ENHANCED MECHANICAL SEAL PERFORMANCE THROUGH PROPER SELECTION AND APPLICATION OF ENLARGED-BORE SEAL CHAMBERS

摘要

Recent studies of enlarged-bore seal chambers document the influence of chamber design on seal performance. The studies utilize laser doppler velocimetry (LDV), high speed videography, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to model seal chamber characteristics. Off-design pump operation and dry-running conditions are studied. An erosion index value (EIV) is proposed as a means to predict and avoid erosion problems. The effects of devices protruding into the seal chamber on particle flow are reported. Guidelines are provided to assist in selecting seal chamber designs and environmental controls for specific applications.