Experimental Analysis of Mechanical Seals Operating Under The Thermal Shock

13th EDF/Pprime Workshop:
Energy saving in seals
Futuroscope, October 2, 2014
Experimental Analysis of Mechanical Seals Operating under the Thermal Shock

Analyse Exprimentale du Choc Thermique dans les Garnitures Mcaniques
Nyemeck A. P a, Ledauphin T a, and Huard S a
a Dept of Research and Development, Latty International, 1 rue Xavier Latty F- . 28160 Brou.
Keywords: Mechanical seal, Thermal shock, Materials

Mots - cls : Garniture mcanique, Choc thermique, matriaux
Under certain operating conditions, the mechanical seals may be subject to sudden changes in
temperature leading to unlikely prediction of its behavior. The ceramic materials generally used as
friction faces can be limited in its application when they are subjected to the thermal shock. These
limitations could be further compounded by the fact that the thermal shock behavior is difficult to
predict quantitatively. Thereby, the use of the mechanical seals in high temperature requires good
quality of materials due to their role in the sealing systems.
In this paper, the impact of thermal shock is experimentally investigated on the mechanical seal. Two
thermal shocks are performed by a sudden increase of temperature during approximately 40,2 and 42,6
seconds. At the term of disassembly, the experimental results showed far good performance for the
mechanical seal.
Dans certaines conditions de fonctionnement, les garnitures mcaniques peuvent tre soumises de
brusques variations de temprature rendant improbable les prvisions sur son comportement. Les
matriaux en cramique souvent utiliss comme faces de frottement peuvent ainsi voir leurs limites
dutilisation lorsquils sont soumis aux chocs thermiques. Ces limitations peuvent tre aggraves par le
fait que leur comportement aux chocs thermiques est difficile prvoir de faon quantitative. Ainsi,
lutilisation des garnitures mcaniques en haute temprature exige des matriaux de bonne qualit en
raison de leur rle principal dans le systme dtanchit.
Dans cet article, l'impact du choc thermique sur la garniture mcanique est tudi exprimentalement.
Deux chocs thermiques sont raliss pendant environ 40,2 et 42,6 secondes. Aprs dmontage du
module, les rsultats obtenus ont montr de bonnes performances de la garniture mcanique.
-1-

Introduction
Thermal shock is a phenomenon that can result in internal stresses in the material, with a risk of
bursting or cracking. This kind of defects however small they are on friction surfaces may cause a
complete failure of the mechanical seal.
In refractory problematic, the applications in high temperature require good quality of materials due to
their properties. A frequent damage is caused by the occurrence of stresses of which the intensity is
greater than the breaking strength of the material. The ability to resist to the initiation or to the
propagation of cracks is governed by the mechanical (E, , R), thermoelastic (th) and thermal ()
parameters. A brief review of different theories is introduced in order to assess the involvement of
each of parameters in this process.
Thermal expansion
Solid materials expand when heated and contract when cooled. The fractional change in length is
proportional to the temperature change, the constant of proportionality being the coefficient of thermal
expansion. It defined as:
L th L 0 T
(1)
L / L and th E th T
(2)
The unit elongation is given by:
Thus, the coefficient of linear thermal expansion can be defined as the ratio of the unit elongation at
temperature change.
Thermal shock
Submit a solid to a thermal shock consists to a sudden change in temperature from Ti to Tf (Ti - initial
temperature and Tf - final temperature). The thermal shock is considered downward if Ti > Tf and
upward if Ti < Tf. Thermal shock leads to temperature gradients, non-uniform thermal expansion and
non-uniform damage. The defects due to the phenomenon have been examined by microscope [1]
recording the number of test and the temperature difference to reach material failure.
Damage evolution
The total strain in a thermo-mechanical loaded material is composed of a thermal strain and an elastic
strain [2]. The thermal strain is due to the isotropic thermal expansion following a temperature
increase. The elastic strain originates from stresses due to external material itself. The total stress
tensor th can be expressed as:
th el
(3)
where th and el represent the thermal and elastic strain tensor, respectively. The thermal strain tensor
can be expressed as following:
-2-

th
E th T
1
(4)
where th represent the thermal expansion, E and denote, respectively youngs modulus and poisons
ratio.
The values of the stresses resulting from the previous formulation are greater than the stresses caused
by a real thermal shock; hence the introduction of a reduction factor constraint noted . When the
value of thermal stresses that locally reaches the tensile strength of the material (th = R), the material
cracks. Therefore, the critical temperature change (Tc) can be expressed by:
Tc
1 R (1 )
Where R
R (1 )
E
(5)
(6)
R is Hasselman parameter, corresponding to the resistance against thermal shock fracture initiation
[3]. It represents the maximum allowable temperature increase in a material during the fast heating-up.
The theoretical models and the experimental results on the impact of thermal shocks in mechanical
seal are particularly scarce and thats the raisons motivating our investigation.
In this paper an experimental set-up is proposed allowing the triggering of a thermal shock with
reproducible heat transfer conditions such that realistic operating conditions are the same as observed
in the rotating equipment. The thermal shock experiments discussed linger on the achievement of the
tests and its influence on the mechanical seal behavior. Reproducible damage evolution was measured
and a representative set of data was obtained, useful for the numerical model validation purposes.
Experimental setup
The experimental setup is depicted in figure 1. The test rig mainly consists of the data acquisition
toolbox for recording the operating parameters. The test modulus connected to the motor through the
Oldham joint. Its designed to fit two mechanical seals for maintaining the equilibrium of system. The
lubrication station controls the mechanical seal lubrication system.
-3-

