Centrifugal Separator Sealing Ring Removal Using an Embedded Wire
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Solution Overview
Problem
The removal of sealing rings from centrifugal separators is difficult and time-consuming due to plastic deformation and material deterioration, often requiring violent tools and risking injury, especially when the rings become brittle and stuck in the groove.
Innovation Solution
A centrifugal separator design with a wire member integrated or associated with the sealing ring, allowing for easy removal through a through hole and breaking tool, facilitating the lifting of the sealing ring from the groove.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sealing ring is used to seal between two axially movable centrifuge bowl parts, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but the sealing ring becomes plastically deformed and stuck in the groove over time, making removal difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing ring is segmented into multiple pieces by the wire member that extends through the groove. This segmentation allows the sealing ring to be broken into manageable sections that can be individually removed, solving the problem of removing a stuck, deformed sealing ring as a single difficult-to-extract piece.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire member acts as an intermediary element between the sealing ring and the groove. It provides a mechanical interface that allows tools to engage with the sealing ring through the groove opening, enabling removal without direct contact with the stuck sealing ring body.
2Reliability
If a sealing ring is subjected to heavy compression between two centrifuge bowl parts, then sealing performance is improved, but the sealing ring becomes brittle and thoroughly stuck into the groove
Solution Approach 1:
The wire member creates segmentation within the sealing ring structure, allowing it to divide into smaller sections under compression and during removal. This prevents the entire ring from becoming uniformly stuck and brittle, as each segment can be independently managed during removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire member changes the mechanical parameters of the sealing ring by providing a structural framework that maintains flexibility despite compression. It allows the sealing ring to undergo deformation while retaining the ability to be removed through controlled breaking along the wire member location.
3Ease of operation
If violent tools such as hammer and chisel are used to remove a stuck sealing ring, then removal force is improved, but the risk of injury and damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wire member serves as a safe intermediary that allows removal tools to engage with the sealing ring through the groove opening. This eliminates the need for violent external tools like hammers and chisels, as the wire member provides a controlled interface for extraction that reduces injury risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire member embedded in the sealing ring provides self-service functionality by creating its own removal mechanism. The sealing ring essentially provides its own extraction points through the wire member, eliminating the need for dangerous external intervention tools.
4Reliability
If the sealing ring is exposed to chemicals, temperature and mechanical forces for a long time, then sealing function is maintained, but the mechanical properties of the sealing ring deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing ring becomes a composite structure combining the sealing material with the wire member. This composite construction allows the sealing material to maintain its sealing function while the wire member provides structural integrity and resistance to deterioration from chemicals, temperature, and mechanical forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire member creates segmentation that prevents uniform deterioration throughout the sealing ring. Even if the sealing material degrades from exposure, the wire member maintains structural coherence and provides controlled break points, preserving enough mechanical property for removal.
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 quicker and simpler replacement of sealing rings by using a wire member to break and lift the ring, reducing the risk of injury and time consumption.
Implementation Method 1
During operation, liquid mixture to be separated is introduced into a rotating bowl and heavy particles or denser liquid, usually water, accumulates at the periphery of the rotating bowl whereas less dense liquid accumulates closer to the central axis of rotation.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~3b
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method of replacing a sealing ring (50) from a centrifugal separator bowl (4) of a centrifugal separator (100), wherein the centrifuge bowl encloses a separator chamber (8), in which separation of a fluid mix is configured to take place. The centrifuge bowl further comprises a first, lower bowl part (1) and a second, upper bowl part (2), which bowl parts are axially connectable to form a bowl wall for the centrifuge bowl. A slide member (7) is associated with the lower bowl part and arranged axially movable between a closed position, in which the slide member is in contact with the upper bowl part and thereby closes a plurality of peripheral discharge outlets (14) extending from the separation chamber through the centrifuge bowl wall, and an open position, in which the slide member is positioned at an axial distance from the upper bowl part, whereby said peripheral ports are open. The upper bowl part (2) comprises at a lower edge surface, which faces the lower bowl part (1), a circumferentially along the edge surface extending annular groove (5), the groove extending symmetrically around the rotation axis (X) and being arranged to open through an opening (5a) towards the lower bowl part. A sealing ring (50) is arranged in the groove (5) and has a surface facing towards and being engageable by the slide member (7) upon an axial movement of the slide member to the closed position. According to the present disclosure, a wire member (25) is arranged associated with the sealing ring (50) in the groove (5). In this way removal of a used sealing ring can be facilitated