Simulation and Experimental Study on Sealing Performance of PEEK Rotary Seal Ring

In order to study on contact state and sealing performance of low-stiffness expanding rotary seal ring, two kinds of seal rings, untextured ring and V-shape grooved ring, were investigated. A fluid-structure coupling model for the rotary seal rings was developed, based on the finite element analysis software COMSOL, and the sealing state was analyzed. Also, friction torque and leak rate of the seal rings were tested on a test rig. Simulated results showed that, under external loads, the deformation of PEEK seal rings significantly influenced the distribution of contact and fluid pressure on the sealing faces. Experimental results showed that, due to hydrostatic load carrying in grooved area, the friction torque of V-shape grooved ring was about 40% lower than that of untextured ring, whereas the leak rate was 10% more owing to the reduction of local radial sealing width. The friction torque of neither rings decreased with rotational speed, indicating no obvious hydrodynamic friction reduction on the end face of the seal rings under test conditions. The research results provided further understanding of the sealing mechanism of the expanding rotary seal ring and guide the design of new seal rings.