricates the liquid film mechanical seal, and then flows out from the sealing outlet N3.

[0051] The working fluid flowing out of the seal enters the heat exchanger 9 through interface N3. Then, the working fluid sequentially passes through the root valve 7 and pressure gauge 8. Pressure gauge 8 monitors the system pressure; if a leak occurs in the seal, the system pressure will rise, allowing for timely detection of the anomaly. Finally, the working fluid returns to the inlet of the seal 11 through interface N2, completing one cycle. Throughout the process, the fluid replenishment assembly continuously replenishes the working fluid from an external hydraulic source based on the working fluid consumption of the seal, maintaining the fullness of the working fluid in the circulating heat exchange pipeline and ensuring stable system operation.

[0052] The specific embodiments described above further illustrate the purpose, technical solution, and beneficial effects of this utility model. It should be understood that the above description is only a specific embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. An upstream pumping liquid film mechanical seal automatic liquid replenishment system, characterized by, The application relates to a liquid film mechanical seal device. The sealing body (11) is a cavity sealing structure accommodating a liquid film mechanical seal, and sealing liquid inlet N2 and sealing liquid outlet N3 communicating with the internal cavity are arranged on the cavity sealing structure; The heat exchange assembly is connected with the sealing liquid inlet N2 and the sealing liquid outlet N3 respectively, and forms a circulating heat exchange pipeline; The liquid supplement assembly comprises a liquid supplement pipeline, one end of the liquid supplement pipeline is connected with an external hydraulic source, and the other end of the liquid supplement pipeline is connected with the circulating heat exchange pipeline, so that the circulating heat exchange pipeline is always filled with working medium.

2. The upstream pumping liquid film mechanical seal automatic liquid replenishment system of claim 1, wherein, The heat exchange assembly comprises an emptying pipeline, one end of the emptying pipeline is communicated with the circulating heat exchange pipeline, and the other end of the emptying pipeline is communicated with external equipment through an emptying valve (10).

3. The upstream pumping liquid film mechanical seal automatic liquid replenishment system of claim 2, wherein, The heat exchange assembly further comprises a heat exchanger (9) which cools or heats the working medium flowing through the circulating heat exchange pipeline.

4. The upstream pumping liquid film mechanical seal automatic liquid replenishment system of claim 3, wherein, The heat exchange assembly further comprises a pressure instrument (8) which is communicated with the circulating heat exchange pipeline through an instrument root valve (7).

5. The upstream pumping liquid film mechanical seal automatic liquid replenishment system of claim 4, wherein, The liquid supplement assembly further comprises a one-way valve (6) which is connected to the liquid outlet of the liquid supplement pipeline.

6. The upstream pumping liquid film mechanical seal automatic liquid replenishment system of claim 5, wherein, The liquid supplement assembly further comprises a filtering unit (3) which is communicated with the liquid supplement pipeline.

7. The upstream pumping liquid film mechanical seal automatic liquid replenishment system of claim 6, wherein, The liquid supplement assembly further comprises a pressure reducing unit (4) which is communicated with the liquid supplement pipeline.

8. The upstream pumping liquid film mechanical seal automatic liquid replenishment system of claim 7, wherein, The pressure of the working medium in the liquid supplement pipeline is less than 0.2 MPa.

9. The upstream pumping liquid film mechanical seal automatic liquid replenishment system of claim 7, wherein, The liquid supplement assembly further comprises a flow instrument (5) which is communicated with the liquid supplement pipeline, and the flow instrument (5) is located between the one-way valve (6) and the pressure reducing unit (4).

10. The upstream pumping liquid film mechanical seal automatic liquid replenishment system of claim 9, wherein, The liquid supplement assembly further comprises a cut-off valve (2) which is connected with the liquid supplement pipeline, and the cut-off valve (2) is located at the liquid inlet of the liquid supplement pipeline.

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