Electromagnetic Cartridge Seal Load Control for Dry Pump Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy mechanical seals, relying on springs or permanent magnets, fail to adapt to varying operational modes of pumps, leading to premature wear and increased maintenance due to lack of lubrication during dry modes, and require frequent replacements.
Innovation Solution
An electromagnetic cartridge seal system using an electromagnet as a force-applying mechanism, coupled to a carbon seal and elastomeric secondary seals, dynamically adjusts its load based on operational signals from inlet shut-off valves to maintain a tight seal in both wet and dry modes, reducing wear and maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring or permanent magnet is used to apply force on the seal, then the seal maintains contact between sealing faces, but the seal cannot adapt to varying operational modes leading to premature wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an electromagnet instead of a static spring or permanent magnet to apply force on the seal. The electromagnet can dynamically adjust its magnetic field strength in response to operational mode changes (wet vs. dry mode), allowing the seal to adapt its loading conditions and prevent premature wear during dry operation while maintaining effective sealing during wet operation.
2Productivity
If the seal operates in dry mode without lubrication, then the pump can run without fluid, but the seal experiences increased wear and requires frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnet dynamically reduces or eliminates force application to the seal during dry mode operation, preventing excessive wear that would occur with constant spring or magnet pressure. This extends seal life while allowing the pump to operate flexibly in both wet and dry conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the seal by adjusting the electromagnet's field strength based on lubrication availability. During dry mode, the parameter (magnetic force) is reduced to minimize wear, while during wet mode, full sealing force is restored, optimizing both productivity and durability.
3Device complexity
If a static mechanical seal configuration is used, then the structure is simple, but the seal cannot respond to changing operational conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical spring-based force application system with an electromagnet-driven system. This substitution introduces electrical control capability, allowing the seal to respond dynamically to operational conditions through electromagnetic field adjustment while maintaining relatively simple mechanical structure.
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 electromagnetic cartridge seal extends the life of seals, reduces maintenance, and provides uniform load distribution, ensuring reliable operation and reduced costs by leveraging existing system components and signals for mode control.
Implementation Method 1
Other types of legacy seals use permanent magnets within the mechanical seal to maintain the contact of the sealing faces during operation
Implementation Method 2
controlling a magnitude of the magnetic force with the signal
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments include an apparatus and techniques for operating an electromagnetic cartridge seal. Embodiments include operating a cartridge seal in one of a plurality of modes, and receiving (304) a signal at a force applying mechanism of the cartridge seal, the force applying mechanism being coupled to a primary sealing component of the cartridge seal. Embodiments also include controlling (306) the force applying mechanism based at least in part on the received signal.