Analysis of the static and dynamic behaviour of a magnetic liquid seal

Abstract

A rotating shaft seal, using ferrofluid between biconical truncated magnetic poles, is analysed both in static and dynamic conditions. After solving Laplace's equation and allowing an approximate expression for the magnetic potential, the magnetic forces acting on the working fluid are obtained. It is thus possible to determine the baric field existing in static conditions and the highest tolerable pressure jump. In the case of dynamic working the flow is schematized by two interior regions, where the azimuthal velocity prevails, and four boundary layers on the walls, where meridional transport of fluid takes place. Assuming laminar motion, by means of a perturbation procedure it is possible to see that in the interior, to a first approximation, two potential vortexes exist, whose circulations, after imposing the rotational equilibrium of the fluid about the symmetry axis, are found to be equal to about one half of the rotating pole peripheral circulation. This allows the determination of the baric field in the rotating fluid and of the friction moment exerted on the shaft.