Radial Split Ring Seal for Spiral Filtration Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sealing mechanisms in spiral membrane filtration systems face challenges with high operational pressures and directional insertion requirements, limiting the scalability and ease of use, especially in larger systems where conventional elastomeric seals fail to maintain effective seals and facilitate bidirectional flow.

Innovation Solution

The use of split ring seals with a gap that allows deformation for easy insertion and maintains a tight fit within the cylindrical housing, providing a radial seal that resists deformation under pressure and allows bidirectional motion, constructed from rigid materials to withstand high pressures and temperatures, and featuring a registration system to minimize leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional elastomeric seals are used in spiral membrane filtration systems, then sealing is provided, but the force required for insertion is high and bidirectional flow is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of insertionVSAvoidinsertion force

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The seal ring is divided into two separate halves that can be independently positioned and installed. This segmentation allows each half to be inserted separately into the housing, significantly reducing the insertion force required compared to installing a complete rigid seal ring as a single piece. The gaps in each half provide flexibility during installation while maintaining sealing effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional elastomeric seals are used, then sealing is provided, but scalability to larger systems is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovescalabilityVSAvoidsealing effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The seal ring is constructed from rigid materials such as PEEK, PVDF, or stainless steel instead of conventional elastomeric materials. This parameter change in material selection allows the seal to maintain its structural integrity and sealing effectiveness in larger filtration systems where conventional elastomeric seals fail, while still providing reliable sealing under high pressure conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If rigid seal rings without gaps are used, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but insertion becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidease of insertion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The rigid seal ring is segmented into two halves with gaps, allowing each half to be flexibly positioned and inserted into the housing. The gaps provide the necessary flexibility for installation while the rigid material maintains sealing effectiveness under pressure. This segmentation resolves the contradiction between rigidity for sealing and flexibility for insertion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If conventional elastomeric seals are used, then sealing is provided, but leakage occurs under high pressure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidoperational pressure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 split ring seals provide a reliable, scalable, and easy-to-install sealing solution that reduces the force required for insertion and removal of filtration elements, maintains effective sealing under high pressures, and allows for bidirectional flow, enhancing the operational efficiency and longevity of filtration systems.

Implementation Method 1

A gap in the annular element of the ring centered along a radius of the at least one annular element has a width selected to enable the annular element to deform sufficiently to permit insertion of the at least one annular element into the cylindrical housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2488284B1Filtration systems with radial split ring seal

Publication Date: 2016.03.16 TORAY INDUSTRIES INC

Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~4B

AI summary

A radial seal is described for use in a filtration system having annular elements. The rings or annuli fit in a groove in an outer surface of a seal plate. Each annulus has an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of a cylindrical housing of the filtration system. A gap in the annulus has a width selected to enable the annular element to deform sufficiently to permit insertion of the at least one annulus into the cylindrical housing. Two or more annuli can be configured such that the gaps of the annuli are misaligned when both annuli are installed in the groove, thereby minimizing leakage in operation. A registration system includes a registration element that cooperates with a registration element of the other annulus to ensure misalignment of the gaps of the pair of annuli.