Automatic
enclosure
Motor
Lubrication station
Data acquisition
toolbox
Pump cooling
circuit (PO2)
Test
Modulus
Cooler
Pump cooling
Automatic enclosure Pressure regulating
circuit (PO1)
Cold water
reservoir
circuit froid
valve (cooling circuit)
Figure 1: Experimental setup
Compressed air control
Po1
Pinlet
2
1
V1
M1
Trings
V4
Tinlet
Poutlet
Reservoir
5L
Toutlet
accumulator
V3
Po2
M2
Po3
M3
V2
4
5
Pressure
Exchanger regulating
Water/Water Valve
Leakage mesurement
Leakage mesurement
Cool water circuit

Hot water circuit
Figure 2: Schematic diagram of hydraulic circuit
-4-

2.1 Schematic diagram of the hydraulic circuit

The hydraulic circuit of experimental setup is depicted in figure 2 and shows the flow distribution
system. To perform the thermal shock experience, two supply circuits have been installed:
- .. A thermo-regulated circuit with pneumatic valves which instantly supply mechanical seals in
hot water via an accumulator and heater.
- .. A cold water circuit (ambient temperature) for supplying the mechanical seal during normal
operating condition.
2.2 Testing conditions

The operating conditions of the test are presented in the table 1. The experience consists in performing
two thermal shocks on the mechanical seal with a sudden increase of temperature about of 100C in a
few seconds. After each thermal shock experience, the heater is stopped while the cool water circuit
continues to operate. The test modulus is then gradually cooled by natural exchange with the external
environment.
Table 1 : Operating parameter
Parameter
Pressure
(bar)
Speed
(rpm)
Ambient temperature (C)
PV factor
(bar.m/s)
Value
4,5
2200
20 - 23
47,7
Characteristics of the mechanical seal

3.1
Model of mechanical seal used for the test
The design of the mechanical seal used for the test is shown in Figure 3. It consists of two main
components a rotating part and a stationary part. The rotating part is mounted flexible and pressed
against the stationary part. The secondary seals consist of rubber parts such as O-rings, used to avoid
leakage between the shaft and the rotating seal ring as well as between the stationary seat and the
housing.
In normal operating conditions, a fraction of the lubricant is developed between the friction faces,
leading to the formation of a very thin film thickness. The thermocouple installed near the friction
faces allows recording of the evolution of temperature.
-5-

Thermocouple
(near the rings)
Mechanical seal
Figure 3: Model of mechanical seal tested

3.2
Materials of friction faces
The seals faces are made with the materials which ensure their longevity performance. In the work of
Gert [4], the C-SiC material is compared with others carbide grades. It showed a better tribological
properties and its capacity to be used in the abrasive media. In addition, C-SiC/C-SiC pairing have
been applied successfully as dynamic seal rings in sliding seals and as bearings in pumps.
Indeed, the C-SiC material is carbon graphite impregnated silicon carbide with around 60%. Its often
used in applications where the presence of carbon is necessary, because it retains the tribological
properties of carbon which facilitates the starts up in partially dry friction regime. The physical
characteristics of this material are presented in table 2.
Table 2: Material Characteristic (C-SiC)
Compressive
Strength
Bending
Strength
Modulus of
Elasticity
(MPa)
600
(MPa)
140
(MPa)
140
Coefficient
of Thermal
Expansion
(10-6/K)
3
Thermal
Conductivity
Temperature
Resistance
(W/mK)
125
(K)
2400
Results of the tests and discussion

4.1
Thermal shock results
The results presented below are focused on the range where the thermal shock tests were performed.
Nevertheless its necessary to point that the test bench operated over 800 hours.
The first thermal shock is carried out with a heater set to 135 C. The others operating conditions
remain the same as given in Table 1. The results of this first test are shown in Figures 4 and 5. Having
activated the hot water circuit, there is a sudden increase of temperature in the modulus as shown in
-6-

