Radial separation sealing body

Abstract

An aspect of the disclosure provides a sealing ring for radially isolating seals, the sealing ring comprising a first ring portion having a male portion and a second ring portion having a female portion configured to engage the male portion by a tongue and groove joint, the joint having an inner interface where the first ring portion abuts the second ring portion, the inner interface having two inner sealing surfaces and an outer interface where the first ring portion abuts the second ring portion, the outer interface having two outer sealing surfaces and where the first ring portion abuts the second ring portion, the outer interface being urged radially outward from the inner interface when the first ring portion is in a position to engage with the second ring portion such that when a fluid flow is applied to the inner interface, fluid pressure from the fluid flow pushes against the inner sealing surface of the inner interface, separating the fluid pressure and the inner interface to seal the outer interface.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to mechanical seals, and more particularly to radial seals. [Background Art]

[0002] A typical radial seal ring generally comprises a plurality of arcuate pieces connected together to form an annular seal ring. Typical seal rings comprise carbon graphite or ceramics. The seal ring is disposed around a rotating shaft. The seal ring is configured to provide sealing between a gas seal cavity and a bearing cavity.

[0003] The arcuate segments of a typical radially split seal ring are configured to move away from each other to increase the effective size of the radially split seal ring (e.g., the effective radius of the seal ring) for sealing.

[0004] In use, the seal ring is subjected to fluid flow between the shaft and the seal ring—for example, fluid flows between the shaft and the seal ring. Fluid between the seal ring and the shaft can displace the seal generally in a radial direction to create a carrying force that minimizes contact with the outer tangent plane of the shaft.

[0005] Radially split seals may also be referred to as lift-off seals. [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0006] Aspects of the present invention are set out in the independent claims, and optional additional features are set out in the dependent claims. Aspects of the present disclosure are provided in interrelation with each other, and features of one aspect are applicable to other aspects. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0007] One aspect provides a seal ring for radial split sealing. The seal ring is A first ring portion having a male part, It comprises a second ring portion having a female portion, the female portion being configured to engage with the male portion by a joint, and the joint is It has two inner sealing surfaces, and the first ring portion has an inner interface adjacent to the second ring portion, It has two outer sealing surfaces, and the first ring portion has an outer interface adjacent to the second ring portion. When the first ring portion is engaged with the second ring portion and a fluid flow is applied to the inner interface, the outer interface is radially outward from the inner interface so that the fluid pressure from the fluid flow pushes against the inner sealing surface of the inner interface, separating the fluid pressure from the inner interface and sealing the outer interface.

[0008] In the engagement position, the female and male parts may be configured to allow relative movement between the first ring portion and the second ring portion.

[0009] The two sealing surfaces may have flat portions.

[0010] The sealant at the outer interface can have flat contact between the two outer sealing surfaces.

[0011] The outer sealing surface may be configured to resist the jackknife phenomenon when the two outer sealing surfaces are in contact.

[0012] One embodiment provides a sealing ring for a radially separating seal. The sealing ring is A first ring portion having a male part, It comprises a second ring portion having a female part, The female part is configured to engage with the male part by a joint, and the joint is The first ring portion has an inner interface adjacent to the second ring portion, and The first ring portion has an outer interface adjacent to the second ring portion, The outer interface is radially outward from the inner interface, Each of the two interfaces is provided by a pair of flat planar sealing surfaces, thereby providing planar contact between the two ring portions, and thus the first ring portion resists the jackknife phenomenon between itself and the second ring portion.

[0013] The second ring portion may have an axial surface. In the engagement position, the axial end of the inner portion is closed by the axial surface, and the axial surface is configured to guide the fluid flow to the inner abutment when the fluid flow is supplied to the inner abutment.

[0014] In the engagement position, the shaft end of the outer abutment is closed by the shaft surface, thereby sealing the shaft surface and the outer sealing surface when fluid flow is supplied to the inner abutment.

[0015] The sealing ring of this disclosure can prevent the jackknife phenomenon between the female and male portions of adjacent sealing ring portions. By preventing the jackknife phenomenon between the female and male portions of adjacent sealing ring portions, point contact or line contact between the female and male portions is prevented. Point contact and line contact result in a non-concentric sealing profile between adjacent ring portions. Surface contact results in a concentric sealing profile between adjacent ring portions. This provides a better sealing profile than a non-concentric sealing profile, thus preventing the jackknife phenomenon.

[0016] The sealing ring may be configured to prevent fluid migration from the outer cavity by expanding to seal (for example, by extending radially). The sealing ring may be configured to expand from a contracted position to an expanded position.

[0017] Said contracted position is the minimum distance ΔD between all adjacent sealing ring portions within said sealing ring min can be defined as the position of said sealing ring portion such that

[0018] The maximum expanded position is the maximum distance ΔD between all adjacent sealing ring portions within said sealing ring max can be defined as the position of said sealing ring portion such that

[0019] There are a plurality of consecutive expanded positions. An expanded position includes the position of said sealing ring portion such that a distance ΔD exists between each adjacent sealing ring portion within the sealing ring. The distance ΔD at any expanded position is greater than said minimum distance ΔD (at said contracted position) min and smaller than said maximum distance ΔD (at said maximum expanded position) max

[0020] The sealing ring may be configured to expand (for example, extend in a radial direction). For example, a fluid flow may be supplied to the inner tangential plane of each of said sealing ring portions. Said inner tangential plane of said sealing ring portion may have one or more axial grooves. Said axial grooves may extend over most of the axial length along the axial direction of said sealing ring portion (for example, said axial grooves may extend along 50% or more of the inner tangential plane of the seal). Said axial grooves may be configured to receive a fluid flow (for example, the fluid flow may flow along the axial axis). At least one of said axial grooves on the inner tangential plane of a sealing ring portion may be in fluid communication with an inner surface formed by said sealing ring portion and an adjacent sealing ring portion.

