Pump Throatbush Seal Geometry for Extended Axial Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sealing mechanisms in centrifugal pumps, such as bellows-like seals and resilient arms, limit the axial adjustment of the throatbush relative to pump casing elements, compromising the seal reliability when the throatbush is adjusted too far, leading to fluid infiltration and wear.
Innovation Solution
An annular band with a resilient annular flange positioned at a non-perpendicular angle, featuring a pivotable region and a locating rim, allows for greater axial adjustment while maintaining a reliable seal by facilitating slidable contact along the annular band's surface, enabling the throatbush to move further without losing seal integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sealing mechanisms (bellows-like seal or resilient arm) are used, then a reliable seal is maintained, but the axial adjustment distance of the throatbush is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing mechanism transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one where the resilient arm can pivot and change its orientation. The arm rotates about a pivot point, allowing it to accommodate axial movement of the throatbush while maintaining continuous sealing contact with the suction plate throughout the adjustment range.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing approach moves from purely axial constraint to a combination of axial and rotational movement. By introducing rotational freedom about a pivot point, the seal can follow the axial displacement of the throatbush while maintaining contact, effectively adding a dimensional degree of freedom to the sealing system.
2Length of moving object
If the throatbush is adjusted too far axially, then greater adjustment capability is achieved, but the seal reliability is compromised leading to fluid infiltration
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient arm's ability to pivot dynamically allows it to maintain sealing contact over a larger axial adjustment range. As the throatbush moves axially, the arm rotates to follow the movement while keeping its sealing surface in contact with the suction plate, preventing fluid infiltration even at extended adjustment positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The orientation angle of the resilient arm changes as it pivots to accommodate axial movement. This parameter change in the arm's angular position allows the seal to adapt to different axial positions of the throatbush, maintaining reliability throughout the extended adjustment range.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid sealing connection is used, then seal stability is maintained, but the throatbush cannot be adjusted axially
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient arm is designed with a pivot point that allows controlled rotation, creating a dynamic connection between the throatbush and the fixed structure. This dynamic joint maintains seal stability through continuous contact while permitting the necessary axial adjustment of the throatbush.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient arm acts as an intermediary element between the movable throatbush and the fixed suction plate. It mediates the relationship between movement and stability, allowing axial adjustment while maintaining sealing contact through its pivoting action and resilient properties.
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 provides increased axial adjustment capability of the throatbush relative to pump elements while ensuring a consistent and reliable seal, enhancing pump performance by reducing fluid infiltration and wear, and allowing for longer operational life.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient annular flange positioned proximate the second circumferential end of the annular band and extending at a non-perpendicular angle with respect to the first surface
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 6~7
AI summary
A seal, for use with pump casing elements that are adjustable relative to each other, includes an annular band and a resilient annular flange oriented at a non-perpendicular angle to a first surface of the annular band such that the seal, in use, is able to provide greater adjustment between the adjustable pump elements while maintaining a reliable seal between the pump elements.