Real-time monitoring and control of mechanical face-seal dynamic behaviour

Abstract

Seal failure in critical applications can have severe implications, which is why it is important to detect problems and correct them before they develop further. This article looks at monitoring and controlling the dynamic behaviour of a noncontacting mechanical sea, having a flexibly-mounted rotor in a seal test rig. In particular, it focuses on detecting and controlling the contact between the rotor and stator that may cause severe face wear and imminent seal failure.