Adjustable Leakage Gap in Rotary Machine Seal Flushing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rotary machines for processing fluids face challenges in maintaining reliable and efficient sealing due to inadequate flushing of the sealing element, leading to wear and potential damage from process fluids, especially when the axial leakage gap is not properly dimensioned.
Innovation Solution
The rotary machine features an adjustable axial leakage gap, allowing for optimal fitting after installation, ensuring high velocity of the flushing fluid and minimizing wear, with the flush casing being movable to adjust the gap width and comprising slot holes for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the width of the axial leakage gap is reduced to increase flushing fluid velocity, then the sealing reliability is improved, but the risk of excessive wear and physical contact between components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the axial leakage gap width adjustable after installation, transforming a static dimension into a dynamic parameter that can be optimized based on actual operating conditions. This allows the system to adapt between preventing wear (larger gap) and maximizing flushing velocity (smaller gap) depending on service requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter of the axial leakage gap width from a fixed manufacturing dimension to an adjustable operational parameter. By providing adjustment mechanisms (such as movable bushings or adjustable flush casings), the gap width can be modified to optimize the balance between flushing effectiveness and component protection
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the width of the axial leakage gap is increased to prevent physical contact and wear, then the durability is improved, but the flushing fluid velocity decreases and flushing effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable axial leakage gap allows the system to dynamically optimize the balance between durability and flushing velocity. During operation, the gap can be set to a smaller value for high velocity flushing, and adjusted to a larger value during maintenance periods to prevent wear when the machine is not in use
3Manufacturing precision
If the axial leakage gap is fixed during manufacturing, then the manufacturing precision is maintained, but the adaptability to different operating conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces adjustability to the axial leakage gap, allowing the same manufactured component to adapt to different operational requirements. The manufacturing precision is maintained during production, but the final gap width can be adjusted in the field to suit specific operating conditions, combining precision manufacturing with operational flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transforms the fixed manufacturing parameter of axial leakage gap width into an adjustable operational parameter. This allows the system to maintain precise manufacturing tolerances while enabling post-installation optimization of the gap width to match specific process fluid characteristics and operating conditions
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design enhances the reliability of the rotary machine by preventing process fluid intrusion, reducing wear, and optimizing fluid velocity, while allowing for easier manufacturing and reduced maintenance costs through adjustable and re-adjustable leakage gap settings.
Implementation Method 1
a flushing fluid, for example water, is introduced into the flush chamber, passes through the radial leakage gap, then through the axial leakage gap and is discharged
Implementation Method 2
Another important function of flushing the sealing unit, in particular when the process fluid is hot, is the cooling of the sealing unit by the flushing fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A rotary machine for acting on a process fluid includes an impeller, a shaft, a drive, a seal and a flush casing. The impeller acts on the process fluid and is mounted on the shaft. The drive is connected to the shaft and rotates the shaft and the impeller about an axial direction. The seal has a sealing element sealing the shaft during rotation of the shaft. The flush casing receives a flushing fluid for flushing the sealing element, and delimits an annular flush chamber extending about the sealing element. The flush casing includes a bushing surrounding the sealing element and delimits a radial leakage gap arranged between the sealing element and the bushing. The bushing delimits an axial leakage gap between the impeller and the bushing, and the width of the axial leakage gap in the axial direction is adjustable.