Engineering topics
Publications and source records attributed to Greiner, H. F..
Two companion reports deal with design considerations for improving performance of mechanical face seals, one of family of devices used in general area of fluid sealing of rotating shafts. One report deals with basic seal configuration and other with lubrication of seal.
Basic assembly configurations of the mechanical face seal are described and some advantages associated with each are listed. The various forms of seal components (the primary seal, secondary seal, etc.) are illustrated, and functions pointed out. The technique of seal pressure balancing and its application is described; and the concept of the PV factor, its different forms and limitations are discussed. Brief attention is given to seal lubrication since it is covered in detail in a companion paper. Finally, the operating conditions for various applications of low pressure seals (aircraft transmissions) are listed, and the seal failure mode of a particular application is discussed.
The importance of sealing technology in the U.S. industrial chemical-orientated society in regard to maintenance and environmental contamination is pointed out. It is stated that seal performance (leakage, life) is directly related to seal lubrication, which is a mechanism not well understood. Current thinking in regard to seal lubrication is reviewed, the effect of energy dissipation in the thin lubricating film separating the sealing faces is pointed out, and the results of vaporization due to heating are illustrated. Also, hydrodynamic lubrication is reviewed, and an inherent tendency for the seal to operate with angular misalignment is pointed out. Recent work on hydrostatic effects is summarized and the conditions for seal instability are discussed. Four different modes of seal lubrication are postulated with the mode type being a strong function of speed and pressure.
The importance of sealing technology in our industrial, chemical-oriented society in regard to maintenance and environmental contamination is pointed out. It is stated that seal performance (leakage, life) is directly related to seal lubrication. Current thinking in regard to seal lubrication is reviewed; the effect of energy dissipation in the thin lubricating film separating the sealing faces is pointed out, and the results of vaporization due to heating are illustrated. Also, hydrodynamic lubrication is reviewed, and an inherent tendency for the seal to operate with angular misalignment is shown. Recent work on hydrostatic effects is summarized and the conditions for seal instability are discussed. Four different modes of seal lubrication are postulated with the mode type being a strong function of speed and pressure.
Basic assembly configurations of the mechanical face seal are described and some advantages associated with each are listed. The various forms of seal components are illustrated, and functions pointed out. The technique of seal pressure balancing and its application are described; and the concept of the PV factor, its different forms and limitations are discussed. Brief attention is given to seal lubrication since it is covered in detail in a companion paper. Finally, the operating conditions for various applications of low pressure seals (aircraft transmissions) are listed, and the seal failure mode of a particular application is discussed.