[0021] ​The fluid flow provided to the inner tangential plane of said sealing ring portion can exert radially outward pressure on the radially inner surface of said sealing ring (for example, within each of said axial grooves). Said radially outward pressure can exert a radially outward force on said sealing ring portion. When said radially outward force is greater than the sum of the weight of said sealing ring portion and the radially inward tension provided by the garter ring, said sealing ring portion moves radially outward. When said radially outward force exceeds a predetermined peeling force, said sealing ring portion moves in the radially outward direction (for example, the direction away from the rotation axis of the seal assembly). Said predetermined peeling force may be based on either the weight of said sealing ring portion or the radially inward tension provided by the garter spring.

[0022] Said fluid flow provided to the inner interface of the joint between two sealing ring portions may be the process fluid or buffer fluid of the seal assembly.

[0023] In a plurality of embodiments, in the normal operation mode, said fluid flow provided to the inner interface of the joint between two sealing ring portions is a buffer fluid (for example, a separation sealing fluid).

[0024] In a plurality of embodiments, said fluid flow provided to the inner interface of the joint between two sealing ring portions is a process fluid (for example, process gas).

[0025] In a plurality of embodiments, under upset conditions (for example, when dry gas sealing fails), said fluid flow provided to the inner interface of the joint between two sealing ring portions is a process fluid (for example, process gas).

[0026] In a plurality of embodiments, said fluid flow provided to the inner interface of the joint between two sealing ring portions may be referred to as a separation sealing fluid.

[0027] Said fluid flow provided to the inner tangential plane of said sealing ring portion may be the process fluid or buffer fluid of the seal assembly.

[0028] The sealing ring may be configured to contract (for example, increase radially). For example, a garter spring may be provided that exerts radially inward tension on the sealing ring portion. For example, the radially outward force exerted on the inner tangent plane of the sealing ring portion is reduced (for example, due to a decrease in radially outward pressure) to a level below a predetermined peeling force.

[0029] The sealing ring is configured to expand and contract so that the distance between each pair of adjacent sealing ring portions is the same.

[0030] The sealing surfaces at the outer interface may be adjacent when the joining is initiated by fluid flow to the inner interface. Providing flat sealing surfaces at the outer interface may enable planar contact between the sealing surfaces at the outer interface. Planar contact between the sealing surfaces at the outer interface can prevent the jackknife phenomenon between the female and male parts. Preventing the jackknife phenomenon is advantageous for reasons described later.

[0031] One embodiment provides a ring portion for a sealing ring of a radially separating seal. The ring portion is A first complementary portion provided on the first end of the ring portion, It includes a second complementary portion provided on the second end of the ring portion. The first complementary portion and the second complementary portion are configured to provide the sealing ring by engaging with the complementary portion of another similar ring portion through a mortise and tenon joint between adjacent ring portions. Each joint has an inner interface including a pair of inner sealing surfaces and an outer interface including a pair of outer sealing surfaces, and when assembled, the outer interface is located radially outward from the inner interface, and is arranged so that when a fluid flow is supplied to the inner interface, the fluid pressure from the fluid flow pushes each pair of sealing surfaces away from each inner interface, thereby sealing each outer interface.

[0032] In the engaged position, each of the first complementary portion and the second complementary portion may be configured to allow relative movement between adjacent ring portions.

[0033] The two sealing surfaces may include flat sections.

[0034] The outer interface may have planar contact between the two sealing surfaces when the outer interface is sealed.

[0035] The outer sealing surface may be configured to prevent the jackknife phenomenon when the outer interface is sealed.

[0036] The first complementary portion may be the male part, and the second complementary portion may be the female part.

[0037] The first complementary portion and the second complementary portion may be female parts.

[0038] The first complementary portion and the second complementary portion may be male parts.

[0039] One or more of the female parts may have an axial surface. In the engagement position, the axial end of the inner interface is closed by the axial surface, and as a result, when a fluid flow is supplied to the inner abutment, the axial surface is configured to guide the fluid flow to the inner abutment.

[0040] In the engagement position, the shaft end of the outer abutment is closed by the shaft surface, and when fluid flow is supplied to the inner abutment, the shaft surface and the outer sealing surface are configured to seal each other.

[0041] One embodiment provides a sealing ring having a plurality of the arbitrary ring portions described herein.

[0042] One embodiment provides a sealing assembly comprising at least one ring portion as described herein.

[0043] In one embodiment, the use of the sealing assembly described herein provides for preventing fluid migration from the outer cavity.

[0044] One or both of the first inner sealing surface and the second inner sealing surface may be polished to reduce friction between these surfaces.

[0045] One or both of the first outer sealing surface and the second outer sealing surface may be polished to reduce friction between these surfaces.

[0046] In some embodiments, the sealing ring portion may be made of carbon graphite. In some embodiments, the sealing ring portion may be made of molybdenum carbide and / or antimony carbide.

[0047] In several embodiments, the sealing ring portion may be made of antimony carbide (e.g., antimony-impregnated carbon graphite) and may contain a molybdenum disulfide additive. Advantageously, the addition of the molybdenum disulfide additive reduces frictional force compared to embodiments without such additive.

[0048] Sealing the outer abutment includes, for example, preventing fluid flow between the sealing surfaces by pressing the sealing surfaces of the outer abutment together.

