Elastomeric Seal with Phase Change Material for Cold Resilience
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Solution Overview
Problem
Elastomeric seals in high-pressure retaining systems and harsh weather conditions face damage from rapid temperature changes, becoming brittle and losing sealability at low temperatures, while materials resistant to low temperatures lack high-temperature stability and chemical inertness.
Innovation Solution
A polymer seal element comprising an elastomeric composite blended with a phase-changing material (PCM) that releases heat upon cooling, maintaining sealability and resilience by maintaining the elastomeric polymer above its glass transition temperature, even in cold environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastomeric seals with high glass transition points are used for high temperature stability and chemical resistance, then high-temperature stability and chemical inertness are improved, but low-temperature behavior deteriorates and the seal becomes brittle
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite material consisting of an elastomeric polymer blended with a phase change material (PCM). The elastomeric polymer provides high-temperature stability and chemical resistance, while the PCM prevents low-temperature brittleness by undergoing phase transformation and releasing heat to maintain the seal above its glass transition temperature.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the phase transition properties of the PCM, which transforms at a specific temperature range. During this phase change, the PCM releases latent heat that prevents the elastomeric polymer from cooling below its glass transition point, thereby maintaining flexibility and preventing brittleness in cold conditions.
2Strength
If elastomers with very low glass transition points are used to tolerate low temperatures, then low-temperature flexibility is improved, but chemical resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a composite where the elastomeric polymer matrix provides chemical resistance while the embedded PCM provides low-temperature flexibility. This allows the seal to maintain both chemical inertness and cold-weather performance without compromising either property.
3Stress or pressure
If rapid depressurization occurs causing Joule-Thomson cooling, then pressure reduction is achieved, but temperature drop causes the seal to become brittle and crack
Solution Approach 1:
The PCM undergoes phase transformation at a temperature range that includes the expected minimum temperature during rapid depressurization. This phase change releases latent heat that counteracts the Joule-Thomson cooling effect, preventing the seal from reaching its glass transition temperature and maintaining seal integrity during pressure reduction events.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the harmful rapid cooling effect of Joule-Thomson expansion into a beneficial trigger for PCM phase change. The temperature drop that would normally cause brittleness instead activates the PCM's heat release mechanism, which then prevents the seal from becoming brittle.
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 PCM embedded in the elastomeric composite delays cooling, prevents fluid leakage, and enhances the seal's resilience and reliability by providing thermal energy during temperature drops, ensuring effective sealing in transient cold conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a phase changing material (PCM) that releases heat upon cooling
Implementation Method 2
the PCM has a heat of fusion larger than 100 kJ/kg, a phase transition point within the temperature range of 233-288 K and is able to provide heat to the elastomeric polymer upon cooling
Implementation Method 3
the inherently low thermal conductivity of polymers, can withstand a time period of exposure to cold environment while maintaining its sealing capability
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention provides a seal element made in an elastomeric composite, said material comprising an elastomeric polymer and a phase change material (PCM), wherein the PCM is able to provide thermal energy to the elastomeric polymer upon cooling to the phase transition point of the PCM.