Mechanical Seal Arrangement With Integrated Secondary Sealing Edge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical seal arrangements for high-temperature applications above 200°C, particularly above 500°C, face challenges with secondary seals, requiring multiple seals in series, leading to increased costs and space requirements, and are prone to leakage issues under high pressures.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical seal arrangement featuring a rotating and stationary seal ring with a pre-tensioning device for axial pre-tensioning of the stationary seal ring, combined with a secondary sealing member made of a hard material like ceramic, which provides additional sealing through an annularly closed sealing edge and inner circumferential surface contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple mechanical seals are connected in series for high-temperature applications, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary sealing member is divided into two distinct sealing areas: a first sealing area with a sealing edge that seals against the sliding ring, and a second sealing area with an inner circumferential surface that seals against the sleeve. This segmentation allows a single component to provide multiple sealing functions, replacing the need for multiple seals connected in series while maintaining sealing reliability at high temperatures.
2Reliability
If multiple mechanical seals are connected in series for high-temperature applications, then sealing reliability is improved, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple sealing functions into a single secondary sealing member by providing two sealing areas on one component. The first sealing area seals against the sliding ring and the second sealing area seals against the sleeve, combining what would traditionally require multiple separate seals into one integrated component, thereby reducing axial space requirements.
3Stress or pressure
If high pressures are applied in high-temperature applications, then process requirements are met, but leakage problems increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pre-tensioning device applies preliminary axial pre-tensioning force to the sliding ring through the secondary sealing member before high pressure is applied. This pre-compression ensures that the sealing edges are already engaged and sealed, creating a robust seal that can withstand subsequent high pressure applications without leakage. The pre-tensioning compensates for any potential gaps or misalignments before the harsh operating conditions begin.
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
This solution enables reliable high-temperature and high-pressure sealing without the need for multiple seals in series, reducing costs and space requirements, while maintaining effective sealing performance up to 800°C and pressures exceeding 250×105 Pa.
Implementation Method 1
a pre-tensioning device (6) for pre-tensioning one of the two seal rings (3, 4) in the axial direction X-X of the mechanical seal arrangement (1)
Implementation Method 2
The sealing edge protrudes in the axial direction X-X on a side of the secondary sealing member facing the axially pre-tensioned sliding ring and seals against the back of the axially pre-tensioned sliding ring
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a mechanical seal arrangement (1) comprising a mechanical seal (2) having a rotating seal ring (3) with a first sealing surface (3a) and a stationary seal ring (4) with a second sealing surface (4a), a pre-tensioning device (6), to pre-tension one of the two sliding rings in the axial direction (X-X), a secondary sealing member (7) disposed on a rear side (40) of the axially pre-tensioned sliding ring, the pre-tensioning device (6) pre-tensioning the axially pre-tensioned sliding ring via the secondary sealing member (7), and a sleeve (8), which is arranged radially inside the secondary sealing member (7), the secondary sealing member (7) being arranged on the rear side (40) of the axially pre-tensioned sliding ring, the secondary sealing member (7) having a sealing edge (70) which is closed in an annular shape in the circumferential direction which projects from the secondary sealing member (7) in the axial direction (X-X) to the axially pre-tensioned sliding ring, wherein the sealing edge (70) seals against the rear side (40) of the axially pre-tensioned sliding ring, and wherein the secondary sealing member (7) further seals against the outer circumference of the sleeve (8) with an inner circumferential surface (73).