Rotary Joint Sealing Ring for Sequential Fluid Leak Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotating joints fail to provide effective sealing in sequential fluid circulation devices, leading to unwanted fluid leaks and detrimental effects on installed machinery.
Innovation Solution
A rotating joint design featuring a frame with internal openings, a shaft with passage channels, and a sealing ring with a radial collar and grooves, utilizing elastomer seals and chromium oxide/chromium carbide coatings for dynamic and annular sealing, ensuring axial and annular sealing while simplifying maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sealing devices with friction seals or mechanical seals are used in known rotating joints, then fluid circulation between pipes is enabled, but fluid leaks occur within the same fluid circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing ring is divided into multiple independent sealing elements (first sealing element, second sealing element, third sealing element) that can be separately replaced. Each sealing element addresses specific sealing locations (between frame and shaft, between shaft and passage channel, between frame and pipe), allowing targeted maintenance without replacing the entire sealing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing system uses a rotatable sealing ring that can be independently rotated relative to the frame and shaft assembly. This dynamic capability allows the sealing ring to be rotated to different angular positions during maintenance, enabling access to different sealing surfaces without disassembling the entire joint.
2Reliability
If traditional sealing devices are used in rotating joints, then fluid circulation is maintained, but maintenance complexity increases due to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is segmented into modular components (sealing ring with multiple sealing elements) that can be independently accessed and replaced. The sealing ring can be rotated to position different sealing elements for maintenance, and individual sealing elements can be replaced without replacing the entire sealing ring or disassembling the frame and shaft.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing elements are designed as wear-prone consumable parts that can be easily replaced when worn. The durable frame, shaft, and sealing ring structure are recovered and retained, only replacing the specific sealing elements that have worn out, thereby reducing maintenance costs and complexity.
3Reliability
If sealing ring with multiple sealing elements is used, then sealing performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sealing functions are merged into a single integrated sealing ring component. The first sealing element (between frame and shaft), second sealing element (between shaft and passage channel), and third sealing element (between frame and pipe) are all incorporated into one rotatable sealing ring, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining multiple sealing functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing ring serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides sealing between the frame and shaft, sealing between the shaft and passage channel, and sealing between the frame and pipe. This multi-functional component reduces the number of separate sealing devices needed and simplifies the overall sealing system.
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 achieves robust sealing, reducing maintenance downtime and enhancing operational efficiency by preventing fluid leaks and prolonging the interval between maintenance phases.
Implementation Method 1
seals, each seal being housed in one of the grooves... good annular sealing, obtained by local compression of the sealing rings in the grooves made around the orifices of the sealing ring
Implementation Method 2
good axial sealing, obtained by dynamic friction of the sealing ring with the external surface of the shaft
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a rotary joint (1) and to a device comprising a rotary joint (1), the rotary joint (1) allowing sequential circulation of at least one fluid between at least one pipe of a first element and at least two pipe of a second element, the first element and the second element being rotated with respect to one another. The rotary joint (1) comprises a recessed frame (2) rigidly connected to the second element, a shaft (8) rigidly connected to the first element and fitted into the recess in the frame (2), a sealing ring (14) located between the shaft (8) and the frame (2), and seals (23) housed in grooves made in the sealing ring (14).