[0049] The term "jackknife effect" or "jackknife effect surface" can refer to sealing surfaces that are non-parallel to each other at the interface—for example, when the sealing surfaces are flat, the angle between the flat surfaces is non-zero. For example, the term "jackknife effect" refers to an arrangement in which the first ring portion rotates around a second rotation axis, the second ring portion rotates around a third rotation axis, the second and third rotation axes are parallel to the rotation axis of the sealing body, and the second and third rotation axes do not coincide.

[0050] In this application, the term "flat" may refer to a flat surface that does not have surface curvature.

[0051] In this application, the terms “sealing ring” and “carbon ring” may refer to the same component. For example, a carbon ring may include a mixture of carbon and other elements—for example, antimony and molybdenum. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0052] Herein, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In the drawings, the same numbers represent the same components. [Figure 1] This shows a radial cross-sectional view of a gas-sealed cavity. [Figure 2A] This shows a perspective view of the first ring portion 200A, which has a male part. [Figure 2B] This shows a perspective view of the second ring portion 200B, which has a female part. [Figure 3A] Actually, this diagram shows the view from the front axial surface of the female part of the second ring portion 200B, which engages with the male part of the first ring portion 200A in a joint. [Figure 3B] Actually, this diagram shows the rear axial view of the female part of the second ring portion 200B, which engages with the male part of the first ring portion 200A in a joint. [Figure 4A] This shows a radial cross-sectional view of the first sealing ring 101A and the second sealing ring 101B, which are provided between the first clamping surface 403 and the second clamping surface 404. [Figure 4B] This shows a perspective view of the sealing ring portion. [Figure 5A] This diagram shows a perspective view of the joint between the male part of the first sealing ring portion 200A and the female part of the second sealing ring portion 200B in the contracted state. [Figure 5B] This shows a perspective view of the joint between the male part of the first sealing ring portion 200A and the female part of the second sealing ring portion 200B in the expanded state. [Figure 6A] This illustrates the jackknife phenomenon (external jackknife phenomenon) between the two sealing ring portions on the radially outward side. [Figure 6B]This illustrates the jackknife phenomenon (internal jackknife phenomenon) between two sealing ring portions in the radially inward direction. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0053] Figure 1 is a radial cross-sectional view of a gas-sealing cavity. The gas-sealing cavity comprises a pair of sealing rings 101A and 110B, a sleeve 103, a pair of clamp plates 105A and 105B, garter springs 113A and 113B, and a primary rotation shaft 115. The gas-sealing cavity may also include a pair of anti-rotation pins 109A and 109B.

[0054] The gas sealing cavity may be located on the left side of the apparatus shown in Figure 1. The bearing cavity may be located on the right side of the apparatus shown in Figure 1.

[0055] Each sealing ring 101A, 101B is positioned around a rotation axis 115 (for example, such that the rotation axis passes through a central hole defined by each ring). Each sealing ring 101A, 101B is composed of a plurality of sealing ring portions. Each sealing ring portion is connected to a pair of adjacent sealing ring portions, one adjacent portion connected at a first end of the sealing ring portion, and the other adjacent portion connected at a second end of the sealing ring portion. Each sealing ring portion is connected to adjacent sealing ring portions by complementary portions located at both ends of the sealing ring portion (for example, a male portion located at one end of the sealing ring portion and a female portion located at the other end of the sealing ring portion). The corresponding complementary portions (e.g., male and female portions) are configured to engage in a joint. Each sealing ring has an inner tangent plane and an outer tangent plane. The sealing ring has an L-shaped radial cross-section. The sealing ring has, for example, right-angle corners formed by the L-shape. The sealing rings and sealing ring portions are described in detail below. The first sealing ring 101A may include a hole configured to receive a first anti-rotation pin 109A. The second sealing ring 101B may also have a hole configured to receive a second anti-rotation pin 109B. The first sealing ring has a back surface 401. The second sealing ring has a back surface 402.

[0056] The sleeve 103 is positioned around the rotating shaft 115. In some embodiments, the sleeve 103 may be made of tungsten carbide.

[0057] Each clamp plate 105A, 105B has an inner tangent plane. Each clamp plate 105A, 105B is positioned around a rotation axis 115. Each clamp plate 105A, 105B is positioned around its respective sealing ring 101A, 101B. For example, the first clamp plate 105A is positioned around the outer tangent plane of the first sealing ring 101A, and the second clamp plate 105B is positioned around the outer tangent plane of the second sealing ring 101B. The inner tangent planes of each plate 105A, 105B contact their respective sealing rings 101A, 101B when each sealing ring is in its maximum extended position. When the first sealing ring 101A is in its maximum extended position, the inner contact surface of the first clamp plate 105A contacts the outer contact surface of the first sealing ring 101A, thereby providing a seal between the first sealing ring 101A and the first clamp plate 105A. When the second sealing ring 101B is in its maximum expanded position, the inner tangent plane of the second clamp plate 105B contacts the outer tangent plane of the second sealing ring 101B, thereby providing a seal between the second sealing ring 101B and the second clamp plate 105B.

[0058] The first clamp plate 105A has a corner portion 403 sized to fit the corner of the first sealing ring 101A when the first sealing ring is in its maximum expanded position. The second clamp plate 105B has a corner portion 404 sized to fit the corner of the second sealing ring 101B when the second sealing ring is in its maximum expanded diameter position.

[0059] The first anti-rotation pin 109A may extend from the first clamp plate 105A. The first anti-rotation pin 109A may be sized to fit the hole in the first sealing ring 101A. The second anti-rotation pin 109B may extend from the second clamp plate 105B. The second anti-rotation pin 109B may be sized to fit the hole in the second sealing ring 101A.

