High-Pressure Pipe Coupling Seal Ring Pressure Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-pressure hydrogen gas leaks occur in pipe coupling members due to the seal ring being forced into gaps by extreme pressure, preventing effective sealing during high-pressure fluid handling.
Innovation Solution
A pipe coupling member design featuring a communication hole in the second tubular member to equalize pressure on the seal ring, combined with backup rings and a fixing member to prevent damage and maintain sealing functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a seal ring is set to prevent hydrogen gas leakage at high pressure, then sealing reliability is improved, but the seal ring is forced into gaps by extreme pressure causing leakage
Solution Approach 1:
A communication hole is provided in the second tubular member to act as an intermediary channel. This hole allows high-pressure hydrogen gas to reach the seal ring from the downstream side, creating balanced pressure on both sides of the seal ring and preventing the seal ring from being forced into gaps between the tubular members.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pneumatic pressure balancing by introducing high-pressure gas through the communication hole to counteract the force pressing the seal ring into the gap. The pressure differential created by this pneumatic mechanism maintains the seal ring in its proper sealing position.
2Reliability
If the seal ring is pressed tightly to ensure sealing, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but the seal ring may be damaged or deformed under extreme pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The communication hole introduces counterbalancing pressure from the downstream side to offset the high pressure from the upstream side. This pressure counterweight prevents the seal ring from experiencing excessive unidirectional force that would cause deformation or damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the pressure parameter distribution around the seal ring by introducing pressure from the downstream side through the communication hole. This parameter change from unbalanced to balanced pressure distribution maintains seal ring integrity while ensuring sealing effectiveness.
3Device complexity
If a simple tubular structure is used for the pipe coupling member, then device complexity is reduced, but sealing functionality deteriorates under high pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The second tubular member is segmented to include a communication hole, dividing the internal space to allow pressure equalization. This segmentation maintains the overall simple tubular structure while adding the necessary functionality for high-pressure sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication hole is locally introduced only where needed in the second tubular member to achieve pressure balancing. This local modification maintains the simplicity of the overall structure while providing the specific quality needed for reliable sealing under high pressure.
Data Source
AI summary
A pipe coupling member for high-pressure fluid such as liquefied hydrogen includes a seal ring having a highly effective sealing function to prevent leakage of the fluid. The seal ring (72) is set in a seal ring setting space (39) defined by a second radial surface (36) and a seal ring setting surface (38) of a first tubular member (20), a forward end surface of a second tubular member (22), and the outer peripheral surface of a valve seat member (24). A forward end portion of the second tubular member (22) is provided with a communication hole (84) radially penetrating the forward end portion. The pressure of the high-pressure fluid on the downstream side of a valve seat surface (52) causes a fluid path in the second tubular member to be communicated with the sealing ring setting space (39) via the communication hole (84) and via a gap between the seal ring setting surface (38) and the outer peripheral surface of the forward end portion of the second tubular member.