Numerical and experimental investigation of a large gap convergent ferrofluid seal with the stepped pole piece

Abstract

To solve the problem of low pressure resistance of the conventional ferrofluid seal (FFS) under the condition of single magnetic source with large gap, which is difficult to meet the demand of vacuum sealing, the convergent FFS with stepped pole piece structure was designed. The designed structure is also compared with the conventional FFS structure. The effects of radial and axial sealing gaps (SGs), number of steps, step height on the pressure resistance and self-repairing ability of the seal were experimentally investigated. The results show that the new FFS structure can withstand 1 atm when the number of steps is 4 and the radial SG is 0.4 mm, which can provide a reference for vacuum sealing. The innovative FFS has a maximum pressure resistance 23 times higher than the conventional FFS for the same size. The self-repairing ability of the seal is negatively correlated with the radial and axial SG, the number of steps, and the height of the steps. The results of this study are important for the design of the FFS structure with single magnetic source that meets the requirements of a vacuum environment.