Design And Study On Integrated Mechanical Seal Test Rig

The integrated mechanical seal test is mainly based on the qualification test of API 682, Performing qualification test of mechanical seals as per international standard is beneficial to improve the mechanical seal quality, reliability and safety features. Meanwhile, qualification test result can be utilized as a basis for optimizing mechanical seal design. In this paper, the test fluid for the mechanical seal test is routed to test chamber by selecting a series of valves and piping base on the fluid requirement.Based on the qualification test requirements and procedures, a set of methods for flow control and controlling of fluid key parameters is developed. This is elaborated in the followed chapter of the paper.The mechanical seal test rig is highly integrated with respect to the main test rig, because the motor itself can be utilized as a test frame in lieu of traditional motor-coupling-test frame design. The connecting face between the test shaft and motor shaft is in conical shape to ensure the concentricity. Test shaft is fixed to the motor shaft by bolts, through which the test shaft can be easily disassembled and replaced, so that mechanical seal with different diameter can be tested using the same machine. Base on above design, the paper demonstrates the stress level and deflection of shaft and support frame, whose deflection will lead to a great loss of system accuracy, are within an acceptable level comparing the simulation results of ANSYS to corresponding allowable values stated in API standards. It is an essentially important procedure that demonstrating the system error is within a low and acceptable level.Moreover, the auxiliary equipment of the mechanical seal test rig is designed including:the electrical heater placed inside of the test chamber to minimized energy consumption; the storage tanks designed as per API 682 GB150 and other process equipment design codes and standards. A circulation device is designed and fitted in the end of shaft to re-circulate test fluid from storage tank to test chamber, so that the heat generated by mechanical seal friction can be taken away, and the temperature in test chamber can reach a stable condition. Meanwhile using FLUENT software, based on the model of test fluid on large shaft end, the temperature, pressure, velocity field are simulated and analyzed. This heating power of electrical heater and the discharge pressure under a given circulation flow are determined.