Numerical and Experimental Studies of a Novel Converging Stepped Ferrofluid Seal

To improve the pressure capability of ordinary ferrofluid seals with a large gap, a novel type of converging stepped ferrofluid seals was proposed. The leakage positions and the magnetic field distributions in the sealing gaps of the new device are studied computationally by means of the finite-element method. The theoretical pressure capabilities of the seal are calculated based on a new expression introduced for the particular new seal geometry and for different sealing gaps. Computational results for effects of the radial and axial sealing gaps on the pressure capabilities of the seal are compared to the experimental results obtained from measurements employing a prototype of the proposed new seal. A good agreement between theoretical and experimental results is obtained. It is found that the pressure capabilities of the new seal depend on the height of the radial sealing gap and on the width of the axial sealing gap.