A centralized mechanical seal flushing system
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202522724730.2
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-23
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-25
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-12-23
AI Technical Summary
[0003]目前常用的单点开放式冲洗方案将清洁水源连续直排,造成工业用水与废水处理成本升高,且无法实现水资源回用
通过冲洗水在输送泵驱动下依次流经换热器、主供水管路及各分支供水管路,完成对各机械密封端面的润滑与冷却后,由回液总管集中收集并返回储水罐,形成持续循环;循环过程中仅通过补水口补充因排污或蒸发损失的少量水,无需持续排放,能够降低新鲜水消耗和废水产生量。同时,冲洗水在回流过程中仍携带余热,再次进入换热器可被快速冷却至设定温度,保证后续冲洗温度恒定,避免密封端面因冷热冲击而损坏;回液总管与储水罐顶部回液口直接相连,使系统处于低压封闭状态,有效防止外界杂质进入,延长冲洗液使用周期,降低换液频率和维护工作量。
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Figure CN224801397U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of mechanical seal flushing, and in particular to a centralized mechanical seal flushing system. Background Technology
[0002] In industries such as petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, metallurgy, and food processing, mechanical seals are widely used in rotating equipment (such as centrifugal pumps, agitators, and compressors) to prevent leakage of process media. The normal operation of mechanical seals requires clean flushing fluid for lubrication, cooling, and removal of impurities. The stability of their operation directly affects the safe, continuous, and stable operation of the entire production unit.
[0003] Currently used single-point open flushing solutions continuously discharge clean water directly, increasing industrial water and wastewater treatment costs and preventing water reuse. Some units use circulating cooling water from the plant as the flushing medium, but the water temperature fluctuates significantly with the season and load. In summer or under high load, the cooling capacity is insufficient, leading to excessively high sealing face temperatures, accelerating the aging of sealing materials, and shortening their service life. Existing flushing pressure and flow rates typically rely on the back pressure of the main pipeline or simple throttling valves for manual adjustment. When the system pressure fluctuates, it is difficult to provide stable parameters for different sealing specifications. Too low a pressure leads to insufficient lubrication, while too high a pressure can easily damage the sealing surface.
[0004] In addition, although there are some improvement solutions in the existing technology, such as setting up an independent sealing liquid tank for each piece of equipment, the "single machine, single tank" mode will cause problems such as large footprint, high investment and inconvenient management in workshops with multiple pieces of equipment, making it difficult to achieve centralized monitoring and intensive resource management.
[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need to propose a centralized mechanical seal flushing system to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content
[0006] The purpose of this invention is to propose a centralized mechanical seal flushing system that can achieve simultaneous flushing of multiple channels while also saving water and enabling water circulation.
[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides a centralized mechanical seal flushing system, including a water storage tank, a delivery pump, a heat exchanger, and multiple branch water supply pipelines; The top of the water storage tank is provided with a water inlet and a return outlet, and the bottom outlet is connected to the inlet of the heat exchanger via the delivery pump. The outlet of the heat exchanger is connected in parallel to multiple branch water supply pipelines through the main water supply pipeline to connect to the corresponding mechanical seal devices to be flushed. Each mechanical seal device to be flushed is connected to the return outlet of the water storage tank through the return main pipeline to form a closed loop, enabling multiple branch water supply pipelines to operate simultaneously.
[0008] Furthermore, the branch water supply pipeline includes: a first type of branch pipeline, a second type of branch pipeline, and a third type of branch pipeline for connecting different mechanical seal devices to be flushed.
[0009] Furthermore, the first type of branch pipeline is provided with a first regulating valve, a first flow switch, a pressure switch and a valve in sequence along the flow direction; the first regulating valve and the valve are used to connect a mechanical seal device for the first water to be flushed; the valve is connected to the return port of the water storage tank through the return main pipe.