[0060] In some embodiments, holes may be replaced with grooves. In some examples, multiple anti-rotation pins may be provided. In such examples, a corresponding number of holes and / or grooves are provided in the sealing ring. In some embodiments, anti-rotation pins may be provided in each portion of the sealing ring, and accordingly, each portion of the sealing ring may have holes or grooves for receiving the anti-rotation pins.

[0061] The first garter spring 113A is positioned between the first sealing ring 101A and the first clamp plate 105A. The second garter spring 113B is positioned between the second sealing ring 101B and the second ramp plate 105B.

[0062] An axial spring may be provided. The axial spring may be configured to apply an axial force to each sealing ring. For example, the axial spring may bias the sealing rings toward each other, or it may bias them toward each other.

[0063] Each sealing ring 101A, 101B is configured to act as a radial lift-off sealing ring. Each sealing ring is configured to expand radially. For example, each sealing ring is configured to expand to increase the radial range of the sealing ring. Each sealing ring is configured to expand when a fluid flow is supplied between the sealing ring 101 and the sleeve 103. The portions of the sealing ring are configured to separate from each other as the sealing ring rotates, thereby causing the sealing ring to expand radially. When the sealing ring 101 expands, it lifts away from the sleeve 103, and accordingly, the sealing ring 101 no longer contacts the sleeve 103.

[0064] The sleeve 103 is configured to rotate around the pivot axis 115. The sleeve is configured to contact the sealing ring 101 when the sealing ring is in a contracted state.

[0065] The clamp plates 105A and 105B are configured to seal with the sealing rings 101A and 101B. The clamp plates 105A and 105B are configured to restrain the radial expansion of the sealing ring 101. For example, when the inner tangent plane of the first clamp plate 105A contacts (e.g., abuts) the outer tangent plane of the first sealing ring 101A, the contact between the first clamp plate 105A and the first sealing ring 101A acts to prevent further radial expansion of the first sealing ring 101A.

[0066] The first anti-rotation pin 109A may be configured to prevent the first sealing ring 101A from rotating around the rotation axis 115. The second anti-rotation pin 109B may be configured to prevent the second sealing ring 101B from rotating around the rotation axis 115.

[0067] The first garter spring 113A is configured to bias the first sealing ring 101A (for example, the first sealing ring portion) toward the rotation axis 115. The second garter spring 113B is configured to bias the second sealing ring 101B (for example, the second sealing ring portion) toward the rotation axis 115.

[0068] Figure 2A shows a perspective view of the first ring portion 200A having a male part. Figure 2B shows a perspective view of the second ring portion 200B having a female part. Figure 3A is a view from the front axis side showing how the second ring portion 200B engages with the male part of the first ring portion 200A by a mortise and tenon joint. Figure 3B is a view from the rear axis side showing how the second ring portion 200B engages with the male part of the first ring portion 200A by a mortise and tenon joint.

[0069] The first and second sealing rings 101A and 101B each comprise a plurality of sealing ring portions 200A and 200B.

[0070] The angular ranges of each part are the same. For example, the angular range of the first sealing ring portion 200A is the same as the angular range of the second sealing ring portion 200B.

[0071] The male portion of the first ring portion 200A has a first inner sealing surface 201, a first outer sealing surface 202, a first axial surface 203, an inner chamfered surface 204, and an outer chamfered surface 205.

[0072] The female mold portion of the second ring portion 200B has a second inner sealing surface 206, a second outer sealing surface 207, a second axial surface 208, an inner concave surface 209, and an outer concave surface 210.

[0073] When the male portion of the first sealing ring portion 200A is engaged with the female portion of the second sealing ring portion 200B, the inner interface comprises a first inner sealing surface 201 and a second inner sealing surface 206.

[0074] When the male portion of the first sealing ring portion 200A is engaged with the female portion of the second sealing ring portion 200B, the outer interface comprises a first outer sealing surface 202 and a second outer sealing surface 207.

[0075] The outer interface is located radially outward from the inner interface.

[0076] The first inner sealing surface 201, the first outer sealing surface 202, the second inner sealing surface 206, and the second outer sealing surface 207 are flat, and for example, their surfaces have no curvature.

[0077] The first inner sealing surface 201 is parallel to the first outer sealing surface 202. The second inner surface 206 is parallel to the second outer surface 207.

[0078] The first inner sealing surface 201 is configured to be parallel to the second inner sealing surface 206 when the male portion of the first sealing ring portion is engaged with the female portion of the second sealing ring portion.

[0079] When the male portion of the second sealing ring portion 200B engages with the female portion of the first sealing ring portion 200A, the first outer sealing surface 202 is configured to be parallel to the second outer sealing surface 207.

[0080] At the engagement position, the first axial surface 203 is configured to be adjacent to the second axial surface 208.

[0081] In the engaged position, the contact between the first axial surface 203 and the second axial surface 208 (e.g., the abutment) is configured to restrain axial movement between the sealing ring portions.

[0082] In the engagement position, the axial end of the inner interface is closed by the second axial surface 208, and when fluid flow is supplied to the inner interface, the second axial surface 208 is configured to guide the fluid flow to the inner interface. In the engagement position, the axial end of the outer interface is closed by the second axial surface 208, and when fluid flow is supplied to the inner abutment, the second axial surface 208 and the outer sealing surfaces 202, 207 are configured to provide a seal.

[0083] When the male part of the first ring portion 200A is engaged with the female part of the second ring portion 200B, the inner concave surface 209 of the second ring portion 200B is configured to accommodate the inner chamfered surface 204 of the first ring portion 200A. For example, the inner concave surface 209 of the second ring portion 200B and the inner chamfered surface 204 of the first ring portion 200A are shaped such that these surfaces 204 and 209 do not come into contact when the male part of the first sealing ring portion 200A is engaged with the female part of the second sealing ring portion 200B.

