Segmented Packing Ring With Diagonal Relief Openings for Wear Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packing rings in piston compressors face issues such as wear, extrusion, and pressure compensation limitations, leading to reduced service life and potential leaks, especially under high compression pressures.
Innovation Solution
The packing ring design incorporates relief openings that extend from the inner circumferential surface to the outer surface and axial ends, with an inclined portion to adapt pressure compensation to radial wear, enhancing flexibility and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional packing rings are used without relief openings, then the structure is simple and stable, but wear-related leaks occur and service life is reduced due to differential pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The packing ring is divided into multiple segments with relief openings between them, allowing the ring to flex and adapt to wear while maintaining sealing effectiveness. The segmentation enables independent movement of each segment to compensate for wear without compromising the overall seal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The relief opening acts as an intermediary element that allows pressure equalization between the high-pressure and low-pressure sides of the packing ring. This mediator structure prevents pressure buildup that would otherwise cause extrusion and sealing failure, extending service life.
2Adaptability or versatility
If radially and tangentially cut ring shapes are used to compensate for wear, then automatic continuous readjustment is enabled, but the device complexity increases and higher pressure enclosure is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The packing ring is divided into multiple segments that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation enables automatic wear compensation through relative segment movement while maintaining a relatively simple overall ring structure without requiring complex cutting patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The relief openings create a dynamic structure where segments can shift position in response to wear and pressure conditions. This dynamic adaptability allows the ring to self-adjust to wear without requiring complex predetermined cut patterns, simplifying the overall design while maintaining versatility.
3Reliability
If tube springs are used to press packing rings against the piston rod, then sealing pressure is maintained in the unpressurized state, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The relief opening structure enables the packing ring to self-generate sealing pressure through pressure differential across the relief opening. The high-pressure side automatically presses the ring segments together through the relief opening mechanism, eliminating the need for external tube springs while maintaining reliable sealing pressure.
4Reliability
If additional metallic support rings are used to prevent extrusion, then extrusion is avoided, but the device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The relief opening structure enables the packing ring to self-resist extrusion forces through pressure equalization. By allowing pressure differential across the relief opening, the ring segments are held together without requiring additional metallic support rings, reducing component count while maintaining extrusion prevention capability.
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 design extends the service life of the packing ring by adjusting pressure compensation based on wear, reducing contact pressure and improving sealing effectiveness under varying operational conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The relief openings equalize the pressure between the high-pressure side and the low-pressure side of the packing ring
Implementation Method 2
at least a portion of the at least one relief opening adjoining the radially inside inner circumferential surface of the ring segment is inclined or curved in the direction of the first axial ring end... the pressure compensation can be adjusted to the radial wear of the packing ring
Implementation Method 3
a first tangential contact surface of the first segment end of a ring segment abuts a second tangential contact surface of the second segment end of a ring segment adjoining it in the circumferential direction in order to create a radial seal
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to packing rings. In one example embodiment, a packaging ring is disclosed including a first axial ring end, a second axial ring end, at least three ring segments, a radial seal and at least one relief opening. Each of the at least three ring segments having a first segment end and a second segment end in a circumferential direction. A first segment end of one of the three ring segments including a first tangential contact surface and a first axial contact surface, the first axial contact surface facing towards the first axial ring end. A second segment end of another of the three ring segments including a second tangential contact surface and a second axial contact surface, the second axial contact surface facing towards the second axial ring end.