JP2021532316A - Seal assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclose seal assemblies, rotary machines and methods for rotary machines. This seal assembly is for a rotating machine having a shell stator defining at least one pump chamber and end pieces that can be attached to both ends of the shell stator, with at least one annular seal and at least one longitudinal direction. The annular seal, including the seal, defines an aperture for accommodating the longitudinal seal inside, and the annular seal is configured to reduce the size of the aperture upon compression. In this way, when the annular seal is compressed, the size of the aperture that houses the longitudinal seal is reduced and the effectiveness of the seal is enhanced, thus benefiting from simplicity of manufacture and ease of assembly, while the annular seal and longitudinal. Provides a multi-element seal assembly that also provides the sealing effect of an integrated seal with improved sealing between the directional seals. [Selection diagram] Fig. 2

Description

The art of the present invention relates to seal assemblies, rotary machines and methods for rotary machines.

Rotating machines such as compressors or pumps need to be carefully designed and manufactured so that moving parts work together exactly with each other. It is troublesome to provide an effective seal to seal the machine, especially when the pressure difference between the machine and the surrounding environment facilitates the fluid flow. Existing methods may be useful, but these results are undesirable. Therefore, it is desirable to provide an improved seal.

According to the first aspect, a seal assembly for a rotating machine having a shell stator defining at least one pump chamber and end pieces attached to both ends of the shell stator, at least one. The annular seal comprises at least one longitudinal seal, the annular seal defines an aperture for accommodating the longitudinal seal inside, and the annular seal is configured to reduce the size of the aperture when the annular seal is compressed. A sealed assembly is provided. A first aspect has a stator configuration in which some rotary machine configurations have axial dividing lines along a stator typically formed from a pair of shell stators (half stators). Recognize that the shell stator is housed between a pair of end plates. This configuration provides a more conveniently assembled rotating machine that requires a seal along the axial dividing line of the shell stator and an annular seal between the stator and the end plate. The joint between the longitudinal seal and the annular seal is sometimes referred to as the T-joint. An integral seal can be used to seal both the joint between shell stators and between the stator and the end plate, but such seals are complex and difficult to mold.

Therefore, a seal is provided. This seal can be for rotary machines. The rotating machine can include a shell stator that defines or provides one or more pump chambers. The rotating machine can include end pieces that can be attached to both ends of the shell stator. The seal can include one or more annular seals. The seal can include one or more longitudinal seals. The annular seal can define or provide an aperture or opening. The aperture can accommodate or hold the longitudinal seal. The annular seal can be configured or arranged to shrink or shrink the aperture upon compression. In this way, when the annular seal is compressed, the size of the aperture that houses the longitudinal seal is reduced and the effectiveness of the seal is enhanced, thus benefiting from simplicity of manufacture and ease of assembly, while the annular seal and longitudinal. Improved sealing between the directional seals provides a multi-element seal assembly that also provides the sealing effect of an integrated seal.

In one embodiment, the annular seal is configured to reduce the size of the aperture when compressed between the shell stator and the end piece. Thus, the size or dimensions of the aperture can be reduced in response to compression of the annular seal by the shell stator and end piece.

In one embodiment, the annular seal is configured to extend radially and reduce the size of the aperture when compressed longitudinally between the shell stator and the end piece. Thus, when the annular seal is compressed in the direction in which the longitudinal seal extends, it extends or expands radially across the longitudinal direction to reduce the size of the aperture.

In one embodiment, the annular seal is configured to reduce the size of the aperture and compress the longitudinal seal. Therefore, as the size of the aperture shrinks, the longitudinal seal is compressed or squeezed within the aperture.

In one embodiment, the annular seal is deformable. Thus, the material forming the annular seal can deform or flow from one configuration to another in response to a force.

In one embodiment, the annular seal is an elastomer.

In one embodiment, the aperture is molded to fit the longitudinal seal. Therefore, the aperture can have dimensions that match the external shape of the longitudinal seal.

In one embodiment, the annular seal is molded to compress the aperture during compression. Thus, the annular seal can press, narrow, shrink or squeeze the aperture against the longitudinal seal during squeezing.