[0084] The outer concave surface 210 of the second ring portion 200B is configured to accommodate the outer chamfered surface 205 of the first ring portion 200A when the male part of the first ring portion 200A is engaged with the female part of the second ring portion 200B. For example, the outer concave surface 210 of the second ring portion 200B and the outer chamfered surface 205 of the first ring portion 200A are shaped such that these surfaces 205 and 210 do not come into contact when the male part of the first sealing ring portion 200A is engaged with the female part of the second sealing ring portion 200B.

[0085] Conveniently, providing one or more chamfered faces on the male part of the joint simplifies the manufacturing of the joint, and tolerances between these parts of the joint may be larger than when two curved surfaces are provided. Tolerances do not need to be a concern.

[0086] By providing inner and outer concave surfaces 209 and 210 of the second ring portion 200B, which is configured to accommodate the inner and outer surface mating surfaces 204 and 205 of the first ring portion 200A, the radial and / or circumferential contact between the male part of the first ring portion 200A and the female part of the second ring portion 200B is ensured. (i) the inner interface (for example, between the first inner sealing surface 201 and the second inner sealing surface 206), or, (ii) outer interface (for example, between the first outer sealing surface 202 and the second outer sealing surface 207) It can be guaranteed that only one of the following is true.

[0087] Conveniently, the manufacturing tolerance between the inner chamfered surface 204 and the inner concave surface can be increased by providing the chamfer. Therefore, providing a chamfered surface may require less manufacturing precision and / or time compared to providing a curved surface. Accordingly, by providing either the outer chamfered surface 209 or the inner chamfered surface 210, the time required to manufacture the first sealing ring portion 200A can be reduced.

[0088] Figure 4A shows a radial cross-sectional view of the first sealing ring 101A and the second sealing ring 101B positioned between the first clamp plate 105A and the second clamp plate 105B. Figure 4B is a perspective view of the sealing ring portion 400A.

[0089] Each of the sealing rings 101A and 101B is formed by a plurality of sealing ring portions 200A and 200B. The sealing rings 101A and 101B are arranged within the sealing assembly such that the back surface 101AR of the first sealing ring 101A faces the back surface 101BR of the second sealing ring 101B. A radial passage is provided between the back surface 401 of the first sealing ring 101A and the rear surface 402 of the second sealing ring 101B.

[0090] The corner of the first sealing ring 101A receives the corner 403 of the first clamp plate 105A when the first sealing ring 101A is in its maximum expanded position. The corner of the first sealing ring 101A receives the corner 403 of the first clamp plate 105A when the first sealing ring 101A is in its maximum expanded position.

[0091] The sealing ring portion 400A includes a radially inner surface 410. The radially inner circumferential surface includes axial grooves that extend over most of the axial range of the sealing ring portion (for example, the axial grooves 420 extend over more than 50% of the axial range of the sealing ring portion).

[0092] The sealing ring may be configured to expand (for example, to increase radially). For example, a fluid flow may be supplied to the inner tangent plane of each sealing ring portion. The inner tangent plane 410 of the sealing ring portion consists of a plurality of axial grooves 420. The axial grooves 420 extend along most of the axial range of the sealing ring portion. Similar grooves are provided in other sealing portions of the sealing ring, for example, sealing ring portion 400B.

[0093] The axial grooves 420 are configured to receive fluid flow (for example, fluid flow can flow along the axial grooves). At least one of the axial grooves 420 on the inner tangent plane of the sealing ring portion 400A may be in fluid communication with the inner interface formed by the sealing ring portion 400A and the adjacent sealing ring portion 400B.

[0094] The sealing assembly is configured to supply fluid flow to the inner tangent plane of the sealing ring portion. The fluid flow exerts radially outward pressure on the radially inner surface of the sealing ring (e.g., each of the axial grooves). The radially outward pressure exerts a radially outward force on the sealing ring portion. If the radially outward force is greater than the combined weight of the sealing ring portion and the radially inward tension provided by the girder spring, the sealing ring portion is configured to move radially outward. When the radially outward force exceeds a predetermined peeling force, the sealing ring portion moves radially outward (e.g., away from the axis of rotation of the sealing assembly). The predetermined peeling force may be based on either the weight of the sealing ring portion or the radially inward tension provided by the girder spring.

[0095] The sealing ring is configured to contract (for example, to expand radially). In the illustrated example, a garter spring is provided to apply radially inward tension to the sealing ring portion. The sealing ring may contract if the radially outward force acting on the inner tangent plane of the sealing ring portion decreases below a predetermined peeling force (for example, due to a decrease in radially outward pressure).

[0096] At least one of the axial grooves 410 on the sealing ring portion is in fluid communication with one of the inner interfaces of the sealing ring portion and an adjacent sealing ring portion.

[0097] When the first ring portion is engaged with the second ring portion, if a fluid flow (e.g., an axially outward fluid flow) is supplied to the inner interface, the fluid pressure from the fluid flow pushes the inner interface apart (e.g., pushes the first inner sealing surface 201 away from the second inner sealing surface 206) and seals the outer interface (e.g., brings the first outer sealing surface 202 into contact with the second outer sealing surface 207).

[0098] The fluid flow includes the flow of a fluid (e.g., a process fluid or buffer solution). The fluid flow includes an upstream portion 450 and a downstream portion 460, as follows: The upstream component 450 moves radially inward (from a radially outward position to a radially inward position). The downstream component 460 moves axially outward (towards an axially outward position).

[0099] The upstream component 450 moves through a radial passage provided between the rear surface 401 of the first sealing ring 101A and the rear surface 402 of the second sealing ring 101B.

