Self-acting geometry for noncontact seals

Two hydrodynamic self-acting seal designs for a LOX turbopump were analyzed in order to predict performance. A radial face seal-to-seal LOX at 310 N/sq cm and 32,000 rpm (130 m/s) was analyzed for pressure differentials of 172 to 448 N/sq cm and speeds from 98 to 147 m/s. A segmented circumferential seal-to-seal helium at 34.5 or 69 N/sq cm and 157 m/s was analyzed for pressures of 35 to 86 N/sq cm (10 N/sq cm ambient) and speeds from 94 to 189 m/s. Test results confirmed noncontact operation near the design speed and pressure, and relatively good qualitative agreement between test and analysis. The face seal was found to operate with mostly liquid in the pads and mostly gas across the dam.