Roller Rotary Seal Cooling via Separate Fluid Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rollers are not suitable for high operating temperatures and rotational speeds due to insufficient lubrication from low viscosity pressure and heat transfer fluids, leading to wear and cracking of rotary seals.
Innovation Solution
The roller features separate circuits for lubricant and pressure/heat transfer fluid, allowing for the use of tailored lubricants and fluids with necessary properties, with the rotary seal being flushed with fresh, pre-cooled pressure and heat transfer fluid to prevent cracking and maintain low temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the same pressure and heat transfer fluid is used for both cooling the rotary seal and lubricating the bearing, then the device complexity is reduced, but the lubrication effect becomes insufficient at high temperatures due to low viscosity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fluid circulation system into two separate circuits: a first circuit for the bearing that uses high-viscosity lubricant effective at high temperatures, and a second circuit for the rotary seal that uses low-viscosity pressure and heat transfer fluid for cooling. This segmentation allows each component to receive optimally suited fluid without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the lubrication function from the cooling function by separating the bearing lubrication circuit from the rotary seal cooling circuit. This enables independent optimization of fluid properties for each function - high viscosity for lubrication and low viscosity for cooling.
2Temperature
If nitrogen is supplied to cool the rotary seal, then the cooling effect is improved, but cracking occurs in the leakage oil that damages the sealing surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameter of the cooling medium by using oxygen-free pressure and heat transfer fluid instead of nitrogen. This parameter change prevents oxidation and cracking of the leakage oil while maintaining effective cooling of the rotary seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an inert environment for the rotary seal by supplying oxygen-free pressure and heat transfer fluid, which prevents oxidative cracking of the leakage oil. This inert atmosphere protects the sealing surfaces from damage while providing necessary cooling.
3Productivity
If the roller operates at higher speeds and temperatures, then the productivity increases, but the wear on the rotary seal increases due to high local temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fluid supply system to provide dedicated cooling to the rotary seal through the second circuit, enabling the roller to operate at higher speeds without increasing seal wear. The separated circuit ensures continuous cooling even at elevated operating speeds and temperatures.
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
This design reduces wear on the rotary seal, prevents cracking, and maintains effective lubrication and cooling, making the roller suitable for higher operating temperatures and speeds.
Implementation Method 1
a feed line (42) leading to the rotary seal (25) for pressure and heat transfer fluid and an outlet (48) for the pressure and heat transfer fluid fed to the rotary seal (25)
Implementation Method 2
a bearing (40) on which the hollow roller (2) is rotatably supported relative to the bearing bell (30)
Data Source
AI summary
Roller has a hollow body (2) supported on stationary shafts (31) by bearings (40) which are linked to the shafts by tapering adapters (20). Rotary seals (47) are fitted at the ends of the adopters, outside the bearings and these are supplied with pressure- and heat-exchange fluid through an inlet (42), the fluid being removed through an outlet (48).