[0100] The upstream component 450 branches into a first downstream component 460A that moves in the first axial direction and a second downstream component 460B that moves in the second axial direction.

[0101] The first downstream portion 460A flows through the inner tangent plane of the first sealing ring. In the illustrated example, the downstream portion 460 flows through the axial groove 420.

[0102] The second downstream section 460B flows through the inner tangent plane of the second sealing ring. In the illustrated example, the downstream components 460A and 460B flow through the axial groove 420.

[0103] The first downstream section 460A branches into a third downstream section 463 and a fourth downstream section 464. The third downstream section 463 flows toward the inner interface between the sealing portions of the first sealing ring 101A. The fourth downstream section 464 flows toward the inner interface between the sealing portions of the first sealing ring 101A.

[0104] The third downstream portion 463 faces the inner interface. At the inner interface, the third downstream portion 463 exerts pressure on the first axial surface 203 (for example, the third downstream portion 463 pushes the first axial surface 203), which causes axial movement of the first sealing ring 101A, so that the back surface 401 of the first sealing ring 101A moves toward (for example, into contact with) the clamp plate 105A.

[0105] The first sealing ring 101A comprises a plurality of such axial surfaces 203 that all receive the same pressure from each third downstream portion of the flow. In the embodiment, the joints of the sealing ring, and therefore the plurality of axial surfaces 203, are arranged equidistantly around the first sealing ring 101A, i.e., the ring portions forming the sealing ring have the same angular range with respect to the center of the sealing ring. Each of the equidistant first axial surfaces 203 is acted upon by the same third downstream portion 463 (for example, they are identical in that they have equal pressure). For example, the net force acting on all of the first axial surfaces 203 may be zero.

[0106] If the pressure in the third downstream portion 463 at the inner interface is greater than or equal to the starting pressure, the fluid pressure in the third downstream portion 463 of the flow activates the joint. In other words, the fluid pressure in the third downstream portion 463 expands the sealing surface of the inner interface and seals the outer interface (for example, it energizes the sealing surface of the outer interface).

[0107] The flow in the fourth downstream section 464 is directed toward the inner interface, which has sealing surfaces 201 and 206, due to the shape of the sealing ring 101A at the joint. If the pressure in the fourth downstream section 464 at the inner interface is equal to or greater than the starting pressure, the fluid pressure of the flow in the fourth downstream section 464 activates the joint. In other words, the fluid pressure in the fourth downstream section 464 pushes apart the sealing surface of the inner interface and seals the outer interface (for example, biases the sealing surface of the outer interface).

[0108] In the embodiment, the joint may be activated when the combined fluid pressure of the third downstream portion 463 and the fourth downstream portion 464 at the inner interface is equal to or greater than the starting pressure.

[0109] Furthermore, the fourth downstream section 464 applies pressure between the first sealing ring 101A and the sleeve 103 (the sleeve 103 on which the first sealing ring 101A is positioned) to create a gap between the sleeve 103 and the first sealing ring 101A. For example, the fourth downstream section 464 is configured to lift the first sealing ring 101A away from the rotatable sleeve 103, enabling non-contact operation between the sleeve 103 (rotating body) and the first sealing ring 101A (stationary body).

[0110] Furthermore, the fourth downstream portion 464 then exits the space formed between the sleeve 103 and the first sealing ring 101A. As the fourth downstream portion 464 exits the space, it expands. The outflow of the fourth downstream portion 464 from between the sleeve 103 and the first sealing ring 101A prevents any substance (e.g., oil) from entering the space between the first sealing ring 101A and the sleeve 103.

[0111] The second downstream section 460B branches into a fifth downstream section 465 and a sixth downstream section 466. The fifth downstream section 465 flows toward the inner interface between the sealing portions of the second sealing ring 101B. The sixth downstream section 466 flows toward the inner interface between the sealing portions of the second sealing ring 101B.

[0112] The fifth downstream section 465 operates similarly to the third downstream section 463, but while the third downstream section 463 acts on the first sealing ring 101A, the fifth downstream section 465 acts on the second sealing ring 101B.

[0113] The sixth downstream section 466 acts similarly to the fourth downstream section 464, but rather the sixth downstream section 466 acts on the second sealing ring 101B, whereas the fourth downstream section 464 acts on the first sealing ring 101A.

[0114] When bonding is initiated, the first outer sealing surface 202 and the second outer sealing surface 207 are pressed together and come into close contact. As described above, the first outer sealing surface 202 and the second outer sealing surface 207 are flat and parallel to each other at the engagement position. The abutment between the first outer sealing surface 202 and the second outer sealing surface 207 has planar contact between the two surfaces, for example, a flat two-dimensional shape represents the contact between the first outer sealing surface 202 and the second outer sealing surface 207.

[0115] The pressure from the first downstream portion 461 that acts as the joint forces the second inner sealing surface 206 of the male portion of the second sealing ring portion 200B, and the planar contact between the first outer sealing surface 202 and the second outer sealing surface 207 forces the second outer sealing surface. The sealing ring is configured such that a pair of forces (the force on the inner second sealing surface 206 and the force on the outer second sealing surface 207) balance each other, restraining the radial movement of the male portion of the sealing ring portion relative to the female portion of the sealing ring portion. Thus, a jackknife effect between the male and female portions is prevented.

[0116] Figure 5A shows a perspective view of the joint between the female and male parts of the first sealing ring portion 200A and the second sealing ring portion 200B in the contracted position. Figure 5B shows a perspective view of the joint between the female and male parts of the first sealing ring portion 200A and the second sealing ring portion 200B in the enlarged position.

