Inflatable Gland Sealing for Uniform Radial Shaft Pressure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gland sealing systems for rotating shafts in pressurized vessels face challenges in maintaining consistent radial pressure, as adjustments are typically made by altering longitudinal pressure, which can be unsafe and result in uneven pressure distribution.
Innovation Solution
A radial pressure adjustable gland sealing system utilizing inflatable bladders surrounded by a rotating shaft, with inflating tubes connected to external locations for adjusting radial pressure, allowing for equal pressure application at all points without requiring operator intervention during pump operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If radial pressure is adjusted by altering longitudinal pressure through the gland follower, then the radial pressure can be modified, but the pressure distribution becomes uneven and safety guards must be removed during adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an inflatable bladder positioned between the gland packing and the shaft sleeve, which is inflated through a tube connected to the exterior. This pneumatic/hydraulic mechanism allows uniform radial pressure to be applied circumferentially around the shaft, eliminating the uneven pressure distribution caused by traditional longitudinal compression methods while maintaining safety guard coverage.
2Stress or pressure
If radial pressure is adjusted by altering longitudinal pressure through the gland follower, then the radial pressure can be modified, but operator safety is compromised due to guard removal requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable bladder system with external tube connection enables pressure adjustment without removing safety guards. The tube passes through the gland follower structure, allowing operators to inflate the bladder and adjust radial pressure from the exterior while the shaft remains protected by safety guards, thus maintaining operational safety.
3Stress or pressure
If gland packing is compressed longitudinally to adjust radial pressure, then pressure adjustment is possible, but the pressure diminishes with distance reducing effectiveness in crucial areas
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable bladder positioned between the gland packing and shaft sleeve distributes pressure uniformly across the entire circumferential contact area. When inflated, it applies consistent radial pressure directly to the shaft or shaft sleeve, eliminating the pressure gradient effect where pressure diminishes with distance in traditional longitudinal compression methods.
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 consistent radial pressure distribution around the shaft, enhancing safety by allowing pressure adjustments without disengaging safety guards and maintaining even pressure application, thereby preventing leaks and contamination.
Implementation Method 1
at least one inflatable bladder operable to surround a rotating shaft or sleeve of a rotating shaft; at least one inflating tube, one end of each inflating tube being in fluid communication with the internal envelope of one of the at least one inflatable annular bladder
Data Source
AI summary
A radial pressure adjustable gland sealing system is disclosed herein. The system includes at least one inflatable bladder operable to surround a rotating shaft or sleeve of a rotating shaft, and at least one inflating tube. One end of each inflating tube is in fluid communication with the internal envelope of one of the at least one inflatable annular bladder. An opposite end of each inflating tube is connected, or extends, to a location outside of a static housing in which the rotating shaft is housed, such that the level of inflation of each inflatable bladder can be adjusted by way of its respective inflating tube, and thereby adjust the level of radial pressure exerted on the rotating shaft or sleeve for a rotating shaft.