Mechanical Seal Support System Thermal Expansion Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
In double mechanical seal systems, the loss of compressed gas from the seal support vessel can lead to water accumulation and exponential pressure increases due to thermal expansion, potentially exceeding the vessel's maximum working limit and causing damage.
Innovation Solution
A seal support system with a secondary vessel and an elastomeric membrane compartmentalization, allowing for gas feeding and fluid communication to accommodate thermal expansion, ensuring sufficient space for barrier fluid expansion and stabilizing pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the seal support vessel is completely sealed and filled with barrier fluid, then the barrier fluid pressure is optimized for seal operation, but the vessel has no room for thermal expansion of the barrier fluid leading to exponential pressure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate vessels: the seal support vessel (system vessel) and the further vessel (expansion vessel). The barrier fluid is segmented between these two vessels, with the further vessel specifically dedicated to accommodating thermal expansion. This segmentation allows the seal support vessel to maintain optimal pressure for seal operation while the expansion vessel absorbs volume changes without causing pressure buildup.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier fluid itself acts as an intermediary medium that can move between the two vessels through the connecting pipe work. When thermal expansion occurs, the barrier fluid flows from the seal support vessel to the further vessel, mediating the volume change and preventing pressure increase in the seal support vessel.
2Stress or pressure
If compressed gas is used to pressurize the seal support vessel, then the required barrier fluid pressure is achieved, but the compressed gas can be lost through fixtures, fittings, or absorption into the barrier fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The gas containment function is segmented from the barrier fluid system. Gas is confined to the first compartment of the further vessel, separated from the barrier fluid by an elastomeric membrane. This prevents gas absorption into the barrier fluid and isolates the gas from potential leakage paths in the seal support vessel fixtures and fittings.
Solution Approach 2:
An elastomeric membrane is used to separate the gas-containing first compartment from the barrier fluid-containing second compartment in the further vessel. This flexible membrane allows for volume changes and pressure equalization while maintaining complete separation between the gas and barrier fluid, preventing absorption and leakage issues.
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 system effectively manages pressure fluctuations by providing additional space for fluid expansion, preventing pressure exceedance and potential damage, thus enhancing the reliability and safety of the mechanical seal.
Implementation Method 1
said further vessel contains an elastomeric membrane dividing said fluid vessel into first and second compartments
Implementation Method 2
the available volume of gas within the vessel becoming compressed. This compression provides the required barrier fluid pressure
Implementation Method 3
there is no further room for thermal expansion of the barrier fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A seal support system for a mechanical seal includes a system vessel for containing barrier fluid. Closed loop pipe work connects the vessel to a mechanical seal with a device provided for feeding barrier fluid to the system vessel. A further vessel is provided that is able to be in fluid communication with the system vessel. The further vessel may be provided with an elastomeric membrane, which may be filled with a gas under pressure to an extent required to allow for the effect of the highest anticipated temperature which might occur in a particular application.