In one embodiment, the surface defining the aperture is molded to uniformly compress the longitudinal seal. Thus, the aperture can be molded to uniformly extend when the annular seal is squeezed and shrunk, and to apply a uniform pressure within the aperture along the length of the longitudinal seal.

In one embodiment, the surface defining the aperture is concave or concave.

In one embodiment, each annular seal comprises a pair of apertures. Therefore, it is possible to provide two or three or more apertures, each capable of accommodating each longitudinal seal.

In one embodiment, the annular seal comprises an annular surface shaped to engage the shell stator and end piece. Thus, the seal can be molded to fit the shell stator and end piece and promote compression of the annular seal.

In one embodiment, the annular plane is planar.

In one embodiment, the annular seal comprises opposing planar annular surfaces.

In one embodiment, the annular seal has a generally rectangular cross section.

In one embodiment, the longitudinal seal is deformable.

In one embodiment, the longitudinal seal comprises an elastic material and / or a ductile material.

In one embodiment, the longitudinal seal comprises a metal and / or an elastomer.

In one embodiment, the longitudinal seal is configured to form a radial overhang upon compression. Thus, a longitudinal seal can form or create a radial or annular protrusion on its outer surface when compressed by the annular seal.

In one embodiment, the longitudinal seal is configured to form at least one radial overhang in the aperture when compressed by the shell stator. Thus, a longitudinal seal can form or create a radial or annular overhang on its outer surface when compressed by a shell stator. This allows for a reinforced seal between the longitudinal seal and the annular seal.

In one embodiment, the longitudinal seal is configured to form at least one radial protrusion extending into the aperture when compressed by the shell stator. Therefore, the longitudinal seal can be extended to fill the aperture during compression. Again, this helps to improve the seal between the longitudinal seal and the annular seal.

In one embodiment, the longitudinal seal is sized to form at least one radial overhang in the voids defined by the aperture when compressed by the shell stator.

In one embodiment, the longitudinal seal is configured to form at least one radial protrusion that abuts on the outer annular surface of the annular seal when compressed by the annular seal. Thus, the longitudinal seal can form or create a radial or annular protrusion that abuts or is urged on the outer surface of the annular seal upon compression. This allows for further sealing between the longitudinal seal and the annular seal and also prevents the longitudinal seal from being locked in place and moving during the thermal cycle.

According to a second aspect, there is provided a rotating machine comprising a shell stator defining at least one pump chamber, end pieces that can be attached to both ends of the shell stator, and a seal assembly of the first aspect and embodiments thereof. NS.

In one embodiment, at least one of the shell stator and the end plate comprises a member configured to limit radial outward deformation of the annular seal upon compression of the annular seal. This helps prevent the material of the annular seal from flowing on this radial outermost surface and encourages the material to flow into the aperture and enhance the seal between the longitudinal seal and the annular seal. ..

According to a third aspect, the annular seal comprises a step of preparing at least one annular seal and a step of preparing at least one longitudinal seal, the annular seal defining an aperture for accommodating the longitudinal seal inside. , A method is provided that further comprises the step of compressing the annular seal to reduce the size of the aperture.

In one embodiment, the method comprises compressing the annular seal between the shell stator and the end piece to reduce the size of the aperture.

In one embodiment, the method comprises compressing the annular seal longitudinally between the shell stator and the end piece and extending the annular seal radially to reduce the size of the aperture.

In one embodiment, the method comprises compressing the longitudinal seal by reducing the size of the aperture.

In one embodiment, the annular seal is deformable.

In one embodiment, the annular seal is an elastomer.

In one embodiment, the method comprises molding the aperture to fit a longitudinal seal.

In one embodiment, the method comprises forming the annular seal to compress the aperture upon compression.

In one embodiment, the method comprises forming the surface defining the aperture so that the longitudinal seal is uniformly compressed upon compression of the annular seal.

In one embodiment, the surface defining the aperture is concave.

In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a pair of apertures.

In one embodiment, the method comprises forming the annular surface of the annular seal to engage the shell stator and end piece.

In one embodiment, the annular plane is planar.

In one embodiment, the annular seal comprises opposing planar annular surfaces.

In one embodiment, the annular seal has a generally rectangular cross section.

