Numerical analysis on a new pump-out hydrodynamic mechanical seal

A new pump-out hydrodynamic mechanical seal with self-pumping effect is presented based on centrifugal pump's working principle. Results of parametric study show that both of the opening force and leakage rate increase with increasing medium pressure, channel diameter, spiral angle and width ratio of groove to ridge; The opening force increases with decreasing groove number and length ratio of groove to dam while the leakage rate decreases slightly; There exits an optimum groove depth that obtains higher opening force along with lower leakage rate. Moreover, the new mechanical seal can be used in conditions with larger pressure difference.