Design of Controllable Mechanical Seals

Research into the fluid mechanics of mechanical seals has led to the development of seals in which the thickness of the lubricating film between the seal faces is electronically controlled. In a typical design, a microcomputer-based control system and actuator continuously adjust the film thickness, based on information received from a sensor which monitors conditions in the film. The control system sets the film thickness at an optimum value and responds to changes in operating and environmental conditions so that the film thickness is kept at an optimum value and face contact is prevented. Such a seal will experience less mechanical and thermal damage to the faces, less wear, and a longer life, than conventional mechanical seals.