STEIN CIRCUMFERENTIAL HYDRODYNAMIC SEALS FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY

Stein Seal’s line of precision-crafted circumferential hydrodynamic sealing devices is perfect for the low-pressure applications of renewable energy generation, where minimal controlled gas leakage, high temperatures, unlimited axial shaft movement, and low wear are critical. They can be used independently or as part of a sealing system.

With Stein’s patented split-housing option, circumferential seals are easy to install or remove from around a shaft, making it easier to perform routine maintenance that would typically be cost-prohibitive.

A versatile choice for a wide range of applications, our circumferential seals offer exceptional performance in land-based wind turbine gearboxes, ocean-based turbines, and wave and tide power-generating systems. Stein’s technologies are also utilized in Hydroelectric generating stations in turbine pumps, generators, gearboxes, and diversion veins.

Stein is presently working on cutting-edge renewable and low-cost, low-emission, high-efficiency energy projects, such as linear power generation, molten salt reactors, hydrogen power, and biogas power generation.

STEIN SEAL INNOVATION

Stein Seal Industrial’s circumferential hydrodynamic seals block oil and separate atmospheric gases. Oxygen from nitrogen, or oxygen from nitrogen and hydrogen. Additionally, they block explosive gases, keeping natural gas, for example, contained, thus containing explosive reactions.

Our primary circumferential seal is a contacting device that seals directly against the shaft. It is designed to exclude dangerous or toxic gases and prevent contamination of processes. We also offer clearance, film riding, gas and liquid circumferential seals, which have a specific bore geometry to create hydrodynamic lift or suction, permitting the seal to operate under high-pressure differentials, or liquid or alternating liquid and gas environments.

Circumferential seals are available in several configurations, including standard single ring, back-to-back, face-to-face, or in a tandem arrangement. Circumferential seals comprise three or more carbon segments that create a ring contained in a seal housing. The segments are radially loaded against the shaft using a garter spring, and each seal ring segment is locked against rotation.

THE FILM-RIDING CIRCUMFERENTIAL SEAL (FRCS)

Circumferential seals are prone to wear due to friction around the shaft. Stein Seal developed patented film-riding technology using carbon rings riding on a film of gas rather than an oil-lubricated or direct-contact seal. The result is a contactless seal which, theoretically, should experience zero wear.

The FRCS design is inherently more compact than a dry gas face seal, with the carbon ring having a smaller radial profile. This feature allows the FRCS to fit in a small radial and axial envelope that reduces the complexity of a retrofit labyrinth or bushing seal without modifying the compressor case. The FRCS is easily adaptable for retrofits by combining several seal rings and multiple injections of process-compatible gases and educators to complement process purity.

Stein Seal Industries has developed an innovative, patented Film Riding (Dry Gas) Circumferential (Ring) Seal (FRCS). The FRCS seal utilizes carbon rings that ride on a film of gas, resulting, theoretically, in an infinite wear life. The FRCS design is inherently more compact than a dry gas face seal, with the carbon ring having a smaller radial profile. This feature allows the FRCS to fit in a small radial and axial envelope that reduces the complexity of a retrofit labyrinth or bushing seal without modifying the equipment housing. The FRCS is easily adaptable for retrofits by combining several seal rings and multiple injections of process-compatible gases to complement process purity.

The FRCS provides a simpler and less expensive sealing solution because high-pressure seal rings are far less complicated and less prone to problems inherent in dry gas face seal technology. The system cost is reduced since the seal is simplified and reliability increases. The seal support system can be minimized for low-pressure applications, dramatically reducing cost.