Fluid-Energized Packing Assembly for Uniform Seal Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional packing material sealing systems degrade over time, requiring frequent adjustments to maintain a fluid seal due to decreased axial load from wear, elongation of springs, or limited axial travel, leading to leakage issues.
Innovation Solution
A pressure regulating system that uses a gland and a movable follower element energized by pressurized fluid to apply a substantially uniform and precise axial load to packing elements, compensating for wear and maintaining a fluid tight seal without manual adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional gland bolts or springs are used to apply axial load to packing material, then initial sealing is achieved, but the axial load decreases over time due to wear and elongation requiring frequent adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic adjustment mechanism where the follower element can move axially in response to packing material wear. The gland bolts are designed with threaded engagement that allows automatic or semi-automatic adjustment of the follower element position, maintaining constant axial load on the packing material throughout its service life, thereby eliminating frequent manual adjustments while preserving sealing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback through the follower element which responds to changes in packing material thickness due to wear. As the packing material wears down, the follower element moves axially, triggering adjustment mechanisms (such as threaded gland bolts or spring-loaded systems) that automatically replenish the axial load, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains sealing performance without external intervention
2Reliability
If axial load is increased to compensate for packing wear, then sealing is maintained, but the risk of over-compression and damage to packing material increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes parameter changes through controlled elastic deformation of spring elements or gradual threaded adjustment of gland bolts. These mechanisms provide progressive, controlled increases in axial load that compensate for packing wear without sudden jumps in compression force. The elastic properties of springs or the incremental nature of threaded engagement ensure that the packing material remains within its optimal compression range throughout operation, preventing both under-compression (leakage) and over-compression (damage)
3Reliability
If manual adjustments are made frequently to maintain seal, then sealing performance is maintained, but operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service functionality through automatic adjustment mechanisms embedded in the gland assembly. The system uses the existing process fluid pressure or elastic energy from pre-compressed springs to automatically adjust the follower element position and replenish axial load on the packing material as wear occurs. This self-regulating mechanism maintains sealing performance without requiring operator intervention, thereby eliminating downtime for adjustments and preserving operational efficiency
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 ensures a consistent axial load on packing material, reducing leakage by automatically adjusting to wear and environmental changes, eliminating the need for frequent manual adjustments and maintaining a reliable seal over time.
Implementation Method 1
The follower element can be energized by pressurized fluid to move between a pre-loaded position where the follower element does not apply an axial load to the packing elements to a loaded position where the follower element applies the axial load to the packing elements
Data Source
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AI summary
A pressure regulating system (10) for use with a stationary equipment for applying a substantially uniform force or load to a stacked set of packing elements (110). The force applied to the packing elements (110) can be regulated or controlled in real time and in a remote manner. The seal includes an axially movable follower element (70) that can be energized by pressurized fluid to move between a pre-loaded position where the follower element (70) does not apply an axial load to the packing elements (110) to a loaded position where the follower element (70) applies the axial load to the packing elements (110).