A Simple Approach to the ThermoElastoHydroDynamic Behavior of Mechanical Face Seals

This article presents a semi-analytical analysis of non-contacting mechanical face seals. The model takes account of thermal effects and face distortions that generally determine the performance of mechanical seals. It is shown that the seal behavior is a function of just two dimensionless parameters: (a) the sealing number Se, which depends on the operating and design parameters of the seal, and (b) the coning number Co, which is the ratio of elastic and thermal distortions. The theoretical results are compared to measurements obtained on an inner pressurized seal. Good agreement on the temperature of the faces and on dissipated power is obtained for various rotation speeds, validating the assumptions used in developing the model. The analysis of the influence of Se and Co on the behavior of mechanical face seals makes it possible to highlight several operating modes.