Dynamic Seal Renewal for Drilling Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seals in the oil industry face challenges with wear due to relative motion between elements, leading to frequent replacements, which are costly and hazardous, especially in hard-to-reach locations, and require downtime for maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A device with a storage well for seal material and pressurizing means to continually renew the seal by flowing seal precursor into the space between moving elements, allowing it to polymerize and form a durable seal, with optional particulate materials for lubrication and abrasion resistance, and indicators for monitoring and replenishment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sacrificial seal material is used, then the seal can be easily manufactured and installed, but the seal wears rapidly due to relative motion between the piston and housing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning the seal material from a static polymer to a dynamic system where precursors are continuously supplied and transformed into seal material in-situ. This allows the seal to be continuously renewed, extending its operational lifespan from conventional limited-duration seals to an extended-duration or potentially indefinite seal that can be replenished without system shutdown.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary action by pre-positioning seal precursor material in a storage well adjacent to the seal location. This precursor material is ready for immediate transformation and deployment when needed, allowing rapid seal renewal without requiring long lead times for material delivery or complex on-demand synthesis processes.
2Reliability
If the seal element is made softer to improve sealing engagement, then the seal engages better with the articles, but the seal material wears more rapidly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction through parameter changes by making the seal material properties dynamic rather than static. The seal can maintain softness for effective engagement during operation, then be continuously replenished to counteract wear. The system transforms the seal from a fixed-property component to a dynamically renewable resource, allowing optimal engagement properties without suffering from cumulative wear damage.
3Ease of repair
If conventional seal replacement procedures are used, then the seal can be replaced when worn, but the operation must be shut down and the section isolated to prevent backflow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the seal to renew itself through continuous supply of precursor material that transforms into functional seal material in-situ. This eliminates the need for external intervention, system shutdown, or isolation procedures for seal maintenance. The seal system becomes self-sustaining, automatically replenishing its sealing material as it wears without requiring operational停机 or complex safety procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by ensuring the seal renewal process can occur without interrupting the primary operation. The precursor supply system operates continuously or periodically to replenish seal material while the system remains operational, eliminating downtime and maintaining continuous productive action while the seal performs its protective function.
4Duration of action of moving object
If the seal material is made harder to resist wear, then the seal durability improves, but the seal becomes weaker and does not engage well with the articles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this hardness-engagement contradiction through parameter changes by making the seal material properties temporal rather than spatial. Different phases of the seal lifecycle can have different effective properties: fresh seal material provides softness for engagement, while the continuous renewal process maintains durability. The system transforms the contradiction from a static material property dilemma to a dynamic process control solution.
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 solution extends the seal's lifespan by continuously renewing the seal material without shutting down operations, reducing downtime and maintenance costs, while maintaining a reliable seal in challenging environments.
Implementation Method 1
the seal precursor comprises one or more monomers, or each monomer reacting to form a polymer
Implementation Method 2
The pressure exerted on the piston is advantageously provided by hydraulic pressure
Implementation Method 3
the seal precursor includes a chemical initiator such as free radical or free radical producer to accelerate the reaction between monomers
Implementation Method 4
reaction between monomers is initiated thermally
Data Source
AI summary
A device to provide a seal between a housing for a moving element such as a drill chain, piston or the like and the moving element. The device comprising a storage well to retain seal material, the block having an outlet connecting with an aperture in a housing enabling seal material to flow into the space between a housing and the moving element and form a seal, the device further including an inlet port enabling seal material precursor to be added into the block, and pressurising means to pressurise the seal material precursor and force it out of the aperture.