Circumferential Seal Arrangement with Ceramic Runner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Circumferential seal arrangements in rotating environments face challenges such as wear at sealing interfaces and the need for cooling systems due to material degradation at high temperatures, along with inefficiencies in maintaining a consistent seal under varying operating conditions.
Innovation Solution
A simplified circumferential sealing arrangement that replaces two seal elements with a single primary seal element, utilizing a ceramic seal runner with a secondary seal element to generate a biasing force and minimize wear, and incorporates a pressurized fluid system to adjust forces and reduce leakage, thereby eliminating the need for a dedicated cooling system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional circumferential seal with two seal elements is used, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity and wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate seal elements into a single integrated seal element that performs both sealing functions. The first seal surface contacts the rotating seal runner while the second seal surface seals against the static housing, eliminating the need for two separate seal elements and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining sealing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single seal element is designed with multiple seal surfaces that perform different sealing functions simultaneously. One surface handles the rotating interface while another handles the static interface, making the single component multi-functional and replacing what traditionally required two separate components.
2Reliability
If traditional seal elements are used in high temperature environments, then sealing function is maintained, but material degradation and wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The seal element incorporates ceramic materials, specifically silicon carbide, which provide exceptional heat resistance and wear resistance. The ceramic seal runner and ceramic seal surfaces enable the seal to operate in high-temperature environments without material degradation, while the rubber O-ring provides elasticity and sealing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameters by using ceramic materials with high melting points and thermal stability instead of traditional metallic or polymer seal materials. This parameter change allows the seal to withstand high temperatures and reduces wear, as ceramics maintain their mechanical properties at elevated temperatures.
3Temperature
If a dedicated cooling system is added to prevent material degradation, then temperature control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ceramic materials inherently provide thermal stability and heat resistance without requiring external cooling systems. The material properties of silicon carbide and other ceramics allow them to withstand high temperatures through their own thermal properties, eliminating the need for dedicated cooling infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the harmful high-temperature environment into a beneficial operating condition by using materials that thrive at high temperatures. Instead of trying to cool down the seal, the ceramic materials are selected because they perform better at elevated temperatures, turning the thermal challenge into an advantage.
4Reliability
If pressurized fluid is directed into the seal housing, then fluid separation is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single seal element acts as an intermediary that separates fluid paths between rotating and static components. By creating effective seals at both the rotating interface and the static housing interface, the seal element prevents fluid leakage and mixing without requiring additional pressurized fluid systems.
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 solution reduces wear and heat generation, maintains a consistent seal across varying operating conditions, and eliminates the need for a dedicated cooling system, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the sealing arrangement.
Implementation Method 1
The secondary seal element generates a biasing force along the axis of rotation urging the second side against the housing
Implementation Method 2
A flow of pressurized fluid can be directed into the seal housing to positively separate the fluids on opposite axial sides of the seal element. The fluid entering the seal housing is at a higher pressure than the fluids on opposite axial sides of the seal element
Implementation Method 3
The primary seal element includes a first surface cooperating with a second surface of the seal runner to form a circumferential seal between the primary seal element and the seal runner
Data Source
AI summary
A circumferential sealing arrangement is disclosed herein. The circumferential sealing arrangement includes a seal runner operable to be fixed to a structure for concurrent rotation with the structure about an axis. The circumferential sealing arrangement also includes a housing that encircles the seal runner or is encircled by the seal runner. The circumferential sealing arrangement also includes a primary seal element at least partially disposed in the housing. The primary seal element includes a first surface cooperating with a second surface of the seal runner to form a circumferential seal between the primary seal element and the seal runner. The circumferential sealing arrangement also includes a secondary seal element positioned between the housing and the primary seal element on a first side of the primary seal element along the axis of rotation. A second side of the primary seal element along the axis of rotation opposite the first side seals against the housing. The secondary seal element generates a biasing force along the axis of rotation urging the second side against the housing.