Pig Launcher Door Sealing with Active Backup Seal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Access hatch seals in pig launchers wear faster due to frequent use, leading to safety hazards and potential leaks, as they are subjected to high compressive forces that can cause the primary seal to fail.
Innovation Solution
An auxiliary seal system with a flexible, spring-loaded membrane that is hydraulically or pneumatically actuated to provide a secondary seal around the periphery of the hatch, which can be engaged or disengaged to maintain pressure containment, even if the primary seal fails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a primary seal is used on the access hatch, then pressure containment is achieved, but the seal wears faster due to frequent use and high compressive forces
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is divided into two separate seals: a primary seal that provides the main pressure containment and an auxiliary seal that provides backup sealing. This segmentation allows the primary seal to perform its function without bearing the full burden, reducing wear on any single seal component.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary seal is positioned and configured to engage before the primary seal fails completely. The system includes detection mechanisms that monitor seal integrity and trigger auxiliary seal engagement proactively, cushioning against potential pressure loss before it occurs.
2Productivity
If the access hatch is accessed frequently for pigging operations, then operational productivity is improved, but the seal wear increases leading to safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operational parameters by introducing a second seal with different material properties and engagement characteristics. The auxiliary seal can be engaged or disengaged based on operational needs, allowing the system to maintain reliability even with frequent access operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary seal can be engaged when the primary seal shows signs of wear, effectively discarding the deteriorating primary seal's function while the auxiliary seal takes over. This allows the primary seal to be replaced or recovered without compromising overall system reliability.
3Reliability
If a secondary auxiliary seal is added around the periphery of the hatch, then safety and leak prevention are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary seal system is merged with the existing hatch structure, utilizing the same mounting points and control systems where possible. The auxiliary seal integrates with the door assembly rather than being a completely separate system, reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary seal serves multiple functions: it provides backup sealing, detects primary seal degradation, and can be engaged or disengaged based on operational requirements. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing enhanced reliability and operational flexibility.
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
Enhances safety by preventing leaks to the outside environment and providing an additional seal to prevent fluid loss, even if the primary seal is damaged, thus reducing operational hazards and environmental risks.
Implementation Method 1
A hydraulic or pneumatic connection is configured to fluidically connect the second, active seal and a pneumatic or hydraulic pressure source. The pressure source is configured to actuate the second, active seal.
Implementation Method 2
The second, active seal includes a flexible membrane configured to be filled by the pneumatic or hydraulic fluid. The pneumatic or hydraulic fluid actuates the second, active seal between an engaged and disengaged position.
Implementation Method 3
The second, active seal includes a bias arranged to maintain the second, active seal in a disengaged position. The bias includes a metal spring.
Implementation Method 4
The first seal touches an interior side of the door and the shoulder when the door is in the closed position. The first seal is configured to seal fluid within the pressure vessel. The second, active seal touches the periphery of the door, perpendicular to the first seal, when in the engaged position and the door is in the closed position.
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure vessel defines an opening with a shoulder around a periphery of the opening. A door is configured to regulate access to the opening. The door is configured to compress against the shoulder when in the closed position. A first seal is between the door and the shoulder. The first seal touches an interior side of the door and the shoulder when the door is in the closed position. The first seal is configured to seal fluid within the pressure vessel. A second, active seal surrounds a periphery of the opening. The seal is actuable between an engaged position and a disengaged position regardless of a position of the door. The second, active seal touches the periphery of the door, perpendicular to the first seal, when in the engaged position and the door is in the closed position. The second, active seal is configured to seal fluid within the pressure vessel.