Thermal performance of mechanical seals with textured side-wall

Experimental measurements and numerical simulations are presented to show the effectiveness of cooling of a mechanical seal's active surface by means of cylindrically shaped dimples engraved circumferentially on the outside diameter of the mating ring. The working fluid is propylene glycol solution (70% in water by volume) and the flush rate is 107 cm3/s. A commercially available CFD code (FLUENT) is employed to numerically confirm the experimental measurements, and the numerical and experimental results are in agreement. Results of this study demonstrate the heat augmentation effectiveness of surface texture techniques on the mechanical seals.

► Dimples on the side-wall of a mechanical seal reduce interface temperature. ► Interface temperature can be reduced by 10% by engraving dimples on a mechanical seal side wall. ► Good agreement between CFD simulations and experimental data is reported. ► Application of this technology in severe operating conditions is promising.