Rotary Lip Seal Operation With an Ingested Meniscus

Abstract

Previous numerical simulations and experimental observations have shown that the meniscus in a rotary lip seal will be ingested into the sealing zone when the shaft speed exceeds a critical value. The present numerical analysis shows that once the meniscus is ingested, multiple equilibrium operating points exist, so the steady-state operating characteristics of the seal will depend on the history of the seal as well as on the steady-state operating conditions and seal properties. The analysis also shows that if the meniscus moves too close to the liquid-side of the seal, asperity contact between the lip and the shaft will occur.