Integrated Compressor Seal Assembly With Reduced Hardware
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centrifugal compressors have hardware components that increase costs, installation complexity, and maintenance challenges, particularly in high-speed and high-pressure applications.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a rotor assembly with multiple lubricant paths and non-planar bearing retainers that allow for adjustable axial positions, and an integral flow control valve in the heat exchanger to reduce hardware and improve assembly and maintenance, with gas and oil seals installed without additional hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional hardware components are used in centrifugal compressors, then sealing and support functions are provided, but device complexity and installation maintenance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gas seal and oil seal are merged into a single integrated seal assembly that fits within the rotor assembly bore. The bearing retainers are also integrated to provide both support and retention functions. This consolidation reduces the number of separate hardware components while maintaining all necessary sealing and support functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The bearing retainers serve multiple functions: they support the rotor assembly, retain the seals in position, and provide structural support within the gearbox. The integrated seal assembly provides both gas sealing and oil sealing functions simultaneously. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
2Temperature
If multiple separate lubricant paths are implemented, then bearing cooling is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricant delivery system is segmented into multiple separate paths that deliver lubricant to different locations within the bearing assembly. This segmentation allows independent cooling of different bearing zones without requiring a complex integrated system, as each path can be independently configured and maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
Different lubricant paths are configured to deliver cooled lubricant to specific local areas of the bearing that require cooling. This localized approach ensures that lubricant temperature is reduced where needed without requiring a complete redesign of the entire lubrication system, maintaining simplicity while achieving temperature control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If non-planar bearing retainers are used, then axial position adjustability is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing retainers are designed with non-planar surfaces that enable dynamic adjustment of the rotor assembly's axial position. The contoured surfaces allow the retainers to be positioned at different axial locations to accommodate varying clearance requirements, providing adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple retainer geometry that can be manufactured using standard machining processes.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards a seal assembly including a first seal and a second seal, wherein the first seal and the second seal axially about one another within a retaining bore of a compressor, and cooperatively form an outer radial contour of the seal assembly that is retained by the retaining bore.