In one embodiment, the longitudinal seal is deformable.

In one embodiment, the longitudinal seal comprises an elastic material and / or a ductile material.

In one embodiment, the longitudinal seal comprises a metal and / or an elastomer.

In one embodiment, the method comprises forming a radial overhang on the longitudinal seal upon compression.

In one embodiment, the method comprises forming at least one radial overhang in the aperture when compressed by the shell stator.

In one embodiment, the method comprises forming at least one longitudinal protrusion extending into the aperture upon compression by the shell stator.

In one embodiment, the method comprises sizing the longitudinal seal to form at least one longitudinal protrusion within the voids defined by the aperture upon compression by the shell stator.

In one embodiment, the method comprises configuring the longitudinal seal to form at least one radial overhang that abuts on the outer annular surface of the annular seal when compressed by the annular seal.

In one embodiment, the method comprises limiting the radial outward deformation of the annular seal upon compression of the annular seal.

The accompanying independent and dependent claims indicate further specific preferred embodiments. The characteristics of the dependent claims can be combined with the characteristics of the independent claims, if necessary, and can be a combination other than those specified in the claims.

When describing a device feature as providing a function, it should be understood that this feature includes the feature of the device that provides the function or is adapted or configured to provide the function.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

It is a figure which shows schematically the housing of the rotary machine by one Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the seal assembly which seals a housing by one Embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing a step of assembling a seal assembly in a housing according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing a step of assembling a seal assembly in a housing according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing a step of assembling a seal assembly in a housing according to one embodiment. It is a figure which shows the shape of the aperture by one Embodiment.

Before describing the embodiments in more detail, an overview is given first. The embodiment provides a sealed configuration for a multi-element housing of a rotating machine such as a pump or compressor. To facilitate assembly, the rotating machine housing or stator can be formed from multiple components, shells or end plates that need to be sealed during assembly. In one configuration, a stator is formed by joining two or more housing parts or shells, which are then held between a pair of end plates. Typically, the stator housing component requires one or more longitudinal seals along its joint surface, and each end plate requires an annular seal between the end plate and the stator housing component. Effective sealing between the annular seal and the longitudinal seal is cumbersome, so embodiments provide a configuration in which each annular seal has an aperture that accommodates such an annular seal. Compressing the annular seal between the end plate and the stator housing component causes the aperture that houses the longitudinal seal to shrink, which can improve the seal between the longitudinal seal and the annular seal. Specifically, when the annular seal is deformable, compression of the annular seal causes deformation, which causes the sealing material to flow. The flow of sealing material reduces the size of the aperture, which compresses the longitudinal seal and improves sealing. When the longitudinal seal is also deformable, compression of the longitudinal seal by the stator housing component causes the longitudinal seal material to flow and extend into the aperture within the annular seal, which also improves the seal. When the aperture is compressed during compression of the annular seal, the material of the longitudinal seal further flows to form an annular protrusion around the outer surface of the annular seal. Again, this improves the seal and helps prevent the seal from moving during the thermal cycle.

Rotating Machinery FIG. 1 schematically shows a housing 10 of a rotating machine according to one embodiment. The housing 10 includes a pair of shell stators 12 and 14 and a pair of end plates 16 and 18. The shell stators 12 and 14 define recesses for accommodating components of the rotating machine. Both the shell stators 12 and 14 are configured to hold components in these recesses. After that, the end plates 16 and 18 hold the shell stators 12 and 14. This makes it possible to assemble a rotating machine, which is particularly convenient.

However, as described in more detail below, a pair of longitudinal seals is required to properly seal the shell stators 12 and 14 to each other. Also, a pair of annular seals is required to ensure proper sealing between the shell stators 12 and 14 and the respective end plates 16 and 18, respectively.

Sealing Assembly FIG. 2 shows a sealing assembly 20 for sealing the housing 10 according to one embodiment. The seal assembly 20 has a pair of longitudinal seals 22, 24 and a pair of annular seals 26, 28.

The longitudinal seal in this example is an O-ring cord with a circular cross section and is made of an elastic material.

