Independent Annular Seal Ring for Bi-Directional Conduit Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seal designs for conduit connections fail to provide sufficient bi-directional sealing, especially under pressure imbalances, where either increased internal or external pressure can lead to leakage, compromising the system's overall sealing capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A non-load bearing self-energized metal-to-metal annular seal ring assembly with two independent annular portions, where each portion operates independently under different pressure conditions, and can interact to maintain sealing integrity, using different materials and geometries to manage internal and external pressures effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single annular seal design is used, then the structure is simple, but it fails to provide sufficient bi-directional sealing under pressure imbalances
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is divided into two independent annular portions (first annular seal portion and second annular seal portion) that can operate independently under different pressure conditions. Each portion is configured to seal against different surfaces, enabling bi-directional sealing capability while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design
2Reliability
If high bolt/clamp force is applied to energize the sealing system, then sealing capability is improved, but assembly complexity and force requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The seal design allows the annular portions to self-energize under pressure differential, where the pressure itself helps maintain the sealing contact force. This reduces the reliance on high bolt/clamp forces during assembly and operation, making the system easier to assemble while maintaining reliable sealing capability
3Adaptability or versatility
If annular seal portions are made integrally from one material, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different pressure conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different annular seal portions are made from different materials optimized for their specific functions and exposure conditions. The first annular seal portion contacts the internal surface while the second contacts the external surface, allowing each to have material properties suited to its local environment and pressure conditions, thereby enhancing adaptability
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 requires less assembly force and maintains sealing integrity under varying pressure conditions, preventing leakage by isolating pressure effects on each annular portion and supporting each other to prevent damage, thus enhancing the conduit connection's sealing performance.
Implementation Method 1
The deformation-controlled seals have their contact force with the seats defined by the given displacement of the seats, radially, axially or combined, and the stiffness of the seal defined by its geometry and material properties
Implementation Method 2
The deformation-controlled seals have their contact force with the seats defined by the given displacement of the seats, radially, axially or combined
Data Source
AI summary
An annular seal ring is provided, including an inner sealing portion and an outer sealing portion, disconnected from each other allowing them to move completely freely relative to each other during operation. The seal ring is located in a cavity, formed when the first and second hubs of a conduit connector are connected. The seal ring includes a support rib and a mating groove, and the support rib is adapted to interact with the groove under certain combinations of pressure and temperature.