[0117] The sealing ring comprises multiple ring sections (e.g., N sections), and between these sections there are a corresponding number of joints (e.g., N joints), each joint comprising a female and a male section as shown in Figures 5A and 5B.

[0118] The contraction position shown in Figure 5A is the minimum distance between the first sealing ring portion and the second sealing ring portion. The minimum effective radius of the sealing ring is the effective radius of the sealing ring at the contraction position. Effective radius R of the sealing ring at the contraction position effmin This can be defined as the radius of a circle, and in the contracted position, the outermost radial edge of the ring lies on that circle.

[0119] The sealing ring portions move apart from each other, from the contracted position to the expanded position.

[0120] In the enlarged position shown in Figure 5B, a tangential displacement ΔD exists between the first sealing ring portion 200A and the second sealing ring portion 200B. This tangential displacement includes the tangential displacement of the sealing ring's radius. Therefore, a predetermined enlarged position can be evaluated by the tangential displacement ΔD between the first sealing ring portion 200A and the second sealing ring portion 200B. The effective radius R of the sealing ring in the enlarged position. eff This can be defined as the radius of the circle, and in the magnified position, the outermost radial edge of the ring lies on that circle.

[0121] There is a maximum expansion position which can be defined as the expansion position where the tangential displacement between each sealing ring portion is the maximum allowable tangential displacement between the first sealing ring portion 200A and the second sealing ring portion 200B. The maximum tangential displacement is determined by the total radial expansion of the sealing ring from the contracted position to the point where the outer surface of the sealing ring contacts the clamp plate. The effective radius R of the sealing ring at the maximum expansion position. effmax This can be the radius of the inner tangent plane of the clamp plate, which is in contact with the outer tangent plane of the sealing ring and provides a seal between the sealing ring and the clamp plate.

[0122] The sealing ring can expand continuously from its contracted position to its maximum expanded position. Even when the sealing ring expands, the first outer sealing surface 202 and the second outer sealing surface 207 remain in planar contact. Conveniently, this planar contact prevents the jackknife phenomenon between the two sealing ring portions.

[0123] Conveniently, the two planes of the interface work together to prevent the jackknife phenomenon between the first sealing ring portion and the second sealing ring portion.

[0124] For example, the second inner sealing surface and the second outer sealing surface of the female part may be parallel to each other and spaced apart from each other so that the male part can be received by the female part (for example, so that the first inner sealing surface is in contact with the first inner sealing surface and the first outer sealing surface is in contact with the first outer sealing surface). In such an example, since there is no space between the first inner sealing surface and the second inner sealing surface, or between the first outer sealing surface and the second outer sealing surface, the jackknife effect (for example, inability to position the sealing surface at the inner or outer interface) is impossible.

[0125] For example, when bonding is initiated (for instance, when a fluid flow is supplied to the sealing surface of the inner interface), the flat sealing surface of the outer interface is pressed into planar contact, thereby providing a seal. As long as the fluid flow continues to initiate bonding, the sealing surface of the outer interface maintains planar contact and resists the jackknife effect.

[0126] Furthermore, at each joint of a complete sealing ring, each pair of outer sealing surfaces of each outer interface is simultaneously pressed into planar contact. Therefore, the jackknife phenomenon at a particular joint is resisted because the remaining joints maintain planar contact due to the presence of outer sealing surfaces.

[0127] The sealing ring can continuously contract from its maximum expansion position to its contracted position. Even when the sealing ring contracts, the first outer sealing surface 202 and the second outer sealing surface 207 remain in planar contact. Conveniently, this planar contact prevents the jackknife phenomenon between the two sealing ring portions.

[0128] In several embodiments, the garter spring is positioned to bias the sealing ring portion toward the longitudinal axis of the sealing assembly. The garter spring is configured to allow expansion of the sealing ring when the sealing ring is driven at an angular velocity above a predetermined angular velocity (e.g., an angular velocity at which expansion of the sealing ring is permitted), and to resist expansion of the sealing ring when the sealing ring is driven at an angular velocity below the predetermined angular velocity.

[0129] When the sealing ring expands or contracts, the tangential displacement from the contracted position at each joint remains equal. Conveniently, the center of gravity of the sealing ring remains the axis of rotation of the assembly (for example, the sealing ring maintains its overall circular shape even when expanding or contracting).

[0130] Here, the female part is sometimes called the "complementary part." Here, the male part is sometimes called the "complementary part." In other words, the female and male parts are formed in a complementary manner such that the female part is configured to receive the male part.

[0131] During use, the sealing assembly shown in Figure 1 receives a fluid flow that causes the sealing rings to expand radially and lift the sleeve 103. More specifically, the rings receive a radially inward fluid flow 450 between the back surfaces of each sealing ring (as shown in Figure 4). The radially inward flow 450 changes direction and becomes an axially outward flow 460. The axially outward flow 460 passes through the axial grooves 420 of the sealing rings and between the inner tangent planes of each sealing ring and the sleeve 103.

[0132] The fluid flow exerts a radially outward force on the sealing ring due to the pressure of the fluid flow. When the radially outward force exceeds a predetermined threshold pressure, the sealing ring portion of each sealing ring moves axially outward, thereby biasing the sealing ring away from the sleeve 103 and toward the clamp plate 105. The radially outward movement of the sealing portions simultaneously moves the sealing ring portions away from each other (for example, increasing the separation between adjacent sealing ring portions).

[0133] At least one of the axial grooves is in fluid communication with each inner interface. At least a portion of the axially outward fluid flow flows from the inner tangent plane of the sealing ring portion to each inner interface. At each inner interface, the fluid flow expands the sealing surfaces of the inner interfaces (first inner sealing surface 201 and second inner sealing surface 206) (for example, by increasing the radial distance between these surfaces). Correspondingly, the sealing surfaces of the outer interfaces are pressed together, thereby providing a seal.

