Numerical Simulation on Pressure Distribution and Opening Force of Dry Gas Seal

For more details about flow field of dry gas seal, the numerical simulation is carried out based on the Navier-Stokes equation, laminar model, and SIMPLEC method, with various face clearances and rotating speeds. The distribution of film pressure and variation of opening force are investigated emphatically. The numerical results shows that at the intersection of groove and stage, there is clear change of film pressure, at the position of gas flow out, pressure increases, hydrodynamic pressure will be formed, at the place gas flows in, pressure decreases, negative pressure (relatively) zone will be formed, gas film stiffness and opening force will be weakened. Through rational groove shape design, enhancement of positive pressure zone and weakening of negative zone, higher opening force and film stiffness will be gained. Comparison analysis shows that opening force will be raised by new groove shape design, and higher stability is gained.