Sealing Device Pressure Equalization Gap Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sealing devices used in high fluid pressure applications experience significant leakage, leading to energy loss and erosive wear, resulting in short service life and high maintenance costs due to the expansion of the annular gap under pressure.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of chambers with strategically positioned through-openings between the intermediate sleeve and outer sleeve, which equalize pressure and prevent gap widening, allowing for controlled pressure distribution and reduced leakage by matching external and internal pressures, and optionally using an external pump to maintain pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a gap seal is used between the inner body and intermediate sleeve, then friction is reduced and movement is facilitated, but leakage increases significantly under high pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing device is divided into multiple chambers separated by sealing elements, with each chamber having its own through-opening. This segmentation allows independent pressure control in each chamber, enabling the sealing elements to be pressed against the gap surfaces with optimized force distribution, thereby reducing leakage while maintaining movement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the pressure distribution parameter by introducing multiple chambers with different pressure zones. By controlling the pressure in each chamber separately through strategically positioned through-openings, the sealing elements experience optimized pressure forces that prevent gap widening under high operating pressure, significantly reducing leakage.
2Reliability
If the annular gap is maintained for low-friction sealing, then component wear is reduced, but the gap widens under high pressure leading to increased leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing device is divided into multiple chambers separated by sealing elements, with each chamber having its own through-opening. This segmentation allows independent pressure control in each chamber, enabling the sealing elements to be pressed against the gap surfaces with optimized force distribution, thereby reducing leakage while maintaining movement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the pressure distribution parameter by introducing multiple chambers with different pressure zones. By controlling the pressure in each chamber separately through strategically positioned through-openings, the sealing elements experience optimized pressure forces that prevent gap widening under high operating pressure, significantly reducing leakage.
3Power
If high fluid pressure is applied for operational requirements, then system performance is improved, but leakage increases disproportionately and component erosion accelerates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the pressure distribution parameter by introducing multiple chambers with different pressure zones. By controlling the pressure in each chamber separately through strategically positioned through-openings, the sealing elements experience optimized pressure forces that prevent gap widening under high operating pressure, significantly reducing leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The through-openings are strategically positioned to establish pressure equalization before the high-pressure fluid can cause significant gap widening. This preliminary pressure distribution prevents the disproportionate increase in leakage that would otherwise occur with increasing operating pressure.
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 solution significantly reduces leakage, extends the service life of the sealing device, and allows for higher operating pressures without disproportionate energy loss, resulting in improved economic operation and reduced wear on components.
Implementation Method 1
The high-pressure fluid between the inner body and the intermediate sleeve is fed to the corresponding chambers through the through-openings assigned to each chamber, resulting in a pressure profile within the chambers that follows the pressure profile of the annular gap in a stepped fashion. This almost complete equalization of internal and external pressure virtually prevents gap widening.
Implementation Method 2
Instead of pressure equalization through the flowing fluid, the external pressure acting on the intermediate sleeve can be applied by an external pump, eliminating the need for through-holes. This pump delivers a fluid at the appropriate pressure into the chambers. Ideally, this external pressure corresponds to the internal pressure in the annular gap between the inner body and the intermediate sleeve.
Data Source
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AI summary
A sealing device comprising an intermediate bushing (8), which is located between an outer sleeve (7) and an inner member (6) mounted therein so as to be movable relative thereto and which forms a gap seal, is designed in such a way that chambers (9) that can be filled with a pressurized fluid are provided between the intermediate bushing (8) and the adjacent outer sleeve (7).