Effects of Pressure and Temperature Changes on End-Face Seal Performance

Abstract

Fully lubricated tests in high-pressure water of three variants of a large circulating pump seal for nuclear power stations are described. Multicomponent stationary and rotating assemblies lead to performance hysteresis when operating conditions are changed—caused by radial friction and slip at each interface. Measured leak rates correlate well with predictions of deflection analysis for characteristic responses to sequences of pressure and temperature changes. Seal temperature sensitivities and interface friction coefficients are derived from the results. In illustrating these effects and showing how to reduce them, this work should assist in design of end-face seals for varying conditions. It demonstrates the practical value of deflection analysis for demanding seal applications. Presented as an American Society of Lubrication Engineers paper at the ASLE/ASME Lubrication Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana, October 5–7, 1981 Presented at the ASLE/ASME Lubrication Conference, New Orleans, Louisiana, Oct...