Performance Seal Testing Through The Evaluation Of The Leak Rate Of The Mechanical Seal

Abstract

Sealing technology is important across various industries, particularly within the oil and gas sector. This technology encompasses the capability to obstruct the unrestricted flow of undesirable substances into reservoirs. Its significance lies in prolonging the lifespan of rotating dynamic systems like bearings in compressors or pumps. In the oil and gas industry sector, where rotating equipment is crucial for numerous drilling and production operations, maintaining the functionality of such equipment is imperative. Given the potentially hazardous nature of many fluids in oil and gas sector, consistent restriction of containments of these substances in dynamic applications is vital not only for equipment longevity but also for the safety of operators. While polymers are commonly used in dynamic applications due to their cost-effectiveness, their utility can be constrained by harsh environmental conditions such as surface speed or temperature. Consequently, this limitation has spurred a demand for the advancement of mechanical seals to address the shortcomings of polymer usage in dynamic settings. This thesis focuses on assessing the leak rate of mechanical seals. Experimental tests are structured into two main sections. The first section examines the leak rate performance of a mechanical seal tested under the manufacturer's specified conditions at ten thousand (10,000) RPM. The second section investigates the performance of a seal subjected to operating conditions beyond those recommended by the manufacturer. Through the analysis of these results, a comprehensive understanding of how leak rate efficiency varies with time and rotational speed emerges. Furthermore, the research sheds light on the leak rate patterns exhibited by a mechanical seal nearing failure. This investigation serves as a testament to the ongoing necessity and significance of experimental evaluation in appraising mechanical sealing technology, despite the advancements in modern engineering simulation software.