Mechanical Seal Force Support to Prevent Slide Surface Waviness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical seal assemblies in high-pressure and high-temperature applications suffer from deformation-induced waviness on slide surfaces due to the transmission of axial forces through split rings, which compromises their performance.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical seal assembly with a force support arrangement comprising a clamping sleeve, conical sleeve, and split ring segments, utilizing a conical connection to transmit axial forces radially through a conical sleeve to a rotating component, reducing the leverage effect on the split ring and minimizing deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a split ring is used to transmit axial forces in high-pressure applications, then the axial force transmission capability is improved, but deformation-induced waviness is transferred to the slide surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The force support arrangement is divided into multiple functional segments: a clamping sleeve for securing the split ring, a conical sleeve for force distribution, and the split ring itself with multiple circumferential segments. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while working together to prevent waviness transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The conical sleeve acts as an intermediary element between the clamping sleeve and the split ring. It receives axial forces from the clamping sleeve and distributes them radially to the split ring segments, mediating the force transmission to prevent direct deformation of the slide surfaces while maintaining effective axial force support.
2Manufacturing precision
If elastic secondary sealing elements are used to reduce waviness, then the waviness transmission to slide surfaces is reduced, but applicability in high-temperature applications is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameter from elastic materials to temperature-resistant materials (such as metal or ceramic) for the force support arrangement components. This parameter change allows the system to maintain waviness reduction capabilities while being suitable for high-temperature applications where elastic materials would degrade.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the elastic deformation mechanism with a rigid mechanical force distribution mechanism. Instead of relying on elastic secondary sealing elements to absorb deformations, the conical sleeve and clamping sleeve create a rigid structure that distributes forces uniformly, preventing waviness without requiring elastic materials that are temperature-sensitive.
3Force
If the split ring is secured firmly to the rotating component, then the axial force transmission is improved, but the leverage effect increases causing greater deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The conical sleeve introduces a curved (conical) surface geometry to distribute forces. The conical shape transforms the axial force into radial components that are distributed evenly across the split ring segments, reducing point loads and leverage effects that would cause deformation while maintaining firm securing.
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 prevents waviness on slide surfaces by distributing axial forces more efficiently, allowing operation in high-pressure and high-temperature environments without deforming the split ring, thus maintaining seal integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a conical connection is formed between the clamping sleeve and the conical sleeve. The clamping sleeve bears against the end face of the sleeve region of the slide ring carrier and the conical sleeve bears against a side surface of the split ring.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a mechanical seal assembly (1) for sealing between a high-pressure region (8) and a low-pressure region (9) on a rotating component (7), comprising a mechanical seal (2) with a rotating slide ring (3) with a first slide surface (30) and a stationary slide ring (4) with a second slide surface (40), wherein a sealing gap (5) is defined between the slide surfaces (30, 40), a slide ring carrier (31) for the rotating slide ring (3), which is configured to connect the rotating slide ring (3) to the rotating component (7) in a rotationally fixed manner, wherein the slide ring carrier (31) comprises a sleeve region (32), and a force support arrangement (6), which is configured to support an axial force (F) acting on the mechanical seal assembly (1), wherein the force support arrangement (6) is arranged on an end face (32a) of the sleeve region (32) of the slide ring carrier (31), wherein the force support arrangement (6) comprises a clamping sleeve (60), a conical sleeve (61) and a split ring (62) with at least two segments (621, 622), wherein a conical connection with a first conical surface (60a) on the clamping sleeve (60) and a second conical surface (61a) on the conical sleeve (61) is formed between the clamping sleeve (60) and the conical sleeve (61), and wherein the clamping sleeve (60) bears against the end face (32a) of the sleeve region (32) and the conical sleeve (61) bears against a side surface (62a) of the divided ring (62).