Rotary Coupling Z-Ring Relief Seal Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rotary couplings in the oil and gas industry face reliability and maneuverability issues under severe conditions, particularly in accommodating dynamic pipe expansion and axial rotation while maintaining a secure seal.
Innovation Solution
A rotary coupling design featuring an annular outer section with a Z-ring relief, a connector pipe with a seal end and packing chamber, and a retainer ring with compression screws that compress the Z-ring and packing seals, allowing for adjustable sealing and reduced rotational resistance through a taper-defined packing relief.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If annular sealing or packing rings are used to accommodate dynamic pipe expansion and axial rotation, then the coupling can handle severe conditions, but the reliability and maneuverability become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling is divided into distinct functional segments: an outer section for structural support and connection, an inner section for sealing and rotation, and a packing mechanism for maintaining the seal. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together to solve the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner section is designed to rotate relative to the outer section, providing dynamic adaptability to accommodate axial rotation and pipe expansion. The packing rings maintain a reliable seal throughout this dynamic movement, ensuring reliability is maintained even as the coupling adapts to changing conditions.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional rotary coupling designs are used, then connection is achieved, but the coupling is difficult to manipulate and maintain in the field
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling consists of separable outer and inner sections that can be assembled and disassembled independently. The inner section can be removed from the outer section without requiring special tools or complex procedures, making field manipulation and maintenance straightforward while maintaining a secure connection during operation.
3Reliability
If packing rings are compressed to maintain seal integrity, then sealing reliability improves, but the rotational resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The packing rings are positioned and compressed in specific locations within the coupling to maintain seal integrity only where needed. The compression is applied locally at the packing glands rather than uniformly throughout the sealing surfaces, ensuring reliable sealing while minimizing rotational resistance in the rotating components.
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 design provides a reliable and easy-to-manage rotary coupling that maintains a superior seal under severe conditions, reduces rotational resistance, and accommodates thermal expansion and movement, while allowing for easy adjustment and maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
the compression screws urging a packing end of Z-ring longitudinally against packing seals thereby compressing the packing seals into the packing chamber creating a seal
Implementation Method 2
reduces rotational resistance through a taper-defined packing relief
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 4
AI summary
Rotary coupling comprising: an annular outer section (102) which includes a female end (118), a threaded portion (122), and a Z-ring relief (109); a connector pipe (104) which includes a connection end (136), a shoulder (138), and a seal end (134) which is inserted into the female end (118) of the outer section (102); a Z-ring (108) housed within the Z-ring relief (109) and packing seals (106) housed within a packing chamber (150); a retainer ring (110) threadably received into the threaded portion (122) of outer section (102), the retainer ring (110) receiving compression screws (112) there-through, wherein in the engaged position the compression screws (112) urging a packing end (144) of Z-ring (108) longitudinally against packing seals (106) thereby compressing the packing seals (106) into the packing chamber (150) creating a seal.