Hydrodynamic Effects on the Boiling Interface in a Misaligned, Two-Phase, Mechanical Seal—A Qualitative Study

Abstract

A qualitative study of the hydrodynamic effect on the radius at which boiling occurs in two-phase, misaligned, mechanical seals with coning is presented. The more important parameters affecting the problem are identified and analyzed. It is found that hydrodynamic effects depend mainly on a modified Sommerfeld number. It is shown that in most practical cases the hydrodynamic effects can be neglected men at large face misalignment. It is further shown that the boiling interface in many cases is practically axisymmetric and at almost the same radius as for perfectly aligned faces. A factor that reduces the tendency to cavitate in misaligned, two-phase seals is also pointed out.

Presented at the 51st Annual Meeting in Cincinnati, Ohio May 19–23, 1996

KEY WORDS:

• Seals
• Rotary Seals
• Mechanical Seals

Notes

Presented at the 51st Annual Meeting in Cincinnati, Ohio May 19–23, 1996