figure 4. The temperature drops immediately due to the mixture of hot and cold water into the module.
The difference of temperature (T about of 100 C) is obtained for approximately 10 seconds to the
inlet of the module and 40 seconds to the vicinity of the seal faces.
After the completion of thermal shock, the heater is switched off and the temperature progressively
decreases due to heat exchange with the external environment. The temperature variation has a direct
impact on the pressure as showed in figure 5. It also drops to the time corresponding to the
achievement of the thermal shock.
The second test is performed with a set of 137 C. As in the first test, the shock is realized after more
than one hour of operation. The results presented in figure 6 and 7 are quite similar to those obtained
in the previous test. With higher set point of temperature, the variation of T = 100 C is obtained in a
few time; 4 seconds to the input module and 42 seconds in the vicinity of the seal faces. Table 3
summarizes the results for both thermal shock experiences.
Tempratures et vitesse pendant le choc 1
essai ralis le 12/04/11
140
120
100
80
Inlet T
T near rings
Outlet T
60
40
20
Time (min)
Figure 4: Temperature for the first thermal shock with a heater set to 135 C
-7-


bar
C
140
12
120
10
100
8
80
6
60
4
40
2
20
0
Time (min)
Inlet pression
Outlet pression
Inlet T
T near rings
Outlet T
Figure 5: Temperature and pressure for the first thermal shock with a heater set to 135 C
Tempratures et vitesse pendant le choc 2
C
140
120
100
80
60
40
Inlet T
T near rings
Oulet T
20
Time (min)
Figure 6: Temperature for the first thermal shock with a heater set to 137 C (second test)
-8-


bar
12
140
120
10
100
8
80
6
60
4
40
2
20
Inlet pressure
Outlet pression
Inlet T
T near rings
Oulet T
0
Time (min)
Figure 7: Temperature and pressure for the first thermal shock with a heater set to 137 C
(second test)
Table 3: Synthesis of the results
Mean pressure
Initial
temperature
Final
temperature
Time to reach T
(bar)
(C)
(C)
(C)
(s)
Thermal shock 1
4,6
17,7
118,1
100,4
40,2
Thermal shock 2
5,7
15,4
115,8
100,4
42,6
4.1 Analysis of face seals after disassembly

The impact of thermal shock on the friction faces is shown on the figures 8 and 9 show the friction
faces for rotating and stationary rings at the end of the test. Having examined the result one can
assume that no cracking is caused by the thermal expansion and any others damages is observed
except, some of slight scratch on the friction faces with a depth about of 60 nanometers (Figure 10).
This kind of defects doesnt affect the operation of the mechanical seal.
-9-

Figure 8: Rotary friction surface
Figure 9: Stationary friction surface

Couche image
20
40
60
80
100
120 m
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
25 m
80
m
a) Rotary friction surface

Longueur = 95.7 m Pt = 88.4 nm Echelle = 200 nm
nm
75
50
25
0
-25
-50
-75
-100
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
b) Profile of rotary friction surface

Figure 10: Stat of rotary friction surface
- 10 -
80
90 m

Conclusion
This study focused on the behavior of mechanical seals subjected to sudden change in temperature.
This is considered as an accidental regime that happened in hazardous conditions. The experimental
design used and the characteristic of materials were presented. Two thermal shocks were performed
with the variation of temperature about of T = 100 C.
The overall results after expertise show good performance of the mechanical seal tested. The friction
faces are looked quite well and no cracks were noted except a few points of breakout of material on
the tracking side. The average size of these points of breakout material doesnt interfere with the
proper operation of the mechanical seal. Similar observation is made on the friction surfaces having
operated for a number of hours. The success of this study is confirmed by the fact that no leakages
were measured.
The further work will consist in developing numerical model and correlate the results with the
experimental data.
Acknowledgments
The author would like to thank the R&D department of LATTY International S.A and particularly Mr. Nicolas Boulet and
Thomas Pigeon for the time spent to achieve the experimental test.
References
[1] F. Damhofa, W.A.M. Brekelmans and M.G.D. Geers Experimental analysis of the evolution of thermal
shock damage using transit time measurement of ultrasonic waves, JECS 7316, pp14, 2008
[2] N. Tessier-Doyen, Etude Exprimentale et Numrique du Comportement Thermique de Matriaux
Rfractaires Modles , Thse doctorat, Universit de Limoge, 2003
[3] Hasselman, D.P.H, Thermal stress resistance parameters for brittle refractory ceramics A compendium,
Am. Cer. Soc. Bull., Vol. 49(12), pp. 1033 -1037, 1970
[4] W. Gert, Influence of Silicon Carbide Structure on Running Capabilities of Hard-Hard Pairings in
Marginally Lubricated Conditions, Schunk Kohlenstofftechnik GmbH, 2002
- 11 -

Experimental Analysis of Mechanical Seals Operating Under The Thermal Shock

Încărcat de

Informații document

Titlu original

Drepturi de autor

Formate disponibile

Partajați acest document

Partajați sau inserați document

Opțiuni de partajare

Vi se pare util acest document?

Este necorespunzător acest conținut?

Drepturi de autor:

Formate disponibile

Experimental Analysis of Mechanical Seals Operating Under The Thermal Shock

Încărcat de

Drepturi de autor:

Formate disponibile

13th EDF/Pprime Workshop:

Energy saving in seals

Futuroscope, October 2, 2014