Ultrahigh-Pressure Sealing Device With Segmented Rings

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Solution Overview

Problem

High-pressure pumps face poor sealing and uneven wear issues with existing sealing devices under pressures above 500 MPa, leading to reduced durability and performance.

Innovation Solution

An ultrahigh-pressure sealing device comprising a bottom ring, back-up ring, packing ring, and elastic ring, specifically designed with unique geometries and materials to maintain effective sealing and prevent axial misalignment, using a copper alloy for the bottom ring and synthetic resin for the packing ring, with a spacer ring to compress the elastic ring and enhance pressure transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stress or pressure

If conventional sealing devices are used under pressures of 500 MPa or higher, then the sealing device can operate at high pressure, but the back-up ring sealing deteriorates due to significant increase in outer member inner diameter

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating pressureVSAvoidsealing performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing device is divided into multiple functional segments: bottom ring for plunger sealing, back-up ring for outer member sealing, packing ring for additional sealing, and elastic ring for pressure compensation. Each segment handles specific sealing tasks to ensure reliable sealing under ultrahigh pressure despite dimensional changes in the outer member.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic ring changes its physical state under pressure, deforming to compensate for the increase in outer member inner diameter. This parameter change allows the sealing device to maintain effective sealing contact despite the dimensional changes that occur at 500 MPa or higher pressures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stress or pressure

If sealing members slide under ultrahigh pressure, then pressure transmission is maintained, but uneven wear occurs which shortens seal lifetime

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure transmissionVSAvoidseal lifetime
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Different materials are assigned to different sliding surfaces based on their specific wear characteristics and pressure conditions. The bottom ring uses high-strength stainless steel for plunger contact, while the packing ring uses synthetic resin for outer member contact, optimizing wear resistance at each location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing device employs composite material construction with bottom ring made from high-strength stainless steel and packing ring made from synthetic resin. This combination leverages the strength and wear resistance of metal and the self-lubricating properties of polymer materials to reduce uneven wear under ultrahigh pressure sliding conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 significantly improves sealing performance and durability under ultrahigh pressures (500 to 700 MPa), preventing fluid leakage and extending the seal's lifetime by maintaining tight contact between sealing members and reducing frictional resistance.

Implementation Method 1

a fourth inner periphery mounted on the third small-diameter outer periphery and in contact with the third small-diameter outer periphery

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a fourth engagement portion engaged with the third middle outer periphery to restrict movement in the axial direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical interference: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

configured for coming in contact with the outer member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectContact pressure sealing: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP3121447B1Ultrahigh-pressure sealing device and reciprocatiing pump
Publication Date: 2019.10.02 SUGINO MACHINE
  • EP3121447B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3121447B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3121447B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An ultrahigh-pressure sealing device improves sealing performance under ultrahigh pressures and improves durability. The ultrahigh-pressure sealing device (1) is arranged to seal an annular space (C1) between an outer member (2) and an inner member (3) and separates between a high-pressure chamber (RH) and a low-pressure chamber (RL). A bottom ring (4) includes a first inner periphery (4a), a first large-diameter outer periphery (4e), a first small-diameter outer periphery (4f), and a first middle outer periphery (4g). A back-up ring (5) includes a second inner periphery (5a), a second engagement portion (5b), and a second outer periphery (5c). A packing ring (6) includes a third low-pressure-chamber end (6b), a third inner periphery (6a), a third large-diameter outer periphery (6e), a third the small-diameter outer periphery (6f), and a third middle outer periphery (6g). An elastic ring (7) includes a fourth inner periphery (7a), a fourth the engagement portion (7b), and a fourth outer periphery (7c).