BSS - Hydrogel Bulkhead Shaft Seal
Applications
1. Hydro Gel Bulkhead Shaft Seal Operation
The Midé hydrogel bulkhead shaft seal uses two hydrogel lip seals that are activated by water. The seals are installed on a non-rotating ring/disc that has four O-rings to seal against leaks past the ring-bulkhead interface. The O-rings allow the ring to translate within the bulkhead housing to accommodate shaft deflections and misalignments. A low-wear Teflon ring rides on the shaft allowing the ring to align itself in the housing. Note that this Teflon ring is not required to form a seal against water leaks. However the gap between the Teflon ring and the shaft is small enough to substantially slow air movement through the bulkhead.
Cross-section of Mide's Hydrogel Actuated Bulkhead Shaft Seal.
2. Smart Hydro Gel Technology
The seal has hydrogel foam in a circumferential pocket. When exposed to water, the foam swells and deforms the lip of the seal to make contact with the shaft. When in contact with water, the hydrogel absorbs the water and swells. Tests at Midé concluded that the gel could produce more than 37 psi of pressure. This pressure forces the lip of the seal outwards into contact with the shaft. Once the lip of the seal is on contact with the shaft an increasing pressure differential across the bulkhead increases the sealing force on the lip to ensure a tight seal.
3. Opportunities
Along with the numerous Navy applications, there are significant opportunities in commercial non military fields; such as, the recreational boating industry, luxury cruise lines, commercial fishing fleets, and the merchant shipping industry. Essentially any marine vessel that currently uses a non-contacting, bulk head seal.
For more information:
Please contact Andrew Cutler (Products), or call: 781-306-0609 x299