Experimental Leak-Rate Measurement Through a Static Metal Seal

Abstract

This paper presents an experimental study to characterize fluid leakage through a rough metal contact. The focus is on an original experimental setup and procedure designed to measure the fluid micro (or nano) leak rate with great precision over several orders of magnitude. Liquid leak-rate measurements were carried out under two distinct operating conditions, i.e., in the case of a pressure gradient applied between contact edges and in the case of a pure diffusive effect resulting from a species concentration gradient. Experimental leak-rate results are discussed in terms of effective contact permeability—or transmissivity—and in terms of effective contact diffusivity versus contact tightening.