Experimental and CFD Investigations of Mechanical Seals under Dry/Compressed Air/Liquid Lubricating Conditions

The frictional energy produced between the interface of stationary and rotating ring increases the heat and shortens the seal service life. A test rig is developed to monitor the temperature rise for the different mechanical seals for various lubricating conditions in this work. The mechanical seals are manufactured by using carbon, SS316 and tested under dry and compressed air conditions. In this, the compressed air experimental value is compared with the computational fluid analysis (CFD) results and the same model is extended for water and Neem oil coolant. The simulated value predicts the effective coolant for seals. The results shows that the sealing pressure, sliding speed and materials used in rings would be the predominant factor for measuring the temperature rise and frictional heat generation. The heat generation is effectively reduced by blowing compressed air than the dry running of seal rings. CFD result shows water and Neem oil is effective than the compressed air as a coolant medium. The computational model takes into account of the temperature distribution within the rotating and stationary rings.