[0010] Furthermore, the second type of branch pipeline is provided with a second regulating valve and a second flow switch in sequence along the flow direction; the second regulating valve is used to connect to the second mechanical seal device to be flushed.
[0011] Furthermore, a third regulating valve is provided on the third type of branch pipeline, which is used to directly connect to the third mechanical seal device to be flushed.
[0012] Furthermore, the branch water supply pipeline also includes a drain pipeline for discharging the flushing water to be replaced; a drain valve is installed on the drain pipeline.
[0013] Furthermore, a temperature sensor and a pressure sensor are installed on the main water supply pipeline.
[0014] Furthermore, the heat exchanger is connected to a cooling valve.
[0015] Furthermore, a first connecting valve is connected between the delivery pump and the water storage tank; a flow meter and a second connecting valve are connected between the delivery pump and the heat exchanger.
[0016] Furthermore, the water storage tank is equipped with a high liquid level detection device and a low liquid level detection device, and a third connecting valve is connected to the bottom of the water storage tank.
[0017] Through the above technical solution, this utility model has the following beneficial effects: Driven by a delivery pump, the flushing water flows sequentially through the heat exchanger, main water supply pipeline, and branch water supply pipelines, lubricating and cooling the mechanical seal faces. Afterward, it is collected in the return manifold and returned to the storage tank, forming a continuous cycle. During this cycle, only a small amount of water lost due to sewage discharge or evaporation is replenished through the water inlet, eliminating the need for continuous discharge and reducing fresh water consumption and wastewater generation. Simultaneously, the flushing water carries residual heat during its return flow, allowing it to be rapidly cooled to the set temperature upon re-entry into the heat exchanger, ensuring a constant flushing temperature and preventing damage to the seal faces due to thermal shock. The return manifold is directly connected to the return port at the top of the storage tank, keeping the system in a low-pressure, closed state, effectively preventing external impurities from entering, extending the flushing fluid's service life, and reducing fluid replacement frequency and maintenance workload. Attached Figure Description
[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a centralized mechanical seal flushing system in one embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] In the diagram, 1. Water storage tank; 101. High liquid level detection device; 102. Low liquid level detection device; 103. Third connecting valve; 2. Transfer pump; 3. Heat exchanger; 31. Cooling valve; 4. Return main pipe; 51. First regulating valve; 52. First flow switch; 53. Pressure switch; 54. Valve; 61. Second regulating valve; 62. Second flow switch; 71. Third regulating valve; 8. Drain valve; 9. Temperature sensor; 10. Inlet valve; 11. Pressure sensor; 12. First connecting valve; 13. Flow meter; 14. Second connecting valve; 100. Pumps; 200. Mixing tank. Detailed Implementation
[0020] Based on the teachings of this specification, those skilled in the art can form new technical solutions through cross-combination of different implementation methods without creating technical contradictions. Such variations should all be considered to fall within the protection scope of this utility model.
[0021] The following is a more detailed description of a centralized mechanical seal flushing system according to the present invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood that those skilled in the art can modify the present invention described herein while still achieving its advantageous effects. Therefore, the following description should be understood as being of general knowledge to those skilled in the art and is not intended to limit the present invention.
[0022] The present invention will be described in more detail below by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. The advantages and features of the present invention will become clearer from the following description. It should be noted that the drawings are in a very simplified form and use non-precise proportions, and are only used to facilitate and clarify the illustration of the embodiments of the present invention.
[0023] like Figure 1 As shown in the figure, this utility model embodiment proposes a centralized mechanical seal flushing system, including a water storage tank 1, a delivery pump 2, a heat exchanger 3, and multiple branch water supply pipelines.
