Friction and Sealing Performance of the Textured End-Face Seal in the Internal Mixer

Abstract

To improve the friction and sealing performance of the end-face seal device in the internal mixer, surface texture technology was introduced into the end-face seal device. Based on the hydrodynamic lubrication theory, the effects of different shape textures on the end-face sealing performance under steady and unsteady conditions were simulated, and friction-wear experiments were carried out by the Swiss Anton Paar Friction-Wear Tester TRB3. The theoretical study indicates that under the same conditions, the friction performance and seal effect of Ellipse⊥ and Triangle⊥ textured end-face seals are better, with lower leakage and better average dimensionless pressure. The experimental study indicates that under the same texture parameters, the Triangle⊥ and Ellipse⊥ textured pins have the lowest friction coefficient when the texture depth is 6 μm and 9 μm respectively, and the texture area ratio is 5.56%. In addition, the Triangle⊥ texture has the best friction performance under lower texture depths and the same area ratio. Therefore, it’s concluded that reasonable texture shapes and parameters can effectively improve the friction and seal performance of the end-face seal device in the internal mixer.