Experimental Study of Lubricating Grease Flow inside the Gap of a Labyrinth Seal Using Microparticle Image Velocimetry

ABSTRACT

In this study, the flow of lubricating greases in a labyrinth seal geometry is studied using microparticle image velocimetry (µPIV). The aim is to evaluate the grease velocity distribution inside the gap of a labyrinth seal and to find a relationship between the grease consistency and the transferred speed from the rotating ring in order to choose the correct grease as a sealing medium. In addition, the grease flow characteristics are important for the understanding of fracture due to grease layer displacement. For these purposes, four greases with different rheological properties were used in µPIV experiments. It was found that the grease consistency plays a crucial role in speed development as well as the grease composition and presence of a slip effect at the grease–rotating wall interface.

KEYWORDS:

• Grease flow
• labyrinth seal
• idler
• microparticle image velocimetry
• fracture and grease ejection
• rheology
• Herschel-Bulkley rheology model