Adjustable Mechanical Seal With Ball Joint Support
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical seals in pumping applications, particularly in mining slurry pumps, face challenges due to harsh environments and high loading during startup and operation, requiring an improved design to maintain sealing effectiveness over extended periods.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical seal design featuring a support assembly that allows for rotary movement between the stationary and rotatable portions, accommodating angular misalignment without affecting sealing face alignment, and utilizing a ball joint and elastomeric components to maintain sealing contact under varying loads and fluid pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the mechanical seal uses a rigid connection between stationary and rotatable portions, then the sealing face alignment is maintained, but the seal cannot accommodate angular misalignment between shaft and casing
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly incorporates a joint that allows dynamic adjustment and movement to accommodate angular misalignment between the shaft and casing, transforming a rigid static connection into a flexible dynamic one that adapts to varying alignment conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The support assembly is divided into distinct components including a stationary portion, a rotatable portion, and a joint mechanism, allowing each segment to perform its specific function while collectively accommodating misalignment without compromising sealing face alignment
2Adaptability or versatility
If the mechanical seal allows movement between stationary and rotatable portions, then angular misalignment is accommodated, but fluid leakage may occur at the joint
Solution Approach 1:
A fluid seal is introduced as an intermediary element at the joint between the stationary and rotatable portions, preventing fluid leakage while allowing the necessary movement to accommodate angular misalignment between shaft and casing
3Reliability
If the mechanical seal uses traditional rigid mounting, then manufacturing and assembly are simple, but the seal fails under high loading and harsh conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing movement and adjustment to accommodate operational variations and misalignment, improving reliability under harsh conditions while maintaining reasonable manufacturing complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The joint in the support assembly allows changes in angular parameters to accommodate misalignment between shaft and casing, enabling the seal to adapt to varying operational conditions and maintain sealing effectiveness without requiring complex manufacturing processes
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
The mechanical seal effectively maintains sealing contact and prevents fluid leakage, even under fluctuating pressures and misalignment conditions, ensuring reliable operation in harsh pumping environments.
Implementation Method 1
the outer and inner surfaces form a ball joint to permit the rotary movement in all directions
Implementation Method 2
an intermediate material (such as for example a resilient elastomer) is disposed between the inner and outer surfaces so that the surfaces are not in direct contact
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A mechanical seal is disclosed that has first and second sealing faces that are urged into contact to form a seal therebetween. One sealing face is mounted on a rotatable portion of the seal and the second sealing face is mounted on a support assembly. The joint further comprises a joint permitting rotary movement between the support assembly and a stationary portion of the seal to allow adjustment of the potion of the rotatable portion relative to the stationary portion without affecting the alignment of the first and second sealing faces.