Centrifugal Impeller Sealing to Reduce Axial Pull
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centrifugal devices experience mechanical pull on the impeller due to axial forces, which can destabilize the impeller's position relative to the frame, especially when the bearing system is not designed to support axial loads.
Innovation Solution
A seal is introduced between the impeller and the frame to impede the outlet fluid flow from entering an intermediate chamber, reducing the axial pull by maintaining a lower pressure in this chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the bearing system is not designed to support axial load, then the mechanical complexity is reduced, but the impeller stability deteriorates due to axial pull
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a seal as an intermediary component between the impeller and the housing. This seal creates an intermediate chamber that acts as a mediator to manage the fluid pressure distribution, thereby counteracting the axial pull forces without requiring the bearing system to support axial loads. The seal enables the system to maintain impeller stability while keeping the bearing system simple.
2Productivity
If the outlet fluid flow enters the intermediate chamber, then the fluid flow continuity is maintained, but the axial pull on the impeller increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fluid flow path by introducing a seal that divides the housing into separate regions. The seal creates an intermediate chamber that is separated from the outlet flow path, preventing the high-pressure outlet fluid from entering the intermediate chamber. This segmentation allows the system to maintain fluid flow continuity in the operational path while isolating the intermediate chamber to manage pressure distribution and reduce axial pull forces.
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 introduction of the seal effectively reduces the axial pull on the impeller, stabilizing its position and reducing mechanical wear, thereby enhancing the operational stability of the centrifugal device.
Implementation Method 1
a seal (6) located between the first frame wall (21) and the first wall (41) of the impeller (4) such that the seal (6), the first frame wall (21) and the first wall (41) of the impeller (4) define an intermediate chamber (124) and the seal (6) is adapted to at least impede an outlet fluid flow generated by the impeller (4) from entering the intermediate chamber (124)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
A centrifugal device comprising a frame (2) having a first frame wall (21) and an impeller (4) having at least one main vane (401) and a first wall (41) extending in a direction perpendicular to a rotation axis of the impeller (4), wherein in an axial direction, the first wall (41) is located between the at least one main vane (401) and the first frame wall (21). The centrifugal device comprises a seal (6) between the first frame wall (21) and the first wall (41) of the impeller such that the seal (6), the first frame wall (21) and the first wall (41) of the impeller define an intermediate chamber (124) between the first frame wall (21) and the first wall (41) of the impeller, and the seal (6) is adapted to at least impede an outlet fluid flow generated by the impeller (4) from entering the intermediate chamber (124).