Elastomeric Cord Seal for Axially Split Pump Casings

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional axially split centrifugal pumps are limited by the need for gasket material between casing halves, which restricts interchangeability, increases manufacturing and maintenance costs, and limits operational pressures due to the thickness of flanges required for sealing.

Innovation Solution

An improved seal system using elastomeric cords within grooves on the mating surfaces of the casing flanges and side cover, eliminating the need for gasket material and allowing direct contact between casing halves, thereby reducing flange thickness and enabling higher operational pressures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If gasket material is used between casing halves to provide sealing, then sealing capability is improved, but flange thickness must be increased to about 2-6 inches which limits operational pressure to only 150-300 psi

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing capabilityVSAvoidoperational pressure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the gasket material from the sealing system, replacing it with a direct metal-to-metal flange contact sealing mechanism. This extraction eliminates the pressure limitations imposed by thick gasketed flanges, enabling operational pressures to exceed 300 psi while maintaining reliable sealing through precision-machined mating surfaces and bolted joint design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the sealing mechanism from gasket-based to direct metal contact, fundamentally altering the pressure-bearing parameters of the joint. By eliminating the compressible gasket layer, the system transitions to a rigid sealing interface that can withstand higher operational pressures without compromising seal integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If gasket material is used to compensate for variations in machined surfaces, then sealing at desired pressures is improved, but interchangeability of casing halves is precluded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing capabilityVSAvoidinterchangeability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

By removing the gasket material that absorbs machining variations, the patent necessitates and enables precision machining of flange mating surfaces. This extraction of the compensating element (gasket) transforms the sealing approach to one where precision manufacturing ensures both sealing and interchangeability, allowing casing halves to be freely replaced without gasket re-cutting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The direct metal-to-metal sealing interface creates a universal connection system where flanges with standardized precision surfaces can be interchanged between different pump units. This universal interface eliminates the need for gasket customization, enabling casing halves to serve multiple applications and be replaced without specialized matching.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If gasket material is used between flanges, then sealing is provided, but manufacturing cost and service complexity increase due to gasket cutting, installation, and replacement requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the gasket material and associated machining operations, replacing them with a direct flange contact sealing system. This extraction removes the need for gasket cutting, fitting, and installation steps from the manufacturing process, reducing both labor costs and manufacturing complexity while maintaining sealing effectiveness through precision-machined surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the disposable gasket material with a permanent, reusable metal-to-metal sealing interface. Instead of consuming gaskets that must be replaced with each assembly, the system uses durable flange surfaces that maintain sealing capability indefinitely, eliminating recurring gasket purchase and installation costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 enhances manufacturing efficiency, reduces costs, and increases operational pressures up to 700 psi, allowing for interchangeable casing halves and simplified maintenance, while maintaining a fluid-tight seal.

Implementation Method 1

an improved seal system using elastomeric cords within grooves on the mating surfaces of the casing flanges

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

increases operational pressures up to 700 psi, allowing for interchangeable casing halves and simplified maintenance, while maintaining a fluid-tight seal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure Increase: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS10309416B2Seal system for centrifugal pumps having axially split casings

Publication Date: 2019.06.04 RUHRPUMPEN SA DE CV

AI summary

Disclosed invention is an improved sealing system for axially split, centrifugal pumps. The improved sealing system eliminates the need for a gasket between casing halves. In the improved sealing system, a fluid tight seal is provided by an elastomeric cord positioned within a groove carried by the flange of at least one half of the axially split pump casing.