Labyrinth Seal Stator Cavity for Dry Gas Seal Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rotary and turbo machines, particularly compressors with dry gas seals, face challenges in heat management due to temperature fluctuations, which can lead to damage from both high and low temperatures, and existing solutions are ineffective in rapidly adjusting fluid temperatures to prevent damage.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a labyrinth seal with a heat transfer medium in the stator cavity to cool or heat the process fluid before it reaches the dry gas seal, reducing the risk of damage by controlling temperature changes and providing a tortuous path for fluid flow to enhance heat exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the process fluid temperature is not controlled, then the dry gas seal is exposed to temperature extremes, but implementing heat management systems adds device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heat management function with the existing labyrinth seal structure by incorporating a heat transfer medium cavity into the seal stator. This integration allows the seal to simultaneously perform its sealing function and temperature control function, protecting the dry gas seal without adding separate complex heat management equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a heat transfer medium as an intermediary substance between the process fluid and the dry gas seal. This medium absorbs or releases heat to control the temperature of the process fluid before it reaches the dry gas seal, preventing temperature extremes while maintaining a relatively simple system architecture.
2Speed
If the process fluid temperature changes rapidly, then temperature management becomes difficult, but the heat transfer system must respond quickly enough to prevent damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the heat transfer medium cavity in the labyrinth seal stator upstream of the dry gas seal, allowing heat exchange to occur before the process fluid reaches the vulnerable dry gas seal. This preliminary heat management action prevents temperature extremes from reaching the seal, enabling rapid response to temperature changes without compromising reliability.
3Reliability
If the running gap between dry gas seal stator and rotor is reduced to improve sealing, then the seal performance improves, but the seal becomes more vulnerable to temperature damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sealing system into two distinct components: a labyrinth seal for mechanical sealing and a dry gas seal for precision sealing. The labyrinth seal incorporates heat management functionality to protect the dry gas seal, allowing the dry gas seal to operate with tight tolerances for optimal sealing performance while being protected from temperature damage by the upstream heat management system.
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 effectively manages temperature fluctuations, reducing the risk of damage to dry gas seals by allowing for rapid temperature adjustments and improving heat transfer efficiency, thus enhancing the operational reliability and longevity of rotary machines.
Implementation Method 1
the labyrinth seal stator having a cavity containing a heat transfer medium configured to transfer heat between the fluid seal stator and a zone adjacent the fluid seal stator to cool or heat a pressurized process fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A rotary machine includes a machine rotor, a machine stator, a labyrinth seal disposed between the machine rotor and the machine stator, a dry gas seal disposed between the machine rotor and the machine stator, the dry gas seal being disposed downstream of the labyrinth seal, the labyrinth seal including a labyrinth seal rotor, and, a labyrinth seal stator, the labyrinth seal stator having a cavity containing a heat transfer medium configured to transfer heat between the labyrinth seal stator and a zone adjacent the labyrinth seal stator to cool or heat a pressurized process fluid before the process fluid bears against the dry gas seal.