Offshore Rotary Joint Sealing Structure for Pressure Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary joint devices in offshore energy installations face challenges in maintaining effective sealing and integrity under pressure, particularly due to potential damage and breakage of dynamic sealing members, which can lead to leaks and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A rotary joint device with a dynamic sealing member designed in two symmetrical parts, featuring a reinforcing lug and radial notches to enhance sealing, reducing the risk of damage and improving sealing efficiency without the need for additional springs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single-part dynamic sealing member is used, then the structure is simple, but the sealing integrity is insufficient and prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic sealing member is divided into two separate parts: a first dynamic sealing member with a first lip and a second dynamic sealing member with a second lip. These two parts work together to provide enhanced sealing integrity while maintaining structural simplicity. The segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently for its specific sealing function.
2Strength
If additional reinforcing structures are added to prevent breakage, then the strength increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines multiple functions into the two-part sealing member structure. The first and second dynamic sealing members are positioned to work together, with their respective lips facing each other to seal the gap space. This merging of sealing functions into a coordinated two-part system provides enhanced strength and damage resistance without requiring additional separate reinforcing structures.
3Reliability
If multiple sealing members are used to ensure sealing, then the sealing efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each dynamic sealing member is designed with specific local characteristics: the first dynamic sealing member has a first lip configured to seal one side of the gap space, while the second dynamic sealing member has a second lip configured to seal the other side. This local quality differentiation allows each component to be optimized for its specific sealing location, achieving high sealing efficiency with only two specialized members rather than multiple generic ones.
Data Source
AI summary
A rotary joint device of an installation for exploiting energy includes a first annular part that is secured to a fixed mooring turret of the installation, a second annular part rotatably movable about an axis of rotation and in relation to the first fixed annular part and that is secured to a movable ship of the installation, and at least one dynamic sealing member housed inside a gap space located between the first fixed annular part and the second movable annular part and provided with a body portion and with at least one first lip that projects from the body portion. Also described is an energy exploitation installation including such a rotary joint device.