Pillar Lantern Ring Geometry for Shaft Seal Reservoir Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shaft sealing systems for rotary mechanical devices often face challenges in providing an adequate flush reservoir, leading to potential stoppages in seal fluid flow and increased risk of product contamination, especially in applications with corrosive fluids, where conventional designs with holes between grooves may not adequately support the shaft and prevent whip.
Innovation Solution
A lantern ring with pillars or columns between end caps is introduced, which provides structural support and an increased flush reservoir volume, allowing for easy installation and enhanced fluid delivery, while O-rings on the end caps improve sealing and prevent fluid entry into the seal cavity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional lantern rings with holes between grooves are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the flush reservoir volume is insufficient leading to potential stoppages in seal fluid flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional lantern ring with holes between grooves to a pillar lantern ring with columnar structures. This dimensional change creates internal void spaces within and around the pillars, significantly increasing the flush reservoir volume while maintaining a compact external geometry that fits within the stuffing box.
Solution Approach 2:
The lantern ring is segmented into multiple pillars or columns distributed around the circumference. This segmentation creates multiple separate flush pathways and reservoirs, ensuring continuous seal fluid flow even if one pathway is blocked, while the spaces between pillars provide additional reservoir capacity.
2Productivity
If the lantern ring is positioned close to the shaft to maximize flush delivery, then fluid delivery is improved, but the ring may contact the shaft causing wear and reduced lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The pillar lantern ring features localized columnar structures that concentrate flush fluid delivery at specific points near the shaft where it is most needed, while the overall ring structure maintains a larger clearance from the shaft. This local concentration of functionality improves delivery efficiency without requiring the entire ring to be in close contact with the shaft.
3Reliability
If the gland follower is tightened to secure the lantern ring, then the seal is improved, but conventional lantern rings may be crushed or deformed
Solution Approach 1:
The lantern ring is divided into multiple pillars connected by thinner walls or webs. This segmentation allows the structure to flex and distribute compressive loads from the gland follower more effectively, preventing localized crushing while maintaining overall structural integrity and seal pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies that the pillar lantern ring can be made from composite materials or materials with enhanced mechanical properties that provide both the necessary strength to withstand gland follower compression and the chemical resistance required for the operating environment. This allows the ring to maintain its shape under compression while providing an effective seal.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid sealing system for a rotary mechanical device including a pillar lantern ring having a bottom and a top end cap with pillars or columns connecting the end caps is formed by additive manufacturing. The bottom annular end cap has an outside face and an opposed inside face defining a height therebetween and the upper annular end cap has an inside face and an opposed outside face defining a height therebetween with a plurality of integrally formed substantially cylindrical axial columns connecting the two opposed inside faces of the two end caps.