[0024] Specifically, the top of the water storage tank 1 is equipped with a water inlet and a return outlet, and the bottom outlet is connected to the inlet of the heat exchanger 3 via the delivery pump 2. The outlet of the heat exchanger 3 is connected in parallel to multiple branch water supply pipelines through the main water supply pipeline to connect to the corresponding mechanical seal devices to be flushed. Each of the mechanical seal devices to be flushed is connected to the return outlet of the water storage tank 1 through the return manifold 4, forming a closed loop, allowing multiple branch water supply pipelines to operate simultaneously. In this embodiment, through the closed loop setting, the flushing water, after completing lubrication and cooling, is centrally returned to the water storage tank 1 through the return manifold 4, enabling continuous recovery and reuse. This not only reduces fresh water consumption and wastewater discharge but also reduces water resource costs and environmental treatment costs. At the same time, the residual heat carried by the returned liquid is rapidly cooled to the set temperature when it re-enters the heat exchanger 3, helping to maintain a constant flushing fluid temperature and improve seal life. The water inlet at the top of the water storage tank 1 is equipped with a water inlet valve 10.
[0025] In this embodiment, the main water supply pipeline delivers the cooling water, cooled by the heat exchanger 3, to multiple branch water supply pipelines. These branch water supply pipelines are connected in parallel, allowing multiple mechanical seal devices awaiting flushing to receive cooling water simultaneously. This embodiment, by connecting multiple branch water supply pipelines in parallel, not only facilitates centralized water supply to multiple mechanical seal devices but also improves system efficiency and reduces equipment investment costs.
[0026] As will be known to those skilled in the art, the heat exchanger 3 may be of different types such as plate heat exchanger 3, shell and tube heat exchanger 3, spiral plate heat exchanger 3, etc., and the heat exchange area and heat exchange efficiency of the heat exchanger 3 may be set according to actual needs. The heat exchanger 3 may also include embodiments of other types and specifications besides this embodiment.
[0027] In this embodiment, the branch water supply pipeline includes: a first type of branch pipeline, a second type of branch pipeline, and a third type of branch pipeline for connecting different mechanical seal devices to be flushed. Specifically, three different configurations of branch pipelines are set up according to the flushing requirements and operating conditions of different mechanical seal devices to meet different usage scenarios. By setting up multiple types of branch pipelines, this embodiment helps to improve the adaptability and flexibility of the system and can meet the cooling needs of mechanical seal devices under different operating conditions.
[0028] In one embodiment, a first regulating valve 51, a first flow switch 52, a pressure switch 53, and a valve 54 are sequentially arranged along the flow direction on the first type of branch pipeline; the first regulating valve 51 and the valve 54 are used to connect a first mechanical seal device (e.g., a pump 100, an important device) to be flushed; the valve 54 is connected to the return port of the water storage tank 1 through the return main pipe 4.
[0029] In this embodiment, the pressure switch 53 is used to detect whether the flushing water has a certain pressure. Since some mechanical seals require a certain external pressure to function effectively, the flushing water needs to maintain a certain pressure. The pressure switch 53 monitors the flushing water pressure; when the pressure reaches a set value, it indicates that the flushing water has sufficient pressure to meet the working requirements of the mechanical seal. When the pressure is lower than the set value, an alarm signal is issued, prompting the operator that the flushing water pressure is insufficient and that system operating parameters need to be adjusted or pipeline leaks need to be checked. This embodiment, by setting the pressure switch 53, helps to improve the sealing effect of the mechanical seal, extend its service life, and prevent equipment leakage caused by mechanical seal failure due to insufficient pressure.
[0030] The first flow switch 52 can monitor whether the flushing water flows normally through the mechanical seal, and the pressure switch 53 can monitor whether the flushing water has sufficient pressure. The two work together to comprehensively monitor the flushing status of the mechanical seal and prevent the mechanical seal from being damaged due to insufficient flushing or insufficient pressure.
[0031] In one embodiment, the second type of branch pipeline is provided with a second regulating valve 61 and a second flow switch 62 in sequence along the flow direction; the second regulating valve 61 is used to connect a second mechanical seal device to be flushed (e.g., a pump 100, a relatively important device).
