Theoretical study on the pressure expansion mechanism of diffused self-pumping hydrodynamic mechanical seal

Abstract

The pressure expansion performance is the key and basis for the diffused self-pumping hydrodynamic mechanical seal to achieve its good cooling performance, self-cleaning performance, and sealing performance. Using the moment of momentum theorem and Stodola's formula, the pressurization effect of the spiral groove on the fluid was analyzed, and the energy head equation of the work done by the spiral groove on the fluid is established. According to the principle of conservation of energy, the energy equation and Bernoulli equation of the work done by the spiral groove on the fluid are derived, the mathematical expression of the conversion of fluid kinetic energy into hydrostatic pressure in the diffuser groove was established, the energy change and energy distribution problems of the fluid after the work of the spiral groove are clarified, and the pressure expansion mechanism is revealed. Through numerical simulation, the relationship between the fluid pressure at the sealing interface, the position and size of the high-pressure field, the opening force, and the leakage rate under different rotational speeds and the structural parameters of the diffuser groove were explored. Finally, the pressure expansion performance of the ordinary self-pumping hydrodynamic mechanical seal and diffused self-pumping hydrodynamic mechanical seal is compared. The results show that the diffuser groove can effectively convert part of the fluid kinetic energy into pressure energy, improve the opening force of the sealing interface, and have a good pressurization effect on the sealing end face. With the widening of the diffuser groove, the pressure peak of the sealing interface increases, the high-pressure field area continues to expand and tends to expand toward the outer diameter of the seal ring, and the opening force also increases significantly; increasing the depth of the diffuser groove will cause the pressure peak of the sealing interface to become smaller, and the area of the high-pressure field will also decrease rapidly, which is not conducive to improving the opening force of the sealing end face.