Arcuate Sealing Ring Geometry for Abrasive Reciprocating Pumps
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Solution Overview
Problem
High pressure reciprocating pumps face challenges in maintaining effective sealing and structural integrity due to abrasive materials in the fluid, leading to wear and reduced lifespan of components.
Innovation Solution
A sealing ring with an arcuate inner surface that directly engages with the reciprocating element, avoiding debris entrapment and wear by extending convexly from the upstream surface, enhancing sealed engagement and maintaining structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional packing arrangement is used to seal against the reciprocating element, then sealing is provided to reduce fluid leakage, but abrasive materials in the fluid cause wear and reduce the lifespan of the packing components
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing ring incorporates an arcuate inner surface that is convexly curved, which prevents debris entrapment between the sealing ring and reciprocating element. This curved geometry eliminates pockets where abrasive particles could accumulate and cause wear, thereby extending the lifespan of the packing components while maintaining effective sealing against high pressure fluids
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing ring features different surface geometries optimized for specific functions: the arcuate inner surface contacts the reciprocating element to prevent debris entrapment, while the planar upstream surface provides a sealing interface with the pump casing. This localized optimization of surface properties addresses both sealing effectiveness and wear resistance
2Ease of manufacture
If the sealing ring has a planar inner surface, then manufacturing is simpler, but debris can become trapped between the sealing ring and reciprocating element causing increased wear
Solution Approach 1:
The inner surface of the sealing ring is formed with a convex arcuate curvature rather than a planar surface. This curved geometry is relatively simple to manufacture using standard molding or machining processes while effectively preventing debris from becoming trapped between the sealing ring and reciprocating element, thus reducing wear without significantly complicating manufacturing
3Reliability
If the sealing ring engages directly with the reciprocating element, then sealing efficiency is improved, but abrasive materials cause grinding and wear on the reciprocating element
Solution Approach 1:
The convex arcuate inner surface of the sealing ring creates a geometry where abrasive particles cannot become trapped between the sealing ring and reciprocating element. This curved contact surface allows direct engagement for effective sealing while preventing the grinding action that would occur with flat surfaces, thereby protecting the reciprocating element from wear
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the potential harm of abrasive materials into a benefit by using the convex arcuate surface geometry to naturally shed and eject abrasive particles from the contact zone. Instead of allowing particles to cause grinding wear, the curved surface design utilizes the reciprocating motion to continuously clear debris, transforming the presence of abrasive materials from a harmful factor into a manageable condition
Data Source
AI summary
A sealing ring includes a planar upstream surface, a tapered downstream surface disposed opposite of the planar upstream surface, and an arcuate inner surface extending convexly from the planar upstream surface toward the tapered downstream surface. The arcuate inner surface is configured to engage with a reciprocating element of the reciprocating pump.