Tapered channel macro/micro feature for mechanical face seals

摘要

A mechanical face seal includes a pair of relatively rotatable seal rings having opposing seal faces which define a sealing region therebetween. The sealing region extends radially between the inside and outside diameters of the seal rings to seal a fluid in a sealing chamber near one diameter thereof. The seal faces are provided with tapered channel macro/micro features which generate hydrodynamic lift during relative rotation of the seal rings. The tapered channel macro/micro feature shows significant improvement in seal performance when compared to an untextured face. Low contact and hence low wear are attributed to a more distributed hydrodynamic load support function. Likewise, low leakage is believed to be the result of optimized cavitation function, and no debris was discovered in the micro-features at the conclusion of any testing.