Seal Stack Wiper Assembly for Debris Removal Under Extreme Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional seal stack assemblies fail to effectively remove debris at extreme pressures, leading to leakage in industrial applications such as subsea coupling assemblies, solenoid assemblies, and valve assemblies.
Innovation Solution
A seal stack assembly with a wiper assembly comprising a first and second wiper housing component with tapered surfaces and a split ring wiper, which translates axial compressive forces into radial forces to maintain contact with the probe and prevent contamination, using nickel-chromium based alloys and wear-resistant coatings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional seal stack assemblies are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but they fail to effectively remove debris at extreme pressures leading to leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper assembly is divided into separate components including a wiper housing, wiper element, and spring mechanism, allowing each part to be optimized independently while working together to solve the debris removal problem at extreme pressures
Solution Approach 2:
The wiper element acts as an intermediary between the probe and the seal stack, actively removing debris that would otherwise compromise seal integrity, thereby protecting the sealing interface without requiring changes to the seal design itself
2Force
If axial compressive forces are translated to radial forces, then contact with the probe is maintained under extreme pressure, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper housing incorporates tapered surfaces that convert axial compressive forces into radial contact forces through geometric transformation, maintaining consistent contact pressure on the curved probe surface without requiring complex mechanical linkages
Solution Approach 2:
The tapered geometry of the wiper housing changes the force vector parameters from axial to radial direction, enabling the wiper to maintain contact with the probe under varying pressure conditions through passive geometric force transformation
3Duration of action of stationary object
If wear-resistant coatings and nickel-chromium alloys are used, then the wiper durability is improved, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper element combines nickel-chromium alloy base material with wear-resistant surface coatings, creating a composite structure that provides both structural integrity and enhanced wear resistance, extending service life in high-pressure applications
Solution Approach 2:
Wear-resistant coatings are applied specifically to the wiper element surfaces that contact the probe and seal stack, providing enhanced durability only where needed rather than throughout the entire component, optimizing manufacturing efficiency
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 solution effectively prevents leakage by maintaining contact with the probe and removing debris, even under extreme pressure conditions, thereby enhancing the integrity of the radial seal and accommodating wear without creating gaps.
Implementation Method 1
the first and second tapered outer surfaces of the wiper are complementary to the first and second tapered inner surfaces of the first and second wiper housing components, respectively... translating the axial compressive force to a radial force
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods include providing an annular seal stack for an assembly. The seal stack assembly is disposed between a probe and a housing of the assembly and configured to provide a radial seal between the probe and the housing. The seal stack assembly includes a first metallic seal, a second metallic seal, and a wiper assembly disposed between the first metallic seal and the second metallic seal. The wiper assembly includes a first wiper housing component having a tapered inner surface, a second wiper housing component having a tapered inner surface opposite the tapered inner surface of the first wiper housing component, and a wiper disposed between the first wiper housing component and the second wiper housing component.