Modular Mechanical Seal Support System for Sterile Barrier Fluid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mechanical seal support systems face challenges in maintaining sterility due to stagnant and contaminated barrier fluid, which is critical in industries like food and pharmaceuticals, where conventional systems fail to meet FDA requirements.
Innovation Solution
A modular mechanical seal support system with a circumferentially split vessel allowing for easy disassembly, clean-in-place (CIP) assembly, and temperature control, featuring a coiled tubular heating element for sterilization, and automated fluid circulation and control mechanisms to ensure thorough cleaning and sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a closed loop mechanical seal support system is used, then the barrier fluid can be recycled and the system operates continuously, but the barrier fluid becomes stagnant and contaminated, leading to pathogen growth and failure to meet sterility requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The vessel is divided into two separable halves that can be detached from each other. This segmentation allows the barrier fluid to be drained and the vessel to be cleaned or sterilized by separating the components, thereby preventing contamination while maintaining continuous operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables changes in the physical state of the barrier fluid by heating it to elevated temperatures (e.g., above 70°C) for sterilization. This parameter change allows the fluid to be sterilized in place without manual disassembly, maintaining continuous operation while eliminating pathogens.
2Reliability
If the vessel is designed for easy disassembly and cleaning, then sterilization and cleaning procedures can be performed effectively, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vessel is divided into two separable halves connected by a flange joint. This segmentation provides easy disassembly for cleaning and sterilization without requiring complex disassembly mechanisms, thereby maintaining reliability while minimizing added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes automated fill and drain facilities that enable self-service cleaning and sterilization operations. The barrier fluid can be drained automatically, and the vessel can be sterilized by heating or chemical treatment without manual intervention, maintaining sterility while avoiding complex manual cleaning mechanisms.
3Reliability
If automated control systems are implemented for fluid circulation and temperature control, then manual intervention is eliminated and sterility is maintained, but the device complexity and initial cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automated control for fluid circulation and temperature regulation, enabling the system to maintain sterility autonomously. The controller automatically manages heating elements, fluid circulation pumps, and fill/drain operations, eliminating manual intervention and ensuring consistent sterility maintenance despite increased control system complexity.
4Reliability
If the barrier fluid is heated to high temperatures for sterilization, then pathogens are eliminated and sterility is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes heating elements to raise the barrier fluid temperature to sterilization levels (e.g., above 70°C). By directly heating the barrier fluid within the closed loop system, the patent achieves effective sterilization while minimizing energy loss through the use of insulated vessels and efficient heat transfer mechanisms.
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 effectively prevents contamination and ensures sterility by allowing for easy cleaning and sterilization procedures, making it suitable for industries requiring high hygiene standards without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element formed as a coiled tubular element for barrier fluid to pass therethrough
Implementation Method 2
a cooling element and means for sterilizing the system vessel
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanical seal support system for a sealing device for sealing a piece of industrial equipment, includes a mechanical seal for sealing the piece of industrial equipment and a system vessel for containing barrier fluid for the mechanical seal and being circumferentially split into a plurality of sections detachably attached for retaining pressure. The system vessel includes a clean-in-place (CIP) assembly, a cooling element and device for sterilizing the system vessel. The device for sterilizing the a heating element is formed as a coiled tubular element for the barrier fluid to pass therethrough, with closed-loop pipe work included for connecting the system vessel to the mechanical seal and a drain and filling device for removing and adding the barrier fluid to the system vessel.