Semi salix leaf textured gas mechanical face seal with enhanced opening performance.

Abstract

Seal performance of a novel gas mechanical face seal with semi salix leaf textures was introduced and theoretically investigated with the purpose of enhancing hydrostatic and hydrodynamic opening performance. Firstly, theoretical model of laser surface textured gas mechanical face seal with semi salix leaf textures was developed. Secondly, the impact of operating and texturing pa-rameters on open force, leakage and friction torque was numerically investigated and has been discussed based on gas lubrication theory. Numerical results demonstrate that semi salix leaf textured gas face seal has larger hydrostatic and hydrodynamic effect than the semi ellipse textured seal because of the effect of inlet groove. All semi salix leaf textured surfaces had better open performance than the semi ellipse textured surface which means that the inlet groove plays an important role on improving open performance and consequently decreasing contact friction during start-up stage. Texturing parameters also influenced seal performance of semi salix leaf textured gas face seal. When the inclination angle was 50º, the radial proportion of inlet groove was 0.8, and the dimple number was 9, the open force resulted with the maximum value. This research has demonstrated positive effects into the applications of semi salix leaf textured gas mechanical face seal which combines the excellent hydrostatic and hydrodynamic effects of groove texture and the excellent wear resistance of microporous textures.