Dual Barrier Seal Geometry for Low-Pressure Sealing Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seal rings and joints for conduits and pressure vessels are not effectively managed when the pressure inside the conduit or vessel is lower than the ambient pressure, as they rely on deformation of sealing lips which may not provide adequate sealing under such conditions.
Innovation Solution
A dual barrier seal design featuring axially extending inner and outer seal lips connected by a radially outward web, with independently adjustable contact pressure, and sealing surfaces that are partially toroidal, elliptical, or conical, providing enhanced sealing performance across varying pressure conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional seal rings with single sealing lip deformation are used, then the seal works well under high internal pressure conditions, but the seal becomes ineffective when internal pressure is lower than ambient pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The seal ring is divided into multiple independent sealing lips (first inner sealing lip, second inner sealing lip, first outer sealing lip, second outer sealing lip) that can deform independently. Each lip engages with corresponding sealing surfaces to provide separate sealing barriers, allowing the seal to maintain effectiveness across varying pressure conditions including when internal pressure is lower than ambient pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing mechanism transitions from relying solely on radial deformation to incorporating axial deformation capabilities. The sealing lips are designed with axial thickness and can deform in both radial and axial directions, creating a more versatile sealing action that works effectively under both positive and negative pressure differentials.
2Ease of manufacture
If seal contact pressure is fixed by design, then manufacturing is simplified, but the seal cannot be optimized for different operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The seal ring incorporates adjustable elements that allow the contact pressure between sealing lips and sealing surfaces to be modified after assembly. This dynamic adjustment capability enables optimization of sealing performance for different operating conditions while maintaining a relatively simple overall design that does not require complex manufacturing processes.
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 dual barrier seal effectively maintains a secure seal across a range of pressure conditions, including when internal pressure is lower than ambient, by allowing independent adjustment of contact pressure and utilizing specific geometric sealing surfaces for enhanced sealing efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
the seal being affected by deformation of a sealing lip of the seal ring against a sealing surface
Data Source
AI summary
An annular dual barrier seal includes a pair of axially extending inner seal lips and a pair of axially extending outer seal lips, the pair of inner seal lips are connected to the pair of outer seal lips by a radially outwardly extending web portion. The pair of inner seal lips extend axially by a first dimension and the pair of outer seal lips extend axially by a second dimension which is greater than the first dimension. The pair of inner seal lips have a sealing surface that is one of partially toroidal and partially elliptical and that engage the radially inwardly facing first sealing surface and the pair of outer seal lips have a sealing surface that is one of partially toroidal, partially elliptical and conical.