[0032] In this embodiment, the first flow switch 52 and the second flow switch 62 are used to detect whether a certain flow rate of flushing water is flowing out of the mechanical seal device. When the flushing water flows through the mechanical seal and exits from the outlet, the flow switch can detect the flow rate and issue a normal signal. When the flow rate is lower than the set value, an alarm signal is issued, indicating that the flushing water has failed to flow through the mechanical seal normally or the flow rate is insufficient. By setting flow switches, this embodiment helps to monitor whether the flushing water is flowing through the mechanical seal normally in real time, promptly detect abnormalities such as pipeline blockage and mechanical seal blockage, and avoid overheating and damage to the mechanical seal due to the inability of flushing water to flow through it.
[0033] Compared to the first type of branch piping, the second type of branch piping simplifies the pressure monitoring device and is suitable for equipment with less stringent pressure requirements but still needs to monitor whether the flushing water flows normally through the mechanical seal.
[0034] In one embodiment, the third type of branch pipeline is equipped with a third regulating valve 71, which is used to directly connect to a third mechanical seal device to be flushed (e.g., pump 100, mixing tank 200, other general equipment). The third type of branch pipeline adopts the simplest configuration, with only regulating valves, and is suitable for mechanical seal devices with stable operating conditions and low monitoring requirements.
[0035] The mechanical seal device to be flushed in this embodiment includes, but is not limited to, pumps 100, mixing tanks 200, compressors, etc.
[0036] In this embodiment, the branch water supply pipeline also includes a drain pipeline for draining the flushing water to be replaced. A drain valve 8 is installed on the drain pipeline. This embodiment, by providing a drain pipeline, facilitates the emptying of the flushing water in the pipeline during system maintenance, thus improving the maintainability of the system. When it is necessary to replace the flushing water or clean the pipeline, the old flushing water can be drained through the drain pipeline, and then fresh flushing water can be added.
[0037] In this embodiment, a temperature sensor 9 and a pressure sensor 11 are installed on the main water supply pipeline. The temperature sensor 9 is used to monitor the temperature of the cooling water in the main water supply pipeline, and will issue an alarm signal or automatically adjust the heat exchange capacity of the heat exchanger 3 when the temperature exceeds a set value. The pressure sensor 11 is used to monitor the pressure of the cooling water in the main water supply pipeline, and will issue an alarm signal when the pressure is abnormal.
[0038] In this embodiment, the heat exchanger 3 is connected to a cooling valve 31. The cooling valve 31 is used to control the flow rate of the cooling medium entering the heat exchanger 3. By adjusting the opening degree of the cooling valve 31, the heat exchange capacity of the heat exchanger 3 can be controlled, thereby controlling the outlet temperature of the cooling water.
[0039] In this embodiment, a first connecting valve 12 is connected between the delivery pump 2 and the water storage tank 1; the first connecting valve 12 is used to control the water supply from the water storage tank 1 to the delivery pump 2, so as to facilitate the water supply being cut off during system maintenance.
[0040] In this embodiment, a flow meter 13 and a second connecting valve 14 are connected between the delivery pump 2 and the heat exchanger 3. The second connecting valve 14 is used to control the water supply from the delivery pump 2 to the heat exchanger 3, facilitating water supply cut-off during system maintenance. The flow meter 13 is used to monitor the total flow rate of cooling water in the main water supply pipeline, facilitating the monitoring of the overall operating status of the system.
[0041] In one embodiment, the water storage tank 1 is equipped with a high-level detection element 101 and a low-level detection element 102, and a third connecting valve 103 is connected to the bottom of the water storage tank 1. The high-level detection element 101 is used to detect whether the water level in the water storage tank 1 has reached the upper limit. When the water level is too high, an alarm signal is issued or the water inlet is automatically closed to prevent the water storage tank 1 from overflowing. The low-level detection element 102 is used to detect whether the water level in the water storage tank 1 is below the lower limit. When the water level is too low, an alarm signal is issued or the water inlet is automatically opened to replenish the water source, preventing the delivery pump 2 from running dry and being damaged due to lack of water. The third connecting valve 103 is used to empty the water storage tank 1, which facilitates the cleaning and maintenance of the water storage tank 1.
