Split-Flange Swivel Joint With Leak Indication Under High Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional swivel joints in fluid distribution systems face issues with easy rotation under high pressure, seal failure leading to fluid leakage, and difficult maintenance due to loose ball bearings and complex disassembly requirements.
Innovation Solution
A swivel joint design featuring a flange assembly and an inner joint with thrust bearings, journal bearings, and dual seals, including a leak indicator mechanism to detect seal failure and facilitate maintenance without disassembling the entire joint, utilizing materials like polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and perfluoroalkoxy (PFA) for seals and washers, and a split design for easier component replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional swivel joints are used to connect conduits in a fluid distribution system, then the conduits can rotate with respect to each other, but the swivel joint does not rotate easily when conveying high pressure fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing assembly is segmented into multiple thrust bearings (first thrust bearing and second thrust bearing) positioned at different locations. This segmentation distributes the high fluid pressure loads across multiple bearing surfaces, reducing the friction and resistance to rotation while maintaining structural integrity under pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces thrust bearings that accommodate axial loads generated by high pressure fluid in the direction of fluid flow. By adding this dimensional load-carrying capability, the swivel joint can rotate smoothly even when conveying high pressure fluid, as the thrust bearings prevent binding from axial forces.
2Reliability
If a seal is positioned between the two rotating parts to prevent fluid leakage, then fluid leakage is prevented, but if the seal fails the entire swivel joint must be disassembled to replace it
Solution Approach 1:
The second flange is divided into two separable sections that can be detached from each other. This segmentation allows the seal to be accessed and replaced by simply separating the flange sections, eliminating the need to disassemble the entire swivel joint while maintaining reliable sealing between the rotating and stationary parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The maintenance system transitions from a static, fully assembled structure to a dynamically separable configuration. The flange sections can be separated when seal replacement is needed and reassembled afterward, providing adaptive accessibility to the seal without compromising the structural integrity or sealing performance during normal operation.
3Ease of operation
If loose ball bearings are used in the swivel joint, then the joint allows rotation, but it becomes time-consuming to disassemble and reassemble the swivel joint
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing assembly is segmented into modular thrust bearing units that can be independently accessed and replaced. This modular segmentation eliminates the need to disassemble the entire swivel joint structure, significantly reducing maintenance time while maintaining the rotation capability provided by the bearing surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The flange sections are designed to be pre-configured for easy separation and reassembly. This preliminary design consideration allows maintenance personnel to quickly access and replace bearing components without complex disassembly procedures, reducing the time lost during maintenance operations while preserving smooth rotation during service.
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 design allows for smooth rotation under high pressure without fluid leakage, provides easy maintenance by detecting seal failure and allowing replacement without disassembly, and minimizes pressure drop in fluid flow, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
A first thrust bearing is positioned between the radial extension and the first flange, and a second thrust bearing is positioned between the radial extension and the second flange
Implementation Method 2
a journal bearing positioned between the main body of the inner joint and the first flange
Implementation Method 3
The first seal and the second seal may be configured so that the second seal is exposed to fluid flowing through the passageway when the first seal fails
Data Source
AI summary
A swivel joint including a flange assembly and an inner joint that is configured to rotate with respect to the flange assembly. The flange assembly may include a first flange and a second flange that is secured to the first flange. The inner joint may have a main body and a radial extension extending outward from the main body with the radial extension positioned between the first flange and the second flange. A first thrust bearing may be positioned between the radial extension and the first flange, and a second thrust bearing may be positioned between the radial extension and the second flange. A first seal and a second seal may each be positioned between the flange assembly and the inner joint. A leak indicator may be positioned between the first seal and the second seal. The first and second thrust bearings may be caged bearings.