Elastomeric Seal for Centrifugal Pump Axial Liner Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centrifugal pumps processing abrasive slurries face efficiency decline due to wear-induced gaps between the impeller and casing, and existing adjustable side liners struggle to maintain a fluid seal as they are axially adjusted.
Innovation Solution
A seal design for centrifugal pumps featuring a base with a band portion and retainer member positioned in a groove of the axially adjustable side liner, along with a lip and rib configurations, which deform to maintain a fluid seal during liner adjustments, utilizing an elastomeric material and reinforcing elements for enhanced sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If axially adjustable side liners are moved to minimize gaps between the impeller and casing, then pump efficiency is improved, but the ability to maintain a fluid seal between casing elements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is designed with a band portion made of elastomeric material that can dynamically deform and adapt its shape as the adjustable side plate liner moves axially. This dynamic flexibility allows the seal to maintain continuous fluid sealing contact with both the liner and the pump casing throughout the adjustment range, resolving the contradiction between liner adjustability and seal reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric material of the band portion changes its physical parameters (flexibility, conformability) to accommodate the axial movement of the side liner. The material's inherent elasticity allows it to stretch and compress, maintaining sealing pressure and fluid barrier integrity despite changes in the gap dimensions between impeller and casing
2Productivity
If adjustable side plate liners are brought into closer proximity to the impeller to minimize gaps, then pumping efficiency improves, but the difficulty of maintaining a fluid seal increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal employs a band portion constructed from elastomeric material that functions as a flexible element. This flexible band can deform to accommodate axial movements of the side liner while maintaining continuous sealing contact, eliminating the need for complex mechanical sealing systems and reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The seal integrates an elastomeric band portion with reinforcing elements to create a composite structure. The elastomeric material provides flexibility and conformability for sealing, while the reinforcing elements add structural strength to withstand the mechanical stresses of pump operation and adjustment movements
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 seal effectively maintains a reliable fluid seal between the pump casing and adjustable side liners during axial adjustments, improving pump efficiency by minimizing gaps and accommodating wear without requiring chemical bonding.
Implementation Method 1
The seal includes a band portion extending from the base... The seal effectively maintains a reliable fluid seal between the pump casing and adjustable side liners during axial adjustments
Data Source
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AI summary
A seal for use in a centrifugal pump, the pump having a stationary pump casing, a stationary plate and an axially adjustable side liner, is disclosed. The seal includes a base having an inner surface and an outer surface. A band portion extends from the base and a retainer member extends from the band portion. The retainer member is spaced apart from the base and oriented for positioning against a groove formed in the axially adjustable side plate liner of the centrifugal pump.