The annular seals 26 and 28 are ring-shaped. In this example, the annular seals 26, 28 are square ring-shaped with curved corners. Main surfaces 26A, 26B, 28A, 28B that abut on the main surfaces of the end plates 16 and 18 and the adjacent surfaces of the shell stators 12 and 14 are provided. In this example, the annular seals 26, 28 have a flat surface and a constant thickness and are formed of an elastomer. The annular seals 26, 28 have apertures 26C, 26D, 28C, 28D that accommodate the longitudinal seals 22, 24. In this example, the apertures 26C, 26D, 28C, 28D have a shape and dimensions that fit the outer surface of the longitudinal seals 22, 24.

In this example, the longitudinal seals 22, 24 have a constant circular cross section, but it is understood that they can have different cross sections such as squares, triangles, oval, etc., or they can have non-uniform cross sections. Will be done. Further, the longitudinal seals 22 and 24 do not need to be formed of an elastomer, and may be made of metal, for example, simply deformable.

In this example, the annular seals 26, 28 are formed of elastomer, but it will be understood that they can be formed of any deformable material. The main surfaces 26A, 26B, 28A, 28B in this example are planar, but they should be of any shape suitable for engaging the main surfaces of the end plates 16 and 18 and the adjacent surfaces of the shell stators 12 and 14. Will be understood to be possible.

Seal Assembly FIGS. 3A-3C schematically show the steps of assembling the seal assembly 20 within the housing 10 according to one embodiment. A shell stator 14 for assembling components (not shown) of a rotating machine is prepared inside. Generally, the longitudinal seals 22 and 24 are arranged in a seal groove (not shown) extending along the joint surface of the shell stator 14. The shell stator 12 is brought into close contact with the longitudinal seals 22 and 24. The annular seals 26, 28 are received by the overhangs of the longitudinal seals 22, 24 and these overhangs are passed through the apertures 26C, 26D, 28C, 28D. Place the end plates 16 and 18 in close proximity to the annular seals 26 and 28.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the longitudinal seals 22 and 24 are compressed radially by tightening the shell stators 12 and 14 together. The longitudinal seals 22 and 24 are deformed and the material flows out from the compression volume between the shell stators 12 and 14, and the annular seals 26 and 28 and the longitudinal seals 22 and 24 are contained in the apertures 26C, 26D, 28C and 28D. It forms an annular protrusion 24A that enhances the sealing between.

As shown in FIG. 3C, the end plates 16 and 18 are brought together to compress the annular seals 26 and 28 in the longitudinal direction. This deforms the annular seals 26, 28 and causes the material to flow radially, which reduces the size of the apertures 26C, 26D, 28C, 28D and compresses the longitudinal seals 22, 24 radially. The sealing between the annular seals 26, 28 and the longitudinal seals 22, 24 is improved. The compression of the longitudinal seals 22 and 24 causes the material to flow in the longitudinal direction, thereby forming a radial protrusion 24B adjacent to the main surfaces 26A and 28A of the annular seals 26 and 28, thereby forming the annular seal 26, The seal between 28 and the longitudinal seals 22 and 24 is improved.

Therefore, the pressure of the aperture on the longitudinal seals 22 and 24 and the presence of the radial protrusion 24B may form an airtight seal between the apertures 26C, 26D, 28C, 28D and the longitudinal seals 22, 24. I understand. This airtight seal helps prevent leaks.

In this example, the apertures 26C, 26D, 28C, 28D are defined by planes to provide a constant aperture diameter through the annular seals 26, 28, but it will be appreciated that non-planar surfaces can also be provided. Specifically, in order to compress the longitudinal seals 22 and 24 more uniformly in the aperture, a concave surface as shown in FIG. 4 may be provided.

Further, in this example, the end plates 16 and 18 have gaps 16A and 18A in which the longitudinal seals 22 and 24 protrude, but the longitudinal lengths of the longitudinal seals 22 and 24 are set to the apertures 26C, 26D, 28C and 28D. It will be appreciated that the need for voids 16A, 18A in the end plates 16 and 18 can also be eliminated by shortening them so that they extend only halfway through.

Accordingly, embodiments provide a combination of an elastomer gasket and an O-ring cord to provide a T-joint sealing configuration for a metal plated or coated crumb pump. The O-ring cord can be tightened with a gasket to provide the required seal on any contact surface. The tightening in this configuration is unaffected by the surface friction coefficient of any clamp.