[0134] The sealing surfaces of the outer interface (first outer sealing surface 202 and second outer sealing surface 207) are flat. The sealing surfaces of the outer interface are pressed together so as to be in planar contact. When the sealing surfaces are biased to planar contact, for example when a force is applied to the inner interface, the planar contact between these surfaces resists the jackknife phenomenon between the male and female parts of the joint. The planar contact between the sealing surfaces at the outer interface allows tangential movement between the sealing surfaces, thereby allowing separation of adjacent sealing ring portions. The separation of adjacent sealing ring portions results in expansion of the sealing ring. When the sealing ring expands and the outer tangent plane of the sealing ring contacts the clamp plate, a seal is provided between the sealing ring and the clamp plate.

[0135] Figure 6A shows the radially outward jackknife phenomenon (outward jackknife phenomenon) between the two sealing ring portions. Figure 6B shows the radially inward jackknife phenomenon (inward jackknife phenomenon) between the two sealing ring portions.

[0136] In both Figure 6A and Figure 6B, a first sealing ring portion 601 and a second sealing ring portion 602 are present. The first sealing ring portion 601 comprises a male portion 611, and the second sealing ring portion 602 comprises a female portion 612. The male portion 611 is received by 612 in a mortise and tenon joint, providing a joint. When the male portion 611 is received by 612 in a mortise and tenon joint and provides a joint, the sealing ring portions 601 and 602 together define the arc-shaped portion of a circle.

[0137] Figure 6A shows the outward jackknife phenomenon at the joint 610. When the outward jackknife phenomenon occurs at the joint, the sealing ring portions 601 and 602 each rotate with respect to the joint so as to rotate toward the trajectory L (e.g., the center) of the arc-shaped portion of the circle they collectively define. When the outward jackknife phenomenon occurs, line contacts 651 and 652 are formed between the first sealing ring portion 601 and the second sealing ring portion 602.

[0138] Figure 6B shows an inward jackknife phenomenon at the joint 610. When an inward jackknife phenomenon occurs at the joint, the sealing ring portions 601 and 602 each rotate relative to the joint so as to move away from the trajectory L (e.g., the center) of the arc-shaped portion of the circle they collectively define. When an inward jackknife phenomenon occurs, line contacts 653 and 654 are formed between the first sealing ring portion 601 and the second sealing ring portion 602.

[0139] Any feature of any embodiment disclosed herein can be combined with any selected feature of any other embodiment described herein. For example, features of a method may be implemented in appropriately configured hardware, and a particular hardware configuration described herein may be employed in a method implemented using other hardware. Steps are mentioned in a specific order. The description or claim of a method is not intended to mean that any one step necessarily precedes another. Unless otherwise specified, the steps of such a method may be applied in any suitable order.

[0140] It will be understood from the above discussion that the embodiments shown in the figures are merely illustrative and include features that may be generalized, omitted, or replaced as described herein and set forth in the claims. Referring to the drawings in general, it will be understood that they are merely illustrative and should not be taken to mean that any particular structure other than those explicitly specified herein is essential to the invention.

[0141] The term tangent plane is used herein to define a surface that faces radially outward from a ring (for example, the outer end that faces away from its axis). In the context of this disclosure, it will be understood that such a tangential surface may be aligned tangentially (i.e., it may be in the form of a curved outer surface of a cylinder).

[0142] In this specification, the term axial surface is used to define a surface perpendicular to the axis of a ring (for example, the flat end of a cylinder).

[0143] Further embodiments are also conceivable. It should be understood that any feature described in relation to any one embodiment may be used alone or in combination with other features described, and may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other embodiment, or any combination of any other embodiments. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described above may be adopted without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A sealing ring for a radially separating seal, A first ring portion having a male part, In fact, it comprises a second ring portion having a female portion configured to engage with the male portion by a joint, and the joint is It has two inner sealing surfaces, and the first ring portion has an inner interface adjacent to the second ring portion, It has two outer sealing surfaces, and the first ring portion has an outer interface adjacent to the second ring portion. A sealing ring in which, when a fluid flow is applied to the inner interface while the first ring portion is in an engagement position with the second ring portion, the outer interface is radially outward from the inner interface such that the fluid pressure from the fluid flow pushes the inner sealing surface of the inner interface, separating the fluid pressure from the inner interface and sealing the outer interface.

2. A sealing ring according to claim 1, wherein, in the engagement position, each of the male and female portions may be configured to allow relative movement between adjacent ring portions.

3. A sealing ring according to claim 1, wherein the two sealing surfaces have flat portions.

4. A sealing ring according to claim 3, wherein the sealing body at the outer interface has flat contact between the two outer sealing surfaces.

5. A sealing ring according to claim 1, wherein the outer sealing surface is configured to resist the jackknife phenomenon when the two outer sealing surfaces are in contact.

6. A sealing ring according to claim 1, wherein the second ring portion has an axial surface, and in the engagement position, the axial end of the inner interface is closed by the axial surface, and the axial surface is configured to guide the fluid flow to the inner interface when a fluid flow is supplied to the inner interface.

7. A sealing ring according to claim 6, wherein in the engagement position, the axial end of the outer interface is closed by the axial surface, and when a fluid flow is supplied to the inner interface, the axial surface and the outer sealing surface are configured to provide a seal.

8. A sealing assembly comprising a sealing ring according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. Use of the sealing assembly of claim 8 to prevent fluid migration from the outer cavity.

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