Repositionable Pump Seal Assembly for High-Pressure Wear Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
High pressure reciprocating pumps face challenges in maintaining effective sealing due to the wear and tear of seals, leading to potential leaks and increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A sealing assembly with a repositionable seal element that can be axially moved to multiple sealing positions, reducing wear on a single surface and extending the lifespan of the seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a fixed groove arrangement is used for seal placement, then the seal position is predetermined and stable, but the number of seal placements is limited and the seal wears out faster on a single surface
Solution Approach 1:
The seal element is made repositionable along the closure element, transforming the static seal position into a dynamic one. The seal can be moved axially to different positions on the closure element, allowing the same seal to serve multiple sealing locations throughout its lifespan, thereby extending its duration of action without requiring a more complex multi-groove closure element structure
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing system is divided into separable components: a closure element with multiple potential seal positions, a repositionable seal element, and a seal carrier. This segmentation allows the seal to be independently repositioned along the closure element without replacing the entire sealing assembly, extending seal lifespan while maintaining structural simplicity
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple plugs/covers/sleeves are used to achieve multiple seal positions, then multiple seal placements are achieved, but inventory tracking and maintenance issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element is designed as a universal component that can accommodate the seal at multiple axial positions. Instead of requiring different plugs or covers for different seal positions, a single closure element with multiple seal reception positions provides adaptability. This reduces inventory requirements and simplifies tracking, as users only need to manage seal elements rather than multiple closure component variants
Solution Approach 2:
The seal element can be dynamically repositioned along the closure element to different axial locations, providing versatility in seal placement. This repositionability eliminates the need for multiple static sealing components, thereby simplifying inventory management and maintenance operations while maintaining adaptability to different sealing requirements
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple groove arrangements are used for multiple seal placements, then multiple seal positions are achieved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manufacturing closure elements with multiple fixed grooves at different locations, the design uses a single closure element with a repositionable seal carrier that can be positioned at multiple axial locations. This dynamic approach reduces manufacturing complexity and cost, as the closure element requires only one seal reception feature rather than multiple precisely located grooves
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing system is segmented into the closure element, seal carrier, and seal element. The seal carrier acts as an intermediate component that provides the positioning functionality, separating the positioning function from the closure element structure. This segmentation simplifies the manufacturing of the closure element while still enabling multiple seal placements through the repositionable carrier
Data Source
AI summary
A sealing assembly for a fluid end of a reciprocating pump is installable within a segment of a casing of the fluid end and is arranged to form a seal with the segment. The sealing assembly includes a closure element and a seal element. The closure element has a sealing portion with a lateral surface that faces an interior wall of the segment of the fluid end. The seal element is sized to be installed around the closure element and includes a repositionable seal. The repositionable seal is movable axially with respect to the closure element so that the repositionable seal can be positioned in multiple sealing positions.