Mechanical Seal Mating Ring with Compression Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical end face seal assemblies face issues with short seal life and leakage due to distortion caused by clamping forces and inadequate pressure reversal, particularly when handling high-temperature, corrosive, or toxic liquids, and existing designs prohibit the use of clamped mating rings.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves eliminating axial clamping forces on the mating ring by transferring the axial force of a spring to a compression ring, which imparts a radial sealing force, using high-strength, high-temperature materials, and locating the secondary seal's diameter relative to the hydraulic balance diameter for pressure reversal capability, thereby enhancing face stability and sealing performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If axial clamping forces are applied to the mating ring to secure it to the gland plate, then the mating ring is firmly fixed, but the seal face of the mating ring becomes distorted
Solution Approach 1:
A compression ring is introduced as an intermediary component between the mating ring and the gland plate. The compression ring receives the axial clamping force from the gland plate and converts it into a radial sealing force that acts on the secondary seal, thereby securing the mating ring without applying direct axial clamping to its seal face, thus preventing distortion
Solution Approach 2:
The direct axial mechanical clamping system is replaced with a force transformation system. Instead of applying axial force directly to the mating ring, the compression ring transforms the axial clamping force into radial sealing force through its geometric configuration, substituting the direct mechanical contact that causes distortion with an indirect force transmission mechanism
2Stability of the object's composition
If the secondary seal is positioned to secure the mating ring, then the mating ring is fixed axially and radially, but face distortion occurs due to applied clamping force
Solution Approach 1:
The compression ring serves as a mediator between the secondary seal and the mating ring. It receives the axial clamping force and converts it to radial force that secures the mating ring through the secondary seal, rather than applying axial clamping force directly to the mating ring's seal face
Solution Approach 2:
The direction of the applied force is changed from axial to radial. The compression ring transforms the axial clamping force parameter into a radial sealing force parameter, allowing the mating ring to be secured axially and radially while the seal face remains free from distorting axial clamping forces
3Reliability
If traditional seal designs are used, then sealing is provided, but pressure reversal cannot be accommodated and seal life is short
Solution Approach 1:
The design accommodates pressure reversal by positioning the secondary seal at a specific radial location and configuring the compression ring to maintain sealing contact under both forward and reverse pressure conditions, changing the operational pressure parameter range from unidirectional to bidirectional
Solution Approach 2:
The compression ring and secondary seal arrangement creates a dynamic sealing system that automatically adapts to pressure direction changes. The radial sealing force generated by the compression ring maintains sealing contact regardless of whether the pressure differential is in the forward or reverse direction, enhancing seal life under varying pressure conditions
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 configuration provides enhanced face stability, maintains sealing integrity under high-temperature and corrosive conditions, and allows for dual pressure operation, ensuring reliable sealing across a wide range of temperatures and pressures while preventing leakage and distortion.
Implementation Method 1
transferring the axial force of a spring to a compression ring, which imparts a radial sealing force
Implementation Method 2
A bellows 1038 urges the shell 1036 and primary ring 1034 toward the mating ring 1044
Implementation Method 3
a pair of annular seal rings that define a pair of relatively rotatable annular seal faces urged together to define a sealing interface
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A seal assembly (10) for sealing between a housing (20) component and a rotating shaft (66). The seal assembly comprises a pair of relatively rotating rings (34, 44) defining a seal interface. One ring (44) is stationary relative to the housing component. A flexible compressive seal element (48) is compressed axially between the housing component and an axially movable biased compression ring (46) to urge it into radial compressive sealing contact with a cylindrical surface on the stationary ring.