Deformable Polymeric Seal Coating for High Pressure Analytical Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fittings and valves in analytical instruments experience high failure rates at pressures above 3,000 psi due to gasket material creep, cold flow, and relaxation, leading to seal failure and pressure ripple effects, which are detrimental to sensitive analytical instruments like chromatography pumps and detectors.
Innovation Solution
The use of a device with a deformable polymeric seal coating applied to abutment surfaces, which is compressed to seal chambers, preventing movement and slip, and utilizing a compression mechanism to maintain the seal under high pressures, eliminating material creep and pressure ripple issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional gaskets and seals are used in fittings and valves, then the device can be manufactured with standard components, but the seals fail at high pressures due to material creep, cold flow, and relaxation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from traditional elastomeric gaskets to a deformable plastic seal coating material that adheres to the abutment surface. This material parameter change eliminates creep, cold flow, and relaxation issues while maintaining sealing effectiveness at high pressures up to 4,000 psi and beyond
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite sealing system by applying a deformable plastic seal coating layer onto the rigid abutment surface. This composite structure combines the adhesion properties of the plastic coating with the structural integrity of the substrate, preventing seal failure under high pressure conditions
2Adaptability or versatility
If gaskets are allowed to move with pressure fluctuations, then the seal can accommodate pressure changes, but the gasket slips from its original position causing seal failure
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable plastic seal coating is pre-applied and pre-adhered to the abutment surface before the device operates under pressure. This preliminary bonding action ensures the seal remains fixed in its original position while the deformable material accommodates pressure fluctuations through controlled deformation rather than slippage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material properties of the seal from traditional gasket materials to a deformable plastic coating that adheres to the abutment surface. This material parameter change enables the seal to adapt to pressure changes through deformation while maintaining positional stability and preventing slippage
3Stability of the object's composition
If gaskets rebound when pressure is released, then the gasket returns to its original shape, but this creates pressure ripple that affects analytical instrument sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material characteristics from traditional elastic gaskets to a deformable plastic seal coating with different mechanical properties. This material parameter change eliminates the rebound effect and associated pressure ripple while maintaining sealing functionality, thereby preserving analytical instrument sensitivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harmful rebound motion into a beneficial controlled deformation behavior. The deformable plastic seal coating deforms under pressure and maintains its deformed state when pressure is released, preventing pressure ripple while still accommodating pressure fluctuations, thus protecting analytical instrument sensitivity
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 solution effectively seals fluids at high pressures without gasket failure or pressure ripple, enhancing the reliability and sensitivity of analytical instruments by maintaining seal integrity even at pressures up to 4,000 psi and beyond.
Implementation Method 1
compression means to compress the end cap, with the end cap abutment surface received on said first housing abutment surface, towards said first housing to deform said first seal coating and seal said chamber
Implementation Method 2
The first seal coating comprises a deformable plastic adhering to the abutment surface
Implementation Method 3
compression means to compress the end cap, with the end cap abutment surface received on said first housing abutment surface, towards said first housing
Data Source
AI summary
In various embodiments a fluid control device suitable for high pressure analytical instruments includes a housing having an interior surface with an end wall. The interior surface defines a chamber. A valve assembly disposed in the chamber controls the flow of fluid through the chamber. An end cap is disposed in the housing opposite the end wall to enclose the chamber. The end wall and end cap each have an opening to pass a fluid to the chamber or to remove a fluid from the chamber. The housing and end cap each has an abutment surface to receive the other abutment surface. At least one of the abutment surfaces has a plastic seal coating. A means of compression, such as a compression housing and compression sleeve, is included to engage the end cap to deform the plastic seal coating between the abutment surfaces and thereby seal the chamber.