Mechanical Seal Support System with Continuous Cleaning Capability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical seal support systems, particularly in Plan 53a configurations, face challenges in maintaining cleanliness and preventing dirt buildup during operation, as they require shutdown for cleaning procedures, which disrupts equipment functionality.
Innovation Solution
A seal support system with a pressure vessel and flexible fluid inlet and piping configuration allows for independent or parallel fluid flow management, enabling continuous operation and cleaning cycles without shutting down the equipment, utilizing methods like thermosyphon and flush-to-drain systems, and includes automated control mechanisms for fluid distribution and pressure management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a Plan 53a thermosyphon system is used to provide buffer fluid to the mechanical seal, then operating cost is reduced and cooling is achieved, but dirt and product buildup occurs inside the pressure vessel and associated equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary cleaning action by injecting cleaning fluid into the pressure vessel before product buildup becomes problematic. The cleaning fluid is introduced through the buffer fluid inlet line, allowing pre-cleaning of the thermosyphon system components without shutdown.
Solution Approach 2:
A cleaning fluid intermediary is introduced into the system through the buffer fluid lines. This cleaning fluid acts as a mediator that flows through the pressure vessel and thermosyphon components, removing dirt and product buildup without requiring system disassembly or shutdown.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a CIP procedure is implemented to clean the pressure vessel and equipment, then dirt and product buildup is prevented, but the vessel must be drained and operation is halted
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous cleaning action during operation by utilizing the existing buffer fluid circulation lines. Cleaning fluid is injected into the pressure vessel while it remains pressurized and operational, allowing uninterrupted cleaning without draining or shutdown, thus maintaining continuous useful action.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between normal buffer fluid circulation and cleaning fluid injection modes. During operation, the buffer fluid provides cooling and lubrication; when cleaning is needed, cleaning fluid is introduced through the same lines, allowing dynamic adaptation without system reconfiguration or shutdown.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a Plan 62 flush-to-drain system is used to clean the mechanical seal, then product washaway is achieved, but large expenditure of buffer/barrier fluid is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses self-service cleaning where the buffer fluid circulation system itself is utilized to deliver cleaning fluid. The existing thermosyphon circulation mechanism propels the cleaning fluid through the pressure vessel and seal components, eliminating the need for separate pumping systems or additional fluid expenditure.
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
Enables continuous operation and effective cleaning of mechanical seals and associated equipment, reducing contamination buildup and allowing for maintenance and inspection without halting production, through flexible fluid management and automated control.
Implementation Method 1
Plan 53a utilizes a pressure vessel to provide a buffer/barrier fluid to the internal cavity of the seal and the thermosyphon effect to ensure cooler fluid is passing through the seal
Implementation Method 2
This is where a spray ball is used to distribute a cleaning fluid to all product contacting surfaces within a vessel or system
Data Source
AI summary
A seal support system, for use in combination with a mechanical seal installed on a piece of rotating equipment, includes a pressure vessel, one or more fluid inlets and connecting pipework between the one or more fluid inlets and the mechanical seal. A device is included to alter the fluid flow, so that a portion of the seal support system may be isolated for various purposes, such as, for example, cleaning or repurposing.