Adaptive control system for mechanical seal assembly
US4691276A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 21, 1985 |
| Grant date | Sep 1, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 21, 2005 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG05B13/02
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An adaptive control system regulates operation of a mechanical seal assembly by reacting dynamically to changes in seal operating conditions to provide minimal wear with minimal fluid leakage. The disclosed "self-learning" method adapts automatically to arbitrary changes in fluid medium temperature and pressure, as well as shaft rotation speed, by detecting a limit cycle type oscillation of a seal-related variable, such as temperature of a seal face and/or fluid temperature. This variable is monitored via a microcomputer-based system which identifies these abrupt oscillations or spikes. The control algorithm selects a particular displacement of an actuator to modify the seal face deflection to the optimal value, and in this way attains maximum seal life while minimizing leakage.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.