Stiffness and Leakage in Spiral Groove Upstream Pumping Mechanical Seals

Abstract

A numerical analysis of the lubricating film in spiral groove upstream pumping mechanical seals, accounting for the occurrence of cavitation, has been performed. Axial stiffness and leakage rate have been determined as functions of the operating conditions and design parameters. Results indicate that properly designed spiral groove upstream pumping seals will perform well in a double seal arrangement, with good stiffness characteristics and negative leakage of the buffer fluid. However, results also suggest that such seals will operate poorly as single seals, due to negative stiffness resulting from excessive cavitation.

Presented at the 47th Annual Meeting In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania May 4–7, 1992

KEY WORDS:

• Upstream Pumping
• Mechanical Seals
• Face Seals
• Spiral Groove Seals
• Hydrodynamic Lubrication
• Cavitation

Notes

Presented at the 47th Annual Meeting In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania May 4–7, 1992