A Simple and Easy-To-Use TEHD Model for Non-Contacting Liquid Face Seals

Numerous studies have shown that the properties of non-contacting liquid face seals depend greatly on thermal effects. A complex numerical TEHD (ThermoElastoHydroDynamic) model is needed to accurately determine seal temperature. Moreover, this temperature is influenced by a significant number of parameters (such as operating conditions or seal ring shape). This makes the task of design and optimization of mechanical face seals difficult. This paper presents a simple and easy-to-rise TEHD model, which allows for the determination of mean face temperature, power loss, leakage rate, axial stiffness and fluid film thickness. It is demonstrated that the results depend on a single dimensionless parameter. The simplified model is validated by comparison with an accurate numerical TEHD model.