Mechanical face seal

摘要

A mechanical face seal and a method of using the mechanical face seal are described. The mechanical face seal includes a plurality of groove sets that are etched into a stationary seal and/or a rotating seal ring. Each of the plurality of groove sets includes feed grooves, collection grooves, distribution grooves, a collector, retention cavities and discharge grooves. The mechanical face seal can be used to reduce the friction that is generated from the stationary seal and the rotating seal ring during operation. Additionally, the groove sets work cooperatively to introduce, circulate and expel lubricant between the seal interface, thereby promoting cooling of the seal.

主权项

1. A mechanical seal for providing a seal between two components that are rotatable relative to one another, comprising:
a plurality of groove sets that is configured to receive a lubricant from a first side of the seal, direct the lubricant through the groove sets so as to counteract a pressure loading on the seal, and/or discharge the lubricant back to the first of the seal, wherein the plurality of groove sets include:
a plurality of feed grooves extending in a direction from a second side of the seal towards the first side of the seal, each of the feed grooves having a first end at the second side of the seal and a second end towards the first side of the seal,a plurality of distribution grooves separated from the feed grooves and a plurality of branched flow passages extending from each of the distribution grooves towards the first side of the seal,a collector configured to capture the lubricant flowing past the second end of the feed grooves and redirect the lubricant toward a retention cavity,the retention cavity in flow communication with the collector, the retention cavity including a pocket configured to direct the lubricant back toward the second end of the feed grooves.