Theoretical and Experimental Approach for the Characteristics of Water-Lubricated, High-Speed Double Spiral-Groove Face Seals

A mathematical model of double narrow spiral grooved seals considering relation of viscosity-temperature, leakage and thermal-conduction is presented. The influences of operating parameters (rotative speed, supply pressure) and configurative parameters (depth of spiral groove) on the basic static characteristics (opening force, leakage, friction torque, temperature rise, and power loss) of double narrow spiral grooved seals are discussed. Comparisons are presented between the measurements and predications for an average 100 mm diameter, high speed, and double narrow spiral groove face seal with water as a test fluid. The theoretical and experimental results show that temperature rise and friction moment of seal faces increase with speed and supply pressure, and change slightly with different spiral groove depths which range from 2μm to 10μm. According to the experimental results and with the reference to the analysis approach of dynamics, an important parameter (separation speed) of the face seal is validated. The theoretical value of separation speed is consistent with its experimental value. This study mainly targets at the design of face seal applied in the Liquid Rocket engine turbopumps using low viscosity lubrications (liquid oxygen, liquid hydrogen). However, its results are also valuable in the design of water-lubricated seal applied in other fields.Copyright © 2006 by ASME