Self-Adjusting Pump Seal with Leak Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional chemical injection pumps face challenges in maintaining consistent sealing performance due to wear of packing rings, and require frequent material changes when switching between different chemicals, leading to inefficiencies and potential leaks.
Innovation Solution
A fluid retention apparatus featuring a tubular body made of wearable composite polymeric material with a passageway that forms a friction fit seal with the piston, and a biasing device to enhance sealing pressure, along with a leak containment device to manage leaked fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional packing rings are used to seal around the piston, then sealing action is provided, but the packing rings wear over time requiring adjustment of compression to maintain sealing performance
Solution Approach 1:
The wear compensating mechanism automatically adjusts the compression force on the packing rings as they wear, without requiring external intervention. The mechanism uses the piston's reciprocating motion to drive an adjustment mechanism that progressively increases compression, allowing the system to self-regulate and maintain sealing performance throughout the packing rings' service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The packing ring compression is made dynamic rather than static. The compression force automatically varies with the wear state of the packing rings, increasing over time as wear occurs. This dynamic adjustment ensures optimal sealing pressure is maintained throughout operation, transforming a static sealing system into an adaptive one.
2Adaptability or versatility
If elastomeric packing rings are used for sealing, then sealing action is provided against specific chemicals, but the packing rings must be replaced when switching between different chemical types
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is designed to be universally compatible with multiple chemical types by allowing easy interchange of the packing ring material while maintaining the same structural configuration. The standardized interface and adjustment mechanism work with different elastomeric materials, enabling the same pump body to handle various chemicals by simply changing the packing ring insert rather than the entire sealing assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The packing ring assembly is segmented into interchangeable components - specifically, the elastomeric sealing elements can be independently replaced without removing the entire sealing mechanism. This segmentation allows rapid material changes by replacing only the chemical-specific packing rings while retaining the adjustment and structural components.
3Reliability
If compression of packing rings is increased to maintain sealing performance, then leakage is prevented, but the complexity of monitoring and adjustment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic wear compensating mechanism eliminates the need for manual monitoring and adjustment of packing ring compression. The system self-regulates by automatically increasing compression as wear occurs, removing the complexity of manual intervention while maintaining reliable leak prevention throughout the service life of the packing rings.
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 apparatus self-increases sealing pressure as the inner surface wears, maintaining consistent sealing performance and preventing leaks, while being chemically compatible with a variety of chemicals, reducing the need for frequent material changes.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing device configured to apply pressure on an inner surface of the tubular body to form a seal around the piston
Implementation Method 2
the passageway is configured to receive the piston in a friction fit to resist leakage of the fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid retention apparatus for a positive displacement pump used to transfer fluid from a supply to a target comprises (i) a sealing device configured to be received in a packing chamber of the pump and to matably receive a piston of the pump therethrough that reciprocates in a transfer chamber for generating suction and expulsion of the fluid for transference thereof, and (ii) a leak containment device configured to contain leaked fluid passed from the transfer chamber. The sealing device features a tubular body made of wearable and substantially deformation-resistant composite polymer material and the passageway which is shaped with opposite end portions of reduced diameter to form a sealing friction fit with the piston. The leak containment device features a cavity fluidically communicated with the sealing device's passageway and receiving the piston therethrough, and a drain port in fluidic communication with the cavity for releasing the leaked fluid.