Double Seal Arrangement for Gas Compressor Axial Length Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing double seal arrangements in gas compressors have a long axial length due to the need for multiple seals, which restricts the axial mobility of the seal rings and complicates assembly, as they rely on oversized O-rings for sealing, leading to high frictional resistance and increased length.
Innovation Solution
A secondary seal arrangement is integrated onto a power transmission ring of the second mechanical seal, allowing for radial sealing only under axial force, eliminating the need for a third downstream seal and enabling the use of commercially available O-rings without impairing axial mobility, with the power transmission ring and slide ring having an elastic abutment for self-compensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If O-rings are used for sealing between housing and slide ring, then sealing effect is achieved, but axial mobility of the seal ring is restricted due to high frictional resistance
Solution Approach 1:
A power transmission ring is introduced as an intermediary component between the slide ring and the housing. This ring carries the secondary seal arrangement and enables axial movement with reduced friction, while still maintaining effective sealing through the secondary seals that engage with the power transmission ring rather than directly with the housing.
2Reliability
If a third seal (floating ring seal) is arranged downstream of the mechanical seal arrangements, then bearing oil sealing is achieved, but axial length of the seals on the shaft increases
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary seal arrangement on the power transmission ring combines multiple sealing functions into a single integrated system. It simultaneously seals the mechanical seal arrangement from the housing and provides bearing oil sealing, eliminating the need for a separate third seal and reducing the overall axial length.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary seal arrangement serves multiple functions: it seals the gap between the mechanical seal arrangement and the housing, provides bearing oil sealing, and allows axial movement. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate sealing components.
3Reliability
If oversized O-rings are used for sealing, then sealing effect is achieved, but assembly is complicated and axial mobility is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The power transmission ring acts as an intermediary that carries the secondary seals, allowing them to be properly positioned and supported without requiring oversized dimensions. This intermediary structure simplifies assembly by providing a dedicated mounting platform for the seals.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the sealing mechanism from relying on oversized O-rings with high friction to using secondary seals on a power transmission ring that move with reduced friction. This parameter change in the sealing approach enables both effective sealing and easier assembly with standard seal dimensions.
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 significantly reduces the axial length of the double seal arrangement, simplifies assembly, and ensures a tailored radial seal, while maintaining the mobility of the seal rings and allowing for the use of standard sealing elements, resulting in a more reliable, cost-effective, and safer sealing solution.
Implementation Method 1
a radial sealing effect is only achieved to a significant extent when the secondary sealing elements are subjected to an axial force that causes radial expansion the secondary sealing elements causes
Implementation Method 2
one of which is axially movable and is axially prestressed with a prestressing force against the relevant other seal ring
Implementation Method 3
The secondary sealing elements protrude a small amount axially from the power transmission ring, thereby creating an abutment between the power transmission ring and the slide ring which is not rigid but elastically compliant
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to a double-seal arrangement, in particular for sealing on a gas compressor, comprising a first mechanical seal arrangement (30) with a pair of cooperating sliding rings (31, 32), one of which is provided for common rotation with a rotating component (60) and the other is rotationally fixed to a stationary component (1), a second mechanical seal arrangement (40) with at least one pair of cooperating sliding rings (4, 5), one of which is provided for common rotation with the rotating component (60) and the other is rotationally fixed to the stationary component (1), wherein one of the sliding rings is axially movable and axially preloaded against the other sliding ring, wherein the preload force can be transmitted to the sliding ring via a force transmission ring (10) to form mutually facing sliding surfaces (7, 8) of the sliding rings, between which a sealing gap is formed during operation.to preload in sealing engagement with each other, and with a secondary sealing arrangement (50) for sealing the axially movable sliding ring against at least one guide circumferential surface (16, 18) of a guide component which guides the movement of the sliding ring and the power transmission ring, wherein the secondary sealing arrangement (50) is provided on the power transmission ring (10) and comprises at least one annular sealing element (13, 13') made of an elastic material, which is held on the power transmission ring (10) near its circumference and its end surface (15) facing the sliding ring (4) in such a way that it projects at least axially beyond the power transmission ring (10) and is deformable radially beyond the circumference of the end surface (15) under the influence of the preload force, so that the annular sealing element (13, 13') can be brought into sealing engagement simultaneously with the sliding ring (4) and the guide circumferential surface (16, 18),whereas without the application of the preload force, such an intervention is essentially prevented.