Sliding Face Seal

[curvyrace]

I'm working on designing a rotary valve that is essentially one cylinder inside another. The inner cylinder rotates to align ports on both the inboard end of the cylinder and on the outer diameter of the cylinder. I know I've seen valves built like this before, so I was wondering if anyone had any tips on how to design the face seals that will go at the inboard end of the inner cylinder. Do I use o-rings or custom molded Viton washers around the ports? If I use o-rings, how much of a concern is there with the edge of the o-ring trying to stand-up out of the gland and getting caught on the edge of the opposing port? Thanks!

 

[MikeHalloran]

What fluid are you trying to seal?
What pressure?
How fast and how often does the valve change position?



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[JimCasey]

Several plug valves are marketed with this type of seal, and some of the single-handled faucet valves use this principle as well.

Better consult with a patent service before you spend a lot of resources.

Neles just introduced a control valve with the rotary cage within the last few months.

 

[curvyrace]

Hi Mike! The fluid is gasoline. The pressure differential across the seals will be about 4 psi max; atmospheric on the outside and vacuum on the inside. Flow rate will be about .4 gpm per seal with 4 seals positioned radially around the rotating axis of the valve. The valve will be used/rotated 2 times per year maximum. The valves purpose is to close off fluid flow thru a chamber to allow access to the chamber for maintenance. Hope this helps and thanks a lot!

 

[MikeHalloran]

It sounds like an application for a large bore liquid chromatography valve.




Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA