Rotor Cylindrical Insert Structure for Sealing and Run-Out Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotating packed bed apparatuses face challenges with side flux emissions and reduced service life of seals due to radial run-out issues, which affect the efficiency and longevity of the system.
Innovation Solution
A cylindrical insert is concentrically positioned within a homolographic through-hole in the upper rotor plate and a homolographic socket in the lower rotor plate, providing a better seal and reducing radial run-out by ensuring precise alignment and attachment through temporary fastening and synthetic sealing materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sealing methods are used in rotating packed bed apparatus, then the structure is simple, but side flux emissions increase and seal service life decreases due to radial run-out
Solution Approach 1:
A cylindrical insert is introduced as an intermediary component between the rotor and housing. This insert features a sealed lower end that contacts the rotor surface, creating an intermediate sealing barrier that prevents side flux emissions while accommodating radial run-out movements without compromising seal integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing function is segmented into distinct components: the cylindrical insert with its sealed lower end, the connection to rotor plates through homolographic interfaces, and the upper sealing arrangement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the lower sealed end specifically addressing side flux prevention
2Object-generated harmful factors
If tight sealing is implemented to reduce side flux emissions, then sealing effectiveness improves, but radial run-out increases causing reduced service life
Solution Approach 1:
The design changes the sealing parameter from direct rigid contact to a configured sealed interface where the lower end of the cylindrical insert maintains sealing contact. The homolographic connection with controlled play (0.1-0.5% of nominal dimension) allows parameter adjustment that accommodates radial run-out while maintaining sealing effectiveness
3Manufacturing precision
If precise alignment is achieved through homolographic connection, then radial run-out is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The homolographic connection utilizes asymmetric geometric features (socket and through-hole configurations) that provide precise alignment functionality. The lower connection employs a socket interface while the upper connection uses a through-hole, creating an asymmetric arrangement that achieves precise positioning without requiring complex symmetric mechanisms
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 3a~4
Figure 4a~5
AI summary
A cylindrical insert for the rotor for rotating packed bed apparatus, characterised in that it is concentrically placed in a homolographic through-hole located in the upper plate (5) of the rotor and in a homolographic socket (9) in the lower plate (2) of the rotor; whereby the cylindrical insert (3) passes through the homolographic hole in the upper plate (5) of the rotor and positions the upper plate of the rotor (5) relative to the lower plate (2) of the rotor; whereby it is attached to the lower (2) and upper (5) rotor plates by way of temporary fastening known from the state of the art; and whereby the cylindrical element of the insert (3) located in the upper (5) rotor plate, at the height of the seal (6) projects above the upper (5) rotor plate; and whereby the lower part of the cylindrical insert (3) has holes (8) in the cylindrical part located between the rotor plates, through which liquid and gas flow in the manner known from the state of the art. The connection between the lower plate (2) of the rotor and the cylindrical insert (3) has a play of not more than 0.5% of the nominal fit dimension, or an interference fit of not more than 0.5%; whereby the connection between the upper plate (5) of the rotor and the cylindrical insert (3) is sealed with a synthetic sealing material; whereby the gap between the lower plate (2) of the rotor and the cylindrical insert (3) is preferably smooth and the shape of the wall with the gap between the lower plate (2) of the rotor and the cylindrical insert (3) is preferably cylindrical or conical; whereby the gap between the upper rotor plate (5) and the cylindrical insert (3) is preferably smooth, the shape of the wall with the gap between the upper rotor plate (5) and the cylindrical insert (3) being preferably cylindrical or conical; whereby the connection between the upper rotor plate (5) and the cylindrical insert (3) is a connection sealed with synthetic material; whereby the gap between the lower plate (2) of the rotor and the cylindrical insert (3) being preferably profiled, the shape of the wall with the gap between the lower plate of the rotor (2) and the cylindrical insert (3) being preferably cylindrical or conical. The lower part of the cylindrical insert (3) connected to the homolographic socket (9) has a cross-sectional shape being preferably circular, a regular polygon or irregular polygon.