Protected Movable Valve Seal Assembly for Abrasive Flow Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Blow-out preventers and ram valves face erosion of seal members due to abrasive particles in fluid flow, leading to reduced effectiveness in closing and sealing fluid passages, especially under high-pressure conditions.
Innovation Solution
A sealing apparatus with a moveable seal holder, a cavity, and a seal assembly that includes a resilient seal member and an actuator plate configured to compress the seal member, moving its fluid-facing end surface outward to protect it from fluid flow when open and engage it effectively when closed, using camming surfaces and pins to limit travel and apply compression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the seal member is exposed to fluid flow during normal operation, then the valve can operate normally with the plate retracted, but the seal member suffers erosion from abrasive particles in the fluid
Solution Approach 1:
A protective plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the seal member and the fluid flow. The protective plate has a fluid-facing surface that directly contacts the abrasive fluid, while the seal member remains shielded. The protective plate is configured to move with the seal member during valve operation, maintaining protection while allowing normal sealing function.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the seal member is protected from fluid flow, then erosion is prevented, but the seal member cannot effectively seal the fluid passage when the valve is open
Solution Approach 1:
The protective plate is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position. During normal operation, the protective plate moves forward to shield the seal member from fluid flow. During closing operation, the protective plate moves backward to allow the seal member to engage with the seat and effectively seal the fluid passage. This dynamic movement resolves the contradiction between protection and sealing effectiveness.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a protective structure is added to shield the seal member, then erosion is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective plate is merged with the existing seal member assembly, forming an integrated unit. The protective plate is positioned adjacent to the seal member and moves together with it during valve operation. This merging approach adds minimal structural complexity while providing effective protection, as the protective plate utilizes the same movement mechanism and space as the seal member without requiring separate actuation systems.
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 protects the seal member from erosion when the valve is open and ensures reliable sealing when closed, maintaining valve effectiveness even in high-pressure and abrasive environments.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient seal member including a fluid-facing end with a fluid-facing end surface
Implementation Method 2
The first actuator plate includes a fluid-facing end surface and a first camming surface
Data Source
AI summary
A sealing apparatus includes a moveable seal holder with a cavity and includes a seal assembly disposed at least partially in the cavity. The seal assembly includes a resilient seal member including a fluid-facing end with a fluid-facing end surface, and the seal assembly includes an actuator plate configured to reciprocate between a first and a second position relative to the protective plate. The first actuator plate includes a fluid-facing end surface and a first camming surface. The seal assembly further includes a first protective plate disposed between the seal member and the first actuator plate. The actuator plate is configured to compress the seal member and to move the fluid-facing end surface of the seal member outward from a resting position when the actuator plate is in the second position.