Explosion-Proof O-Ring Groove Sealing for Pressure Surge Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealing systems in explosion-proof devices fail to effectively prevent pressure and flame escape during explosions due to high inflation pressures required by inflatable seals, which can lead to seal bursting and inadequate sealing performance.
Innovation Solution
A sealing system utilizing an O-ring arranged in a compressed-air pressurized groove, where the O-ring is subjected to lower pressure than inflatable seals, ensuring that explosion pressure enhances the sealing by pressing the O-ring against the flange edges, preventing pressure and flame escape, with a recommended pressure of approximately one-third of the explosion pressure and using silicone rubber or PTFE-coated O-rings for improved performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an inflatable seal with hollow cross-section is used, then sealing capability is improved, but the required high inflation pressure (3-15 bar) causes the seal to burst and requires a stiffer construction of carrier assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the pressure parameter from high (3-15 bar) to low (0.03-0.15 bar), transforming the sealing mechanism from pressure-dependent to explosion-pressure-dependent. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by eliminating the need for high pressure while maintaining sealing capability through the O-ring's geometric design in the compressed groove.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using pressure to create sealing (conventional approach), the invention inverts the approach by using the explosion pressure itself to enhance sealing. The O-ring is designed to be pressed against the flange by the explosion pressure, converting the harmful explosion force into a beneficial sealing mechanism.
2Reliability
If high inflation pressure (3-15 bar) is applied to inflatable seal, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but the force required calls for a stiffer construction of carrier assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the pressure parameter from high (3-15 bar) to low (0.03-0.15 bar), reducing the force on the carrier assembly by a factor of 100-500 times while maintaining sealing effectiveness through the O-ring's geometric design and the explosive pressure enhancement mechanism.
3Reliability
If conventional inflatable seal is used, then sealing is provided, but pressure and flame escape between seal and flange during explosion
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful explosion pressure into a beneficial sealing force. The O-ring is geometrically designed to be pressed against the flange by the explosion pressure, transforming the explosive force that would normally cause leakage into the very force that prevents leakage and stops flame propagation.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of trying to resist explosion pressure, the invention inverts the approach by designing the seal to be enhanced by explosion pressure. The O-ring's position in the compressed groove and its material properties allow it to be pressed against the flange by the explosion, creating a self-reinforcing sealing mechanism.
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 system effectively prevents pressure and flame escape during explosions, reducing the risk of seal bursting and maintaining tightness without the need for stiff carrier assemblies, while ensuring reliable operation with a pressure sensor for safety in hazardous environments.
Implementation Method 1
In the event of an explosion within a device, the explosion pressure presses the O-ring, such that it yet additionally seals the joint, thus the escape of the pressure and the flame between the seal and the flange is herewith prevented.
Implementation Method 2
An O-ring 3 is arranged in the rectangular groove in the top flange 1. In the sealing phase of the device, compressed-air pressure is supplied through a connection 4 that pushes the O-ring 3 against the bottom flange 2.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a sealing system with an O-ring arranged in a compressed-air pressurized groove that provides for explosion proof sealing in explosion proof devices or devices resistant to explosion related pressure surges. In the sealing system in the explosion proof devices of the invention, an O-ring (3) is arranged in a rectangular groove of a top flange (1 ) and abuts upon a bottom flange (2), wherein the pressure of the O-ring (3) against the bottom flange (2) is provided for by a supply of compressed air pressure through a connection (4), when the pressure in a container abruptly increases, the pressure presses the O-ring (3) towards the external edge of the groove and penetrates past the internal edge above the O-ring (3), thus yet additionally pressing the O- ring (3) against the external edge and additionally sealing the joint.