Axially Split Pump Sealing Groove Design for High Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Axially split pumps face challenges in achieving a reliable and high-pressure-resistant seal between the pump housing and side covers, particularly at critical points where different sealing elements meet, leading to potential leaks and efficiency reductions, especially at high operating pressures.
Innovation Solution
A configuration where a cord-shaped sealing element is inserted into a sealing groove, and an annular sealing element is placed into an annular groove formed jointly by the housing and side cover, with the annular groove providing additional sealing points and ensuring an intimate contact between the sealing elements, enhancing the sealing effect even at high pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flat gasket is inserted between the flanges to achieve sealing, then sealing reliability is improved, but the required prestressing force increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
A cord-shaped sealing element made of elastomer is introduced as an intermediary between the flanges. This elastomeric seal deforms elastically under compression to create a reliable seal without requiring the high prestressing forces needed for rigid flat gaskets. The elastomer's inherent flexibility allows it to conform to surface irregularities and maintain sealing under varying pressure conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing mechanism transitions from rigid flat gaskets to flexible elastomeric cord seals. This parameter change in material properties (from rigid to elastic) fundamentally alters the sealing behavior, allowing the seal to adapt to pressure changes and surface variations without requiring excessive clamping force.
2Force
If direct contact between flange surfaces is used for sealing, then the screw connections bear lower load, but sealing reliability at high pressure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing approach changes from direct rigid surface contact to elastomeric cord sealing. The elastomeric material's ability to deform and recover allows it to maintain effective sealing contact under high pressure conditions where rigid surfaces would fail, while still distributing loads more favorably than flat gaskets.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing system combines the elastomeric cord-shaped sealing element with the rigid flange structure. The elastomer provides compliance and sealing capability under pressure, while the rigid flanges provide structural support and load distribution, creating a composite sealing system that overcomes the limitations of either material alone.
3Reliability
If multiple cord-shaped sealing elements are used to seal different chambers, then sealing coverage is improved, but the number of critical contact points between sealing elements increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is segmented into multiple cord-shaped sealing elements, each responsible for sealing specific chambers or interfaces. This segmentation allows each seal to be optimized for its specific location and pressure conditions, improving overall sealing coverage while maintaining simplicity through the use of identical elastomeric cord elements throughout.
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 configuration provides an extremely reliable seal between the pump housing and side cover, reducing leaks and maintaining efficiency at very high operating pressures, suitable for pumps designed for pressures of at least 50 bar and preferably 100 bar.
Implementation Method 1
the cord-shaped sealing element is elastically deformed in the sealing groove, thus ensuring reliable sealing
Implementation Method 2
an annular sealing element is placed into an annular groove formed jointly by the housing and side cover... ensuring an intimate contact between the sealing elements, enhancing the sealing effect even at high pressures
Data Source
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AI summary
An axially split pump for conveying a fluid is proposed, comprising an axially split housing (2) which includes a lower part (21) and a cover (22), a rotatable shaft (3) which defines an axial direction (A), and at least one side cover (9) for closing the housing (2) in the axial direction (A). The side cover (9) has a first contact surface (91) for interacting with a second contact surface (23) provided on the housing (2), which extends over both the lower part (21) and the cover (22). The lower part (21) has a first sealing surface (212), and the cover (22) has a second sealing surface (222). The lower part (21) and the cover (22) can be fastened to one another such that the two sealing surfaces (212, 222) are in direct contact with each other. At least one sealing groove (213) is provided in one of the sealing surfaces (212, 222). designed to accommodate a cord-shaped sealing element (10),which sealing groove (213) extends to the second contact surface (23) of the housing (2), wherein a recess (24) surrounding the shaft (3) is provided in the second contact surface (23), and wherein a projection (92) surrounding the shaft (3) is provided in the first contact surface (91) of the side cover (9), wherein the recess (24) and the projection (92) are designed and arranged such that, in the assembled state of the side cover (9), they together form an annular groove (29) for receiving an annular sealing element (11).