Analytical study of the end-face friction loss in a synchronal rotary multiphase pump

This study introduces a new type of end-face structure with polytetrafluoroethylene seals that improves the reliability of the synchronal rotary multiphase pump (SRMP). End-face models, including the relative motion and friction loss between the rotor and cylinder end faces, are established for both the original and the improved end-face structures. The end-face friction losses are analytically investigated based on the theoretical calculations. Due to the low relative velocity between the rotor and cylinder end faces, the end-face friction losses for both of the end-face structures are found to be insignificant compared to the total friction loss in the SRMP. The increased end-face friction loss caused by the polytetrafluoroethylene seals in the improved end-face structure is also negligible. Assessment of the friction losses of two end-face structures in high-speed and high-pressure applications shows that the improved end-face structure exhibits better performance than the original. The parametric analysis suggests that the wider but taller cylinder is helpful in reducing the end-face friction loss of SRMP.