Numerical investigation on immiscible two-phase flow in the mechanical seal gap

This paper presents a computational model to study the lubrication in mechanical seals under multiphase fluid conditions, focusing on immiscible two-phase distribution and cavitation effects on groove-patterned seal faces. Formulated within the framework of the Reynolds equation and adhering to mass conservation principles, this model employs the phase-field method to track the immiscible two-phase interface and incorporates the gas dissolution and release equation to quantify the rate of gas volume variation in the cavitation region, with its accuracy rigorously validated experiments conducted on a mechanical seal test rig. Findings suggest that modifying operating parameters and groove patterns in double-row spiral groove seals can influence the gasliquid interface and cavitation, improving sealing performance by optimizing the fluid film.