Tapered channel macro/micro feature for mechanical face seals
US9383017B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 14, 2012 |
| Grant date | Jul 5, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 1, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16J15/34
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A mechanical face seal includes a pair of relatively rotatable seal rings having opposing seal faces which define a sealing region therebetween. The sealing region extends radially between the inside and outside diameters of the seal rings to seal a fluid in a sealing chamber near one diameter thereof. The seal faces are provided with tapered channel macro/micro features which generate hydrodynamic lift during relative rotation of the seal rings. The tapered channel macro/micro feature shows significant improvement in seal performance when compared to an untextured face. Low contact and hence low wear are attributed to a more distributed hydrodynamic load support function. Likewise, low leakage is believed to be the result of optimized cavitation function, and no debris was discovered in the micro-features at the conclusion of any testing.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.