Hydrostatic Non-Contact Seal Removal for Damage-Free Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydrostatic non-contact seal assemblies for rotational equipment face challenges in facilitating the disconnection of components from a static structure for inspection and repair, as existing solutions do not efficiently allow for the disassembly of components without damaging the assembly.
Innovation Solution
A seal assembly for rotational equipment with an axial centerline, featuring a primary seal device and secondary seal devices, is designed with a seal support assembly that includes a carrier structure and support ring, allowing for disassembly by using threaded tools to overcome radially interfering snap fits, enabling the removal of the seal assembly as a modular unit for inspection and repair.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the seal assembly uses a fixed mounting structure with snap fits, then the seal assembly is securely attached to the static structure, but the disassembly and removal of components for inspection and repair becomes difficult and potentially damaging
Solution Approach 1:
The seal assembly is divided into modular components including a seal support assembly, carrier structure, and seal elements that can be independently removed. The support assembly can be detached as a unit from the static structure, allowing inspection and repair of individual components without damaging the entire assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap fit features are designed with preliminary consideration for disassembly. The interference fits and snap fit engagement features are configured to allow controlled removal using appropriate tools, preventing damage during the removal process by providing predetermined separation paths.
2Reliability
If the seal assembly components are tightly integrated for optimal sealing performance, then the seal integrity is improved, but the accessibility for maintenance and inspection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The seal assembly is segmented into a seal support assembly, carrier structure, and seal elements that maintain tight integration during operation but can be separately removed for maintenance. The modular design allows the support assembly to be detached as a unit while preserving seal integrity during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier structure acts as an intermediary component that holds the seal elements in precise positions for optimal sealing performance during operation, but can be easily removed from the support assembly during maintenance, providing both seal integrity and maintenance accessibility.
3Ease of manufacture
If the seal assembly is designed as a single integrated unit, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the ability to inspect and repair individual components without replacing the entire assembly is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The seal assembly is manufactured as a modular unit with a support assembly and carrier structure that can be produced using streamlined processes, then assembled together. This segmentation allows individual components to be inspected and repaired separately while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through standardized assembly procedures.
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 allows for efficient disassembly and reassembly of the seal assembly, maintaining the seal's integrity and facilitating maintenance without damaging the components, thereby improving maintenance accessibility and reducing downtime.
Implementation Method 1
threaded tools to overcome radially interfering snap fits
Data Source
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AI summary
An assembly (20) includes a hydrostatic non-contact seal device (32) having a plurality of seal shoes (76) arranged about an axial centerline (22) in an annular array. The assembly (20) also includes a seal base (74) and a plurality of spring elements (78). The seal base (74) circumscribes the annular array of the seal shoes (76). A threaded base aperture (84) extends axially through the seal base (74). Each of the spring elements (78) is radially between and connects a respective one of the seal shoes (76) with the seal base (74). The spring elements (78) are formed integral with the seal base (74) and the seal shoes (76) as a unitary body. A method includes providing a tool (116) and mating a threaded shaft (118) of the tool (116) with the threaded base aperture (84), and using the tool (116) to remove the hydrostatic non-contact seal device (32).