Definition
Mechanical seal analysis is the application of basic engineering and tribological principles to predict the performance (leakage, wear, heat generation) of a mechanical face seal. The set of principles and analysis methods used can be called a seal model. Mechanical seal analysis is commonly used as a part of a seal design process to guide the selection of many design parameters based on predicted results. It is also commonly used to understand and diagnose existing designs.
Scientific Fundamentals
Face Seal Fundamentals
Figure 1illustrates the functions in a mechanical face seal. A chamber contains the sealed fluid, usually under pressure. A shaft passes into the chamber, and the fluid is held in the chamber by a mechanical seal, as shown. The purpose for the seal is to minimize or control the amount of fluid leakage. The sealed fluid attempts to leak between the two seal faces formed by the...
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References
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Lebeck, A.O. (2013). Mechanical Seal Analysis. In: Wang, Q.J., Chung, YW. (eds) Encyclopedia of Tribology. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-92897-5_139
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-92897-5_139
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