Sensor Fitting Membrane Sealing for Viscous Media Service Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensor fittings face challenges with sealing integrity, especially in high-viscosity process media, leading to damage and blockages, and require high torque and maintenance due to linear or rotational movement mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A fitting with an elastic sealing unit that can be pressurized by fluid pressure to maintain sealing integrity, allowing for easy and low-maintenance operation, with minimal surface contact and adaptable sealing pressure, reducing wear and drive torque.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sealing rings are used for linear movement, then sealing effect is achieved, but sealing rings become damaged by adhesions in high-viscosity process media
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an elastic membrane (thin film) as the sealing element instead of rigid sealing rings. This flexible membrane can deform elastically under pressure, maintaining sealing integrity while accommodating the movement between measurement and service positions without suffering from adhesion damage in high-viscosity media.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the sealing element by using an elastic material that can dynamically adjust its sealing pressure through elastic deformation. This parameter change allows the sealing surface to adapt to varying process conditions and maintain reliability without direct mechanical contact that causes adhesion.
2Reliability
If plug valve principle with conical plug is used for rotational movement, then sealing effect is achieved, but very high torque and continuous pressure are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical plug valve system with a membrane-based sealing system. Instead of relying on high torque to press a conical plug against a sealing surface, the system uses elastic deformation of the membrane and fluid pressure to achieve sealing, dramatically reducing the mechanical force and torque requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes fluid pressure (pneumatic or hydraulic principle) to actuate the membrane sealing element. The process medium pressure itself is used to deform the membrane and maintain the sealing contact, eliminating the need for high continuous pressure from external sources and reducing the torque needed for position changes.
3Ease of operation
If linear movement mechanism is used, then sensor can be moved between positions, but sealing rings are damaged by adhesions leading to maintenance issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a membrane sealing element that is simpler and more durable than traditional sealing rings. While not explicitly disposable, the membrane is designed to be more resistant to damage from high-viscosity media, reducing maintenance frequency and extending service life, effectively making the system more tolerant of harsh operating conditions.
4Reliability
If conventional sealing system is used, then separation from process chamber is achieved, but blockage risk increases in high-viscosity media
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic membrane creates a flexible barrier that maintains separation integrity while being less prone to blockage by viscous media compared to rigid sealing rings. The membrane's flexibility allows it to conform to slight variations in the sealing surface and resist clogging by adhering less to the process medium.
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 fitting ensures reliable sealing with reduced maintenance and minimal risk of blockages, allowing for easy position changes with lower force requirements and adaptable sealing pressure to process conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a sealing unit (40) which is disposed between the outer housing (10) and the inner housing (30), wherein the sealing unit (40) is elastic
Implementation Method 2
the sealing unit (40) is suitable for being pressurized by a fluid with a first fluid pressure (P1) in order to press the sealing unit (40) against the outer housing (10) and against the inner housing (30)
Data Source
AI summary
A fitting for accommodating a sensor includes: an outer housing extending along a first axis including a primary inlet and a primary outlet for medium to flow through the outer housing, a cleaning inflow, and a cleaning outflow; an inner housing extending along the first axis and moveable about the first axis between a measurement position and a service position, the inner housing including a sensor chamber with a secondary inlet and a secondary outlet, wherein the secondary inlet is fluidically connected to the primary inlet, and the secondary outlet is fluidly connected to the primary outlet when the inner housing is in the measurement position, and wherein the cleaning inflow is fluidically connected to the secondary inlet and the cleaning outflow is fluidically connected to the secondary outlet when the inner housing is in the service position; and a sealing unit between the outer housing and the inner housing.