[0042] As will be known to those skilled in the art, the high liquid level detection element 101 and the low liquid level detection element 102 can be different types such as float liquid level switch, capacitive liquid level sensor, and ultrasonic liquid level sensor, and also include other types of embodiments besides this embodiment.
[0043] In one embodiment, the system further includes a control unit, which is electrically connected to the first flow switch 52, the second flow switch 62, the pressure switch 53, the temperature sensor 9, the flow meter 13, the pressure sensor 11, the high liquid level detector 101, the low liquid level detector 102, and the delivery pump 2. The control unit receives signals from each monitoring device, determines the system's operating status according to preset logic, and issues an alarm signal or automatically adjusts system operating parameters when an abnormality is detected, thereby achieving centralized control and automated management of the entire flushing system.
[0044] Preferably, the control unit is also electrically connected to the first regulating valve 51, the second regulating valve 61, the third regulating valve 71, the cooling valve 31, the first connecting valve 12, the second connecting valve 14, the third connecting valve 103, and the valve 54, and can automatically adjust the opening degree of each valve 54 according to operational requirements to achieve intelligent control of the system. Those skilled in the art will know that the valves 54 can also be manually operated.
[0045] In this embodiment, the flushing water stored in the water storage tank 1 is transported to the heat exchanger 3 via the transfer pump 2. The flushing water exchanges heat with the cooling medium in the heat exchanger 3, and after its temperature decreases, it flows out of the heat exchanger 3 and into the main water supply pipeline. The flow meter 13, along with the temperature sensor 9 and pressure sensor 11 on the main water supply pipeline, monitor the temperature, flow rate, and pressure of the flushing water in real time. The flushing water is distributed to multiple branch water supply pipelines through the main water supply pipeline, including first-type branch pipelines, second-type branch pipelines, and third-type branch pipelines (these branch pipelines can operate simultaneously or not).
[0046] For the first type of branch pipeline, the flushing water first passes through the first regulating valve 51 for flow regulation, and then enters the first mechanical seal device to be flushed. Before entering the mechanical seal device, the pressure switch 53 detects the pressure of the flushing water. When the pressure reaches the set value, it indicates that the flushing water has sufficient pressure to meet the external pressure requirements of the mechanical seal, enabling the mechanical seal to perform its sealing function better. The flushing water flows through the mechanical seal part inside the mechanical seal device, flushing and cooling the mechanical seal, removing the heat and impurities generated by friction. The flushed return water flows out from the outlet of the mechanical seal device and passes through the first flow switch 52. The first flow switch 52 detects that a certain flow of flushing water is flowing out, indicating that the flushing water has flowed normally through the mechanical seal and sends a normal signal. If the first flow switch 52 does not detect a flow or the flow is too low, it sends an alarm signal, prompting the operator that there may be a blockage in the mechanical seal or a pipeline fault. The return water then enters the return main pipe 4 through valve 54.
[0047] For the second type of branch pipeline, the flushing water, after flow regulation by the second regulating valve 61, enters the second mechanical seal device to be flushed, where it flows through the mechanical seal area for flushing and cooling. The returned flushing water flows out from the outlet of the mechanical seal device and passes through the second flow switch 62. The second flow switch 62 detects a certain flow rate of flushing water, indicating that the flushing water has flowed normally through the mechanical seal. The returned water then enters the return main pipe 4.
[0048] For the third type of branch pipeline, the flushing water, after flow regulation by the third regulating valve 71, directly enters the third mechanical seal device to be flushed, where it flows through the mechanical seal part for flushing and cooling. The flushed return water flows out from the outlet of the mechanical seal device and enters the return main pipe 4.
