Fluid Temperature and Film Coefficient Prediction and Measurement in Mechanical Face Seals--Numerical Results

Based on a computational fluid dynamic (CFD) code, an axisymmetric numerical model was developed to predict fluid and solid temperature distributions for an arbitrary mechanical face seal geometry and operating conditions. The effects of varying coolant source location and rates were investigated. Also, various seal chamber configurations were examined. For dead-ended seals, the CFD model shows how heat is transferred away from the seal by turbulent diffusion. Predictions of the local heat transfer coefficients using the present procedure were made and compared to available heat transfer coefficient correlations in the literature. The predictions are also compared to seal fluid and seat temperature measurements. Presented at the 53rd Annual Meeting in Detroit, Michigan May 17-21, 1998