Pump Seal Arrangement With Elastomer Support for Vibration Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical seals in pumps, particularly those handling liquid foodstuffs, are prone to vibration-induced dysfunction and require precise alignment, making maintenance and cleaning difficult.
Innovation Solution
A sealing arrangement featuring a ceramic sliding surface in contact with an elastomeric element, which is axially biased, and a sealing sleeve supported by a second elastomer element, allowing for vibration compensation and easy maintenance, with an optional anti-twist device to prevent twisting and facilitate assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional mechanical seal with ceramic sliding surface and spring-loaded static surface is used, then sealing function is provided, but the seal is impaired by vibrations during pump operation and requires precise alignment during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the sealing element from rigid (ceramic/carbon) to elastic (elastomeric). This elastomeric element can be pressed into a receptacle and automatically adapts to the mating surface, eliminating the need for precise alignment during installation while maintaining reliable sealing under vibration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines a ceramic sliding surface with an elastomeric sealing element in a composite sealing structure. The ceramic provides wear resistance and low friction, while the elastomeric element provides vibration compensation and alignment tolerance, resolving both the reliability and ease of operation requirements
2Reliability
If a conventional mechanical seal with spring-loaded static surface is used, then sealing function is provided, but the seal is impaired by vibrations during pump operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid to elastic, allowing the elastomeric sealing element to deform and absorb vibrations. This elastic deformation capability enables the seal to maintain contact and sealing function despite vibrational movements during pump operation
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric element inherently provides vibration cushioning before vibrations occur, as its elastic properties allow it to absorb and dampen vibrational energy, protecting the sealing interface from vibration-induced dysfunction
3Reliability
If a sealing arrangement with elastomeric element pressed against ceramic sliding surface is used, then vibration compensation is achieved, but device complexity increases compared to conventional mechanical seals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the vibration compensation function from the traditional spring-loaded mechanism and integrates it directly into the elastomeric sealing element itself. This eliminates the need for separate springs and complex assembly, reducing device complexity while maintaining vibration compensation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the sealing function and vibration compensation function into a single elastomeric element. This unified component performs both sealing and vibration absorption simultaneously, simplifying the overall sealing arrangement structure
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
Ensures reliable sealing under vibration, simplifies maintenance and cleaning, and can be retrofitted into existing pumps, maintaining high tightness and preventing fluid contamination.
Implementation Method 1
The deformable elastomer element allows vibrations and deformations of the rotor or pump housing during operation to be at least partially compensated
Implementation Method 2
The sliding surface can be made of a ceramic material, such as silicon carbide (SiC), sintered silicon carbide (SSiC), or tungsten carbide (TC). This ensures high strength and a low coefficient of friction for the sliding surface
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A pump (10) comprises: at least one rotor (12) rotatable about an axis of rotation, a pump housing (14) surrounding the rotor (12), wherein a pump channel (18) is formed between a radially inner surface of the pump housing (14) and a radially outer surface of the rotor (12), and a sealing arrangement (100) sealing the pump channel (18) at an end face of the rotor (12), wherein the sealing arrangement (100) comprises: a sliding surface provided on one element of the rotor (12) and the pump housing and extending perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotor (12); a static surface provided on the other element of the rotor (12) and the pump housing (14); and a first elastomer element attached to the static surface and pressed axially against the sliding surface.