[0049] The return water from each branch pipeline converges into the main return pipe 4 and flows back to the return port of the water storage tank 1, completing one cycle. The entire system forms a closed-loop circulation, with the flushing water being recycled within the system. The high-level detector 101 and low-level detector 102 in the water storage tank 1 monitor the liquid level and automatically control water replenishment and alarm. The cooling valve 31 of the heat exchanger 3 adjusts the heat exchange capacity based on the signal from the temperature sensor 9 to maintain a stable flushing water temperature.
[0050] In summary, the centralized mechanical seal flushing system proposed in this utility model has the following advantages: Driven by a delivery pump, the flushing water flows sequentially through the heat exchanger, main water supply pipeline, and branch water supply pipelines, lubricating and cooling the mechanical seal faces. Afterward, it is collected in the return manifold and returned to the storage tank, forming a continuous cycle. During this cycle, only a small amount of water lost due to sewage discharge or evaporation is replenished through the water inlet, eliminating the need for continuous discharge and reducing fresh water consumption and wastewater generation. Simultaneously, the flushing water carries residual heat during its return flow, allowing it to be rapidly cooled to the set temperature upon re-entry into the heat exchanger, ensuring a constant flushing temperature and preventing damage to the seal faces due to thermal shock. The return manifold is directly connected to the return port at the top of the storage tank, keeping the system in a low-pressure, closed state, effectively preventing external impurities from entering, extending the flushing fluid's service life, and reducing fluid replacement frequency and maintenance workload.
[0051] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, if these modifications and variations fall within the scope of the claims of this utility model and their equivalents, this utility model also intends to include these modifications and variations.
Claims
1. A centralized mechanical seal flushing system, characterized in that, It includes a water storage tank, a transfer pump, a heat exchanger, and multiple branch water supply pipelines; The top of the water storage tank is provided with a water inlet and a return outlet, and the bottom outlet is connected to the inlet of the heat exchanger via the delivery pump. The outlet of the heat exchanger is connected in parallel to multiple branch water supply pipelines through the main water supply pipeline to connect to the corresponding mechanical seal devices to be flushed. Each mechanical seal device to be flushed is connected to the return outlet of the water storage tank through the return main pipeline to form a closed loop, enabling multiple branch water supply pipelines to operate simultaneously.
2. The centralized mechanical seal flushing system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The branch water supply pipeline includes: a first type of branch pipeline, a second type of branch pipeline, and a third type of branch pipeline for connecting different mechanical seal devices to be flushed.
3. The centralized mechanical seal flushing system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first type of branch pipeline is provided with a first regulating valve, a first flow switch, a pressure switch and a valve in sequence along the flow direction; the first regulating valve and the valve are used to connect a mechanical seal device for the first water to be flushed; the valve is connected to the return port of the water storage tank through the return main pipe.
4. The centralized mechanical seal flushing system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The second type of branch pipeline is provided with a second regulating valve and a second flow switch in sequence along the flow direction; the second regulating valve is used to connect to the second mechanical seal device to be flushed.
5. The centralized mechanical seal flushing system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The third type of branch pipeline is equipped with a third regulating valve, which is used to directly connect to the third mechanical seal device to be flushed.
6. The centralized mechanical seal flushing system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The branch water supply pipeline also includes a drainage pipeline for draining the flushing water to be replaced; a drain valve is installed on the drainage pipeline.
7. The centralized mechanical seal flushing system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Temperature and pressure sensors are installed on the main water supply pipeline.
8. The centralized mechanical seal flushing system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The heat exchanger is connected to a cooling valve.
9. The centralized mechanical seal flushing system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A first connecting valve connects the delivery pump and the water storage tank; a flow meter and a second connecting valve connect the delivery pump and the heat exchanger.
10. The centralized mechanical seal flushing system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The water storage tank is equipped with a high liquid level detection device and a low liquid level detection device, and a third connecting valve is connected to the bottom of the water storage tank.