Dynamic Seal Blank Fabrication Using Thermoplastic Strip Winding
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacture of rotary joint devices for fluid handling installations in offshore platforms is complex due to the hostile marine environment, requiring large dimensions and specific materials, making existing manufacturing processes cumbersome and costly.
Innovation Solution
A method for manufacturing a blank of an annular component for rotary joint devices using strips of thermoplastic materials like PEEK and PTFE, arranged on a manufacturing support to form a custom cross-section, which can be welded and vacuum-formed to create dynamic sealing elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional sintering or extrusion methods are used to manufacture blanks for rotary joint devices, then manufacturing precision and material properties can be achieved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process is segmented into distinct operational phases: arranging strips on support, welding strips together, and removing the support. This segmentation allows each phase to be optimized independently, reducing overall process complexity while maintaining precision requirements for the final blank
Solution Approach 2:
The strips are arranged and welded together on a support structure before final blank formation. This preliminary action allows precise positioning and bonding of material layers to be completed while the support provides stability, ensuring manufacturing precision is achieved during the arrangement phase rather than during more complex post-processing operations
2Reliability
If complex manufacturing processes are used to produce dynamic sealing elements for hostile marine environments, then reliability and durability are improved, but productivity and manufacturing efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The material parameters are changed by selecting specific thermoplastic materials (PEEK, PTFE) with inherent durability properties suitable for marine environments. These materials provide the required reliability and corrosion resistance without requiring complex manufacturing processes, thus maintaining high productivity while ensuring durability in hostile conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing support is designed as a temporary, disposable component that is removed after use. This eliminates the need for complex, expensive reusable tooling systems, thereby increasing manufacturing efficiency and productivity while still enabling the production of high-reliability sealing elements through the strip arrangement and welding process
3Adaptability or versatility
If custom cross-section blanks are manufactured using traditional methods, then adaptability to specific application requirements is achieved, but manufacturing time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process is made dynamic and flexible by allowing the strip arrangement configuration to be easily adjusted for different cross-section requirements. The support structure accommodates various strip layouts, enabling quick adaptation to different blank geometries without requiring new tooling or fixtures, thus reducing manufacturing cycle time while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The blank is constructed as a composite structure by arranging and welding multiple strips together in specific configurations. This composite approach allows custom cross-sections to be created by simply changing the strip arrangement pattern rather than requiring complex monolithic manufacturing processes, significantly reducing manufacturing time while maintaining versatility for different application requirements
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
Facilitates the simple, economical, and efficient production of annular components for rotary joint devices, ensuring watertight seals in harsh marine environments.
Implementation Method 1
arranging, under a predetermined temperature, at least one strip of a predetermined material around said manufacturing support
Implementation Method 2
arranging under vacuum at least one strip of a predetermined material around said manufacturing support
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a blank of an article configured to equip a rotating joint device of a fluid handling installation, in particular on an offshore platform, comprising the following steps: - supplying (100) at least one strip of a predetermined material; - supplying (110) at least one manufacturing support at least partially annular and having a predetermined external diameter; - arranging (120) said at least one strip of a predetermined material around said manufacturing support until a predetermined thickness is obtained; - removing (150) the manufacturing support to obtain said blank of article having a predetermined section.