As mentioned above, pumps that have an axial dividing line along the stator require a seal called a "T" fitting at each end of the dividing line. An integral seal can be used to seal both the interface between the stators and between the stator and the end plate, but such seals are complex and difficult to mold.

Some pump surfaces are plated and have a lower coefficient of friction than existing materials. Existing sealing solutions have a temperature limit and a surface friction coefficient limit that cause leakage. As process application becomes more stringent, plated stators and rotors need to overcome process condensation and corrosion. In the embodiment, the O-ring cord is tightened in a gasket that is not affected by high temperature and surface friction.

In an embodiment, this O-ring cord is an interconnect between the gaskets. It will be appreciated that cords and gaskets can have various shapes or thicknesses suitable for the configuration of the housing. O-ring cords are placed between the clam shells. Clam shells are spaced by tools. After that, gaskets are placed at both ends. End plates are placed at both ends, but no torque is applied. Torque is applied to the crumb shells in sequence, thus aligning these crumb shells and pinching the O-ring cord to form a seal. The O-ring cord can fill the gasket holes (interconnections) by compression. Torque is applied to the end plates in order. The size of the interconnect holes is minimized to grip the O-ring cord and thus form a T-joint seal. Therefore, the O-ring cord is confined in the gasket, and the insufficient sealing of the T joint on the low friction surface is prevented. In the embodiment, two body elastomers are used to form a T-joint seal containing a plated or coated surface clam shell with a low coefficient of surface friction.

In the present specification, exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to these detailed embodiments, and those skilled in the art can attach them. It is understood that various changes and modifications can be made in these embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Reference numeral 10-housing 12, 14-shell stator 16, 18-end plate 16A, 18A-void 20-seal assembly 22, 24-longitudinal seal 24A, 24B-radial overhang 26, 28-annular seal 26A, 26B. , 28A, 28B-Main surface 26C, 26D, 28C, 28D-Aperture

Claims (15)

A seal assembly for a rotating machine having a shell stator defining at least one pump chamber and end pieces that can be attached to both ends of the shell stator.
With at least one annular seal,
With at least one longitudinal seal,
The annular seal defines an aperture for accommodating the longitudinal seal inside, and the annular seal is configured to reduce the size of the aperture when the annular seal is compressed.
A seal assembly that features that. The annular seal is configured to reduce the size of the aperture when compressed between the shell stator and the end piece.
The seal assembly according to claim 1. The annular seal is configured to extend radially and reduce the size of the aperture when compressed longitudinally between the shell stator and the end piece.
The seal assembly according to claim 1 or 2. The annular seal is configured to reduce the size of the aperture and compress the longitudinal seal.
The seal assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The annular seal is deformable and / or the annular seal is an elastomer.
The seal assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The aperture is molded to fit the longitudinal seal.
The seal assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The surface defining the aperture is molded to uniformly compress the longitudinal seal, and the surface defining the aperture is concave.
The seal assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 6. Includes a pair of said apertures,
The seal assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The annular seal comprises an annular surface formed to engage the shell stator and the end piece, the annular surface is planar, and the annular seal has a generally rectangular cross section.
The seal assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8. The longitudinal seal is deformable and comprises at least one of an elastic material and a ductile material.
The seal assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9. The longitudinal seal comprises at least one of a metal and an elastomer.
The seal assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10. The longitudinal seal is configured to form a radial protrusion upon compression.
The seal assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11. The longitudinal seal is configured to form at least one radial protrusion extending into the aperture when compressed by the shell stator, and / or the longitudinal seal is said when compressed by the shell stator. It has dimensions such that it forms the at least one radial protrusion in the voids defined by the aperture.
The seal assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12. The longitudinal seal is configured to form at least one radial protrusion that abuts on the outer annular surface of the annular seal when compressed by the annular seal.
The seal assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13. It ’s a rotating machine,
With a shell stator that defines at least one pump chamber,
End pieces that can be attached to both ends of the shell stator,
The seal assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 14.
A rotating machine characterized by being equipped with.

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