Graphite-Coated Metal Seal for High-Tightness Fixed Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealing technologies face challenges in providing a reliable, easy-to-install, and high-tightness seal for radioactive material containers under extreme conditions, including high radiation, temperature, and deformation, with limitations in elasticity, thermal resistance, and complexity in production and installation.
Innovation Solution
A seal featuring a stainless steel ring coated with thermally expanded graphite on both sides, having a jagged profile and recesses for screw fastening and medium flow, allowing for a monolithic integral design that simplifies installation and provides a double barrier of tightness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spiral wound gasket with non-continuous metal band edges is used, then sealing capability is improved, but production complexity increases significantly for large diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The metal band is segmented into discrete radial elements rather than continuous, allowing simplified manufacturing for large diameter gaskets while maintaining sealing effectiveness through the distributed contact points
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a simplified metal band design that copies the essential sealing function of complex spiral gaskets without replicating their manufacturing complexity, achieving similar sealing results through a more manufacturable structure
2Reliability
If wave profile with varying intervals between peaks is used to provide elasticity in different areas, then sealing performance is improved, but manufacturing complexity and labor intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The metal band incorporates localized features such as radial elements with varying geometries or material properties in specific areas to provide differential elasticity where needed, rather than requiring complex varying wave profiles throughout the entire structure
Solution Approach 2:
The invention achieves the required elasticity distribution by changing material parameters or local geometric parameters of the radial elements rather than requiring complex variations in the overall profile shape, simplifying manufacturing
3Reliability
If soft gasket material is used on both sides of metal base, then sealing capability is improved, but resistance to high temperature and radiation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses composite construction combining metal radial elements providing structural integrity and temperature resistance with graphite coating providing sealing capability, creating a material system that exhibits both high-temperature resistance and effective sealing properties simultaneously
4Reliability
If radial-circular teeth with small intervals are used in metal base, then sealing capability is improved, but plastic damage from flange deformation and wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The metal band with radial elements is designed to be installed first to establish the sealing framework before final flange tightening, allowing the sealing elements to be pre-positioned in optimal locations to distribute loads and prevent localized plastic deformation during assembly
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 ensures simplified installation, high-tightness sealing, and effective monitoring of both seal circuits, maintaining integrity under extreme conditions and facilitating de-watering, while reducing production complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
coated on both sides by thermally expanded graphite 2
Data Source
AI summary
Seal between mutually fixed surfaces comprises a metal ring, placed between graphite layers, where sections of the metal ring to be coated with graphite have a jagged profile. Both sides of the metal ring are coated with graphite in such a way that graphite layers and the metal ring form a seamless whole. Recesses are made in the seal on both sides between graphite rings, a hole is placed in their centre.