Valve Plug Seal Assembly for High-Temperature Leak Tightness
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-temperature applications in fluid valves pose challenges due to the inability of flexible seals to withstand extreme temperatures, leading to leakage issues, and carbon-fiber seals require breaking into pieces for installation, which can cause further leakage and instability.
Innovation Solution
A seal assembly featuring a graphite seal on an annular shoulder of a valve plug with a fastener to apply a load, and a biasing element such as a spring to maintain the seal in a compressed condition, eliminating reliance on fluid pressure and preventing the need to break the seal into pieces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a carbon-fiber sealing ring is used in high-temperature applications, then the seal can withstand high temperatures, but the seal must be broken into pieces for installation which causes leakage and instability
Solution Approach 1:
The carbon-fiber seal is divided into multiple segments that can be independently installed onto the closure member without breaking the seal. Each segment fits into a corresponding groove or channel, allowing the seal to be assembled in pieces while maintaining its continuous sealing function and structural integrity.
2Force
If fluid pressure is used to pressure assist the seal against the sealing surface, then the seal engages the sealing surface, but during low pressure conditions the fluid pressure is insufficient causing undesired leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The seal assembly incorporates a spring mechanism that automatically adjusts the sealing force based on operating conditions. The spring provides continuous pressure to maintain seal engagement with the sealing surface, self-regulating to compensate for variations in fluid pressure without external intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal assembly combines multiple materials with complementary properties: a carbon-fiber sealing ring for high-temperature resistance, a spring material for elastic force generation, and potentially other materials for different functional requirements. This composite structure enables the seal to withstand high temperatures while maintaining reliable sealing under varying pressure conditions.
3Ease of manufacture
If flexible valve seals are used, then the seals can be easily installed, but they cannot withstand high temperatures in super-heated steam applications
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is segmented into multiple pieces that can be separately installed onto the closure member, eliminating the need to break brittle carbon-fiber seals while maintaining temperature resistance. Each segment is designed to fit into specific grooves or channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution uses carbon-fiber material for the sealing ring to provide high-temperature resistance in super-heated steam applications, replacing flexible elastomeric seals. The segmented design maintains ease of installation despite using rigid carbon-fiber material.
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 effectively prevents leakage and maintains a tight shut-off in high-temperature conditions, reducing maintenance and repair costs by ensuring the seal remains compressed across varying pressure conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing element such as a spring to maintain the seal in a compressed condition
Data Source
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AI summary
Seal assemblies for use with fluid valves are disclosed. An apparatus includes a valve plug (210) having a first annular shoulder (224) adjacent an end of the valve plug, a seal (222) disposed on the first annular shoulder, and a fastener (208) at the end of the valve plug to force the seal against the first annular shoulder to apply a load to the seal.