Design Enhancements on Dry Gas Seals for Screw Compressor Applications

摘要

The development of compressor gas sealing technology has advanced significantly in recent years. Seal life in excess of 7-8 years is now seen in industry today common. This paper is intended to highlight the considerations when applying Dry Gas Seals (DGS) and advancements in screw compressors today that allow us to push the application envelope. Due to its proven reliability, DGS are used in nearly every new compressor and are also replacing existing sealing solutions such as labyrinths, oil lubricated mechanical seals and carbon ring seals. Historically, gas seal technology was applied to change from oil seals and other seal technology and was designed to handle the same application range for pressure and speed. With the growing demand in the industry for higher pressures and speeds, the gas seal application range needed to be expanded. In order to cope with these increased requirements on compressor speeds and sealing pressures, modern, advanced materials have been developed for the seal itself. The use of precise design tools, advanced design practices and experienced know-how as well as deep application knowledge are all required in order to insure a reliable sealing solution.