USING ADVANCED COMPUTER TOOLS TO OPTIMIZE SEAL PERFORMANCE FOR LIQUIDLUBRICATED SERVICES

Mechanical Seal technology continues To develop at a rapid pace. Compl etion of the fluid film model has resulted in comprehensive computer t ools to predict seal performance under both steady state and transient conditions. These new analytical tools are used to optimize existing designs, as well as to provide new designs that meet and exceed perfor mance requirements, Specific examples are given for seal faces that ar e cooled and lubricated by the process liquid being sealed. A further extension of the new computer cools has resulted in animation studies to assist optimizing seal performance prior to testing or field instal lation. A seal may be viewed at start-up, during steady stare and tran sient conditions. Examples of these studies are presented for various services.