Interlocking Inner Diameter Seal Resists Pressure Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current inner-diameter seals in piping systems are prone to collapse during pressure changes, leading to leakage and potential damage, as they fail to resist axial and radial movements effectively, especially under conditions of rapid decompression or suction.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a gasket seal apparatus with a retaining ring and an inner diameter seal element that interlock through axial and radial locking features, utilizing a metallic core with a dielectric coating for electrical isolation and a secondary seal, preventing the seal from being drawn into the piping system during pressure changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional inner-diameter seal is used in a piping system, then the seal provides basic sealing function, but the seal collapses during pressure changes and fails to resist axial and radial movements
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is divided into two distinct components: an inner-diameter seal element and a retaining element. The retaining element provides structural support and resistance to pressure changes, while the inner-diameter seal element provides the sealing function. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between sealing reliability and structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining element is constructed as a composite structure with a metallic core providing strength and rigidity, and a dielectric coating providing electrical isolation and corrosion resistance. This composite construction enhances the overall reliability of the seal system under pressure changes while maintaining structural stability.
2Reliability
If the inner diameter seal element is made flexible to conform to pipe surfaces, then sealing effectiveness improves, but the seal becomes susceptible to collapse under pressure changes
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system separates the flexible sealing function (inner-diameter seal element) from the structural support function (retaining element). The inner-diameter seal element can be made flexible to conform to pipe surfaces for effective sealing, while the rigid retaining element provides the strength needed to resist collapse under pressure changes.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the sealing system have different mechanical properties optimized for their specific functions. The inner-diameter seal element has local flexibility for conforming to surfaces, while the retaining element has local rigidity for resisting pressure. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between sealing effectiveness and collapse resistance.
3Reliability
If locking features are added to prevent axial and radial movement of the seal, then resistance to pressure changes improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking features (axial lock and radial lock) are integrated into the retaining element itself rather than being separate components. The axial lock feature and radial lock feature are formed as part of the retaining element's structure, which simplifies the overall device while providing the necessary resistance to axial and radial movement under pressure changes.
Data Source
AI summary
Gasket seals for high pressure applications include retaining elements with inner diameter seal elements that interlock with the retaining element to provide resistance to movement in both axial and radial directions between the retaining element and seal element. High pressure sealing may be accomplished using a metallic core retaining element to which an electrically isolating material is bonded on either or both sides. Sealing is achieved through an inner diameter dielectric sealing element, such as a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) inner diameter sealing ring. Flanges of a joint in a fluid flow ling may be bolted together with the gasket seal interposed therebetween. In the event of pressure changes, the inner diameter seal resists being drawn into the flow line, and resists axial movement relative to the retaining element, through dual locking members that secure the seal to the retaining element.