Spring-Supported Seal Assembly for Cryogenic Back Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seals fail to maintain effectiveness at high pressure and low temperature conditions, particularly under back pressure and cryogenic temperatures, leading to leakage and collapse.
Innovation Solution
A bidirectional seal assembly comprising an annular jacket, a helical spring, and a support member, where the support member is disposed within the helical spring to prevent collapse and maintain flexibility, allowing effective sealing at high pressures and low temperatures by ensuring contact between the seals' back surfaces for enhanced sealing characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional seals are used under high pressure conditions, then sealing is effective at normal temperatures, but the seals become ineffective and collapse at low temperature conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The seal assembly uses a dynamic spring mechanism that automatically adjusts the sealing force based on operating conditions. The spring-loaded configuration allows the seal to maintain contact pressure under varying temperatures and pressures, adapting to thermal contraction at low temperatures while preventing collapse under high back pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the sealing system by introducing a spring element that modifies the contact pressure between sealing surfaces. The spring constant and pre-load are selected to compensate for thermal effects at low temperatures, maintaining adequate sealing force without requiring material composition changes.
2Strength
If seals are designed to withstand high back pressure, then they maintain structural integrity, but they become rigid and ineffective at low temperature conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded design provides a dynamically adjustable support structure that maintains strength under back pressure while preserving flexibility through the elastic deformation capability of the spring. The system transitions from a static rigid support to a dynamic compliant support that adapts to thermal and pressure variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal incorporates flexible sealing elements that can deform under thermal contraction at low temperatures while the spring mechanism provides the necessary support force. The combination of flexible sealing material and elastic spring creates a system that is both strong and adaptable.
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 seal assembly provides effective sealing at extreme temperatures (below -100°C and above 200°C) and high back pressures, preventing leakage and maintaining operational integrity under conditions where traditional seals would fail.
Implementation Method 1
a helical spring disposed within the annular recess
Implementation Method 2
a support member disposed within the helical spring to provide a biasing force against the helical spring
Data Source
AI summary
A seal comprising an annular jacket comprising a body defining an annular recess; a helical spring disposed within the annular recess; and a support member disposed within the helical spring to provide a biasing force against the helical spring in the operational state.