Conduit seal assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Gas processing containers require seals that can withstand extreme temperature variations, from high temperatures due to combustion and explosions to cryogenic temperatures, while maintaining an air-tight or fluid-tight seal, and must also resist varying pressure levels.
Innovation Solution
A conduit seal assembly with dual seals at opposite ends of an outer conduit, where the first seal resists high temperatures and the second seal resists lower cryogenic temperatures, forming a cavity and providing a fluid-tight seal, with the seals and conduit materials chosen for durability and flexibility to accommodate temperature and pressure extremes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a single seal is used in the conduit, then the structure is simple, but it cannot withstand both high temperatures and cryogenic temperatures simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The seal structure is divided into multiple segments: a first seal positioned in the first opening for resisting high temperatures, and a second seal positioned in the second opening for resisting cryogenic temperatures. Each seal is optimized for its specific temperature range, allowing the conduit assembly to withstand extreme temperature variations from high temperatures to cryogenic temperatures simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Different seals with temperature-appropriate materials are placed at different locations along the conduit. The first seal uses materials suitable for high-temperature resistance, while the second seal uses materials optimized for cryogenic temperature resistance. This local differentiation allows each seal to perform optimally in its specific thermal environment.
2Reliability
If seals are placed at both ends of the conduit, then temperature resistance is improved, but the seal structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The seal system is segmented into a first seal and a second seal positioned at opposite ends of the conduit, with each seal addressing specific environmental challenges. This segmentation improves reliability by ensuring that each seal is optimized for its local conditions, thereby maintaining overall seal integrity across extreme temperature and pressure ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The conduit itself acts as an intermediary structure that houses and positions both seals. The conduit provides structural support and defines the cavity between the two seals, organizing the complex multi-seal assembly into a coherent integrated unit that maintains reliability while managing complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the conduit penetrates the container wall, then gas processing equipment can be connected, but the seal must withstand both high temperatures from combustion and cryogenic temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The seal system is divided into temperature-zoned segments: the first seal handles high-temperature exposure from combustion and explosions outside the container, while the second seal handles cryogenic temperatures from the refrigerated interior. This segmentation allows the conduit to maintain adaptability for gas processing connections while withstanding extreme temperature differentials across the container wall.
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature-appropriate seal materials and designs are applied locally at each conduit end based on the thermal environment. The first seal uses high-temperature resistant materials positioned at the external opening, while the second seal uses cryogenic-compatible materials at the internal opening, enabling the conduit to function adaptively across extreme temperature ranges.
4Stress or pressure
If dual seals are used to resist varying pressure levels, then pressure resistance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure resistance function is segmented between two seals positioned at opposite ends of the conduit. Each seal is optimized for resisting pressure differential in its local position, with the first seal handling external pressure conditions and the second seal handling internal pressure conditions. This segmentation improves overall pressure resistance while allowing each seal to be manufactured using optimized processes for its specific requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A conduit seal assembly includes an outer conduit having a first end with a first opening and a second end, opposite the first end, with a second opening. A first seal is positioned in the first opening for resisting a first temperature, and a second seal is positioned in the second opening for resisting a second temperature less than the first temperature. The first and second seals define a cavity and provide an air-tight seal of the cavity, and the assembly includes a monitoring assembly configured to sense a characteristic in the cavity.