Dynamic Axial Seal Assembly Using Metallic Rings for Pressure Transients
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dynamic seals in fluid processing systems, such as subsea pumps and compressors, face reduced effectiveness and longevity due to large transient pressures and the use of certain fluids, particularly during carbon capture and sequestration processes, where elastomeric seals are prone to damage.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating one or more metallic seals in conjunction with elastomeric and thermoplastic seals to form a dynamic axial seal, which reduces the impact of pressure transients and enhances the sealing performance, with metallic seals acting as continuous, split, or spiral rings and being biased against stationary components or sealing armatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If elastomeric seals are used in dynamic seal systems, then sealing flexibility and adaptability are improved, but longevity and resistance to pressure transients deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite sealing system that combines elastomeric seals with metallic seals (such as carbon steel, stainless steel, or Inconel rings). The elastomeric seal provides flexibility and adaptability to maintain sealing contact, while the metallic seal components provide durability and resistance to pressure transients. This composite approach allows the system to benefit from both material types simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and longevity.
2Reliability
If elastomeric seals are used in dynamic seal systems, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but resistance to pressure transients deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The metallic seal rings act as intermediary protective elements between the elastomeric seal and the high-pressure transient conditions. When pressure transients occur, the rigid metallic rings absorb and distribute the mechanical stress, protecting the elastomeric seal from direct exposure to damaging pressure spikes. This intermediary protection allows the elastomeric seal to maintain its sealing effectiveness without being compromised by pressure transients.
3Reliability
If metallic seals are added to the seal assembly, then resistance to pressure transients and fluid damage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal assembly is segmented into distinct functional zones: elastomeric sealing elements for maintaining contact and metallic seal rings for protecting against pressure transients. Each segment performs its specific function independently, allowing for modular design and assembly. The metallic seals are positioned at strategic locations where pressure transients are most severe, providing protection without requiring complete redesign of the entire seal assembly.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If metallic seals are used, then longevity under harsh fluid conditions is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies particular metallic materials (carbon steel, stainless steel, Inconel) with proven corrosion resistance and durability properties for use in harsh fluid conditions. By selecting from these established material options with known manufacturing processes, the design achieves improved longevity while avoiding the need to develop novel materials or manufacturing techniques. The metallic seal rings can be manufactured using conventional machining or forming processes.
Data Source
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AI summary
A fluid processing machine (36) that operates on a process fluid (44) includes a frame (54) that structurally supports at least a portion of the fluid processing machine (36) and a shaft (42) that operatively rotates about an axis (66) and relative to the frame (54). The shaft (42) includes a projection (62) in a radial direction relative to the axis (66) that is operationally contacted by a sealing armature (64) that has an axial degree of freedom relative to the axis (66). Additionally, the fluid processing machine (36) includes a dynamic rotational seal (72) between the projection (62) and the sealing armature (64) and a dynamic axial seal (78) between the sealing armature (64) and the frame (54). The dynamic axial seal (78) includes one or more metallic seals (80) that seal between the sealing armature (64) and the frame (54) circumferentially about the axis (66).