High-Pressure Seal Assembly to Cut Hoop Stress and Extrusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sealing systems in high-pressure applications, such as water jet cutting, face challenges with reduced component life due to tangential sealing interfaces that increase hoop stress and require complex replacement procedures, especially when dealing with ultra-high pressures like 90 ksi.
Innovation Solution
A sealing system comprising an inner seal, seal support, outer seal, and peripheral support ring, where the seal support is shaped to deform under fluid pressure, reducing axial loading and extrusion, and featuring a copper-based material with a polyurethane seal ring for enhanced durability and ease of assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tangential sealing interface is used to seal the annular space, then sealing capability is achieved, but hoop stress in the cylinder increases and component life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is divided into multiple independent sealing elements: an inner seal (25) for primary sealing and an outer seal (28) for secondary sealing. This segmentation allows each seal to handle specific portions of the sealing function, reducing the stress concentration on any single component and eliminating the need for a tangential sealing interface that generates high hoop stress.
2Reliability
If the seal support is compressed against the rear of the cylinder to maintain sealing, then sealing pressure is maintained, but the replacement operation becomes complex and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing assembly is segmented into modular components (inner seal, outer seal, seal support) that can be independently replaced. The seal support (24) is designed with a retainer (30) and lugs (32) that engage with the cylinder bore, allowing the entire sealing assembly to be installed and removed as a unit without requiring complex compression or adjustment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer (30) acts as an intermediary component that simplifies the installation and removal process. It provides a mechanical interface between the seal support and the cylinder bore, eliminating the need for precise compression forces during assembly and allowing for tool-free or simple tool-assisted replacement operations.
3Strength
If the force applied to the seal support is accurately controlled to avoid damaging the bearing, then bearing protection is achieved, but the assembly and maintenance procedures become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer (30) serves as a protective intermediary between the seal support and the bearing (23). It distributes and limits the applied forces, preventing excessive compression forces from reaching the bearing during installation and operation. This intermediary structure eliminates the need for precise force control procedures while still protecting the bearing from damage.
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 sealing system effectively reduces cyclical axial loading, extends component life, and simplifies maintenance by allowing for periodic replacement of consumable components while maintaining high-pressure sealing capabilities up to 90 ksi, with a service kit design that is relatively inexpensive and straightforward to service.
Implementation Method 1
the seal support is shaped to be deformed, by the fluid pressure, to tighten a fit between the seal support and the exterior to at least slow extrusion via the fit
Data Source
AI summary
A sealing system for sealing an annulus. The annulus is defined by a cylindrical interior and a cylindrical exterior within, and axially movable relative to, the cylindrical interior. The sealing system includes an inner seal (to surround and sealingly engage the cylindrical exterior), a seal support (to surround, and axially support, the inner seal), an outer seal (to surround the seal support and sealingly engage the seal support and the cylindrical interior), a first support ring (to sit behind an outer periphery of the outer seal), and a back stop (to surround the cylindrical exterior and axially support the seal support and the first ring).