Segmented Annular Seal Ring for Pressure-Imbalanced Conduit Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seal designs for conduit connections fail to provide sufficient bi-directional sealing, especially under pressure imbalances, where differential pressures can lead to leakage and compromise the system's overall sealing capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A non-load bearing self-energized metal-to-metal annular seal ring assembly with two independent annular portions, where each portion operates independently under different pressure conditions, and can interact to maintain sealing integrity, reducing the required bolt/clamp force during assembly and utilizing different materials for optimal performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single annular seal ring with continuous sealing portions is used, then the sealing structure is simple and assembly is easy, but the seal fails under pressure imbalance where differential pressures create leakage paths
Solution Approach 1:
The seal ring is divided into two independent annular portions (first and second sealing portions) with disconnected sealing surfaces. Each portion can independently respond to pressure from different directions, eliminating the pressure breach issue that occurs in continuous seal designs under differential pressure conditions.
2Stress or pressure
If traditional load controlled gaskets are used, then high contact pressure can be achieved, but the seal has very little spring back and sealing ability is quickly lost under separating loads
Solution Approach 1:
The seal ring is designed as a non-load bearing seal where the contact force with the seats is defined by the displacement of the seats and the stiffness of the seal, rather than by high applied forces. This allows the seal to maintain reliability under dynamic and separating loads without requiring permanent deformation.
3Reliability
If deformation controlled metal seals are used, then sealing ability under dynamic loads is improved, but the geometry is of critical importance and manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The seal ring is divided into two independent annular portions that can be manufactured and assembled separately. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific sealing function while reducing the overall manufacturing precision requirements compared to a single complex continuous seal geometry.
4Reliability
If self-energized pressure assisted seals are used, then sealing capabilities are enhanced under internal pressure, but the seal may fail under external pressure or pressure imbalance
Solution Approach 1:
The two independent annular sealing portions are positioned and oriented to handle different pressure directions. The first sealing portion primarily addresses internal pressure while the second sealing portion addresses external pressure, providing balanced bi-directional sealing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal ring features asymmetric geometry with different sealing portion configurations optimized for different pressure directions. This asymmetric design allows each sealing portion to be tailored for its specific pressure regime while maintaining overall seal integrity 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
The solution effectively maintains sealing integrity under both internal and external pressures, preventing leakage and reducing the risk of damage from excessive pressure differentials, while allowing for reduced assembly force and adaptable performance.
Implementation Method 1
The resilient nature of the seal ring material is utilized to deform the seal ring radially outwardly against the tapered sidewalls of the seal groove protrusions
Implementation Method 2
The inner sealing portion, outer sealing portion and web are all made integrally from one homogenous material... the fluid or gas pressure from inside the conduit, the externally or both, from which the pressure(s) enhances the conduit connection's sealing capabilities
Data Source
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AI summary
It is disclosed an annular seal ring adapted for use in conduit connectors. The seal ring includes an inner sealing portion 3a and an outer sealing portion 3b. The sealing portions (3a, b) are disconnected from each other allowing them to move completely freely relative to each other during operation.