Centrifugal Pumps Design and Application 2nd ed - Val S. Lobanoff, Robert R. Ross (Butterworth-Heinemann, 1992)

356 Centrifugal Pumps: Design and Application
Figure 17-2. Mechanical seal waviness for different conditions of operation,
the faces or any seal leakage. Surface waviness is believed to be the primary
reason for the generation of a lubricating film. Despite the fact that
both seal faces are lapped flat, a very small amount of initial waviness
remains (Figure 17-2A). For a hard seal face like tungsten carbide, the
initial surface waviness will be 2 to 8 micro-inches. Softer seal face materials
like carbon graphite would be within the range of 10 to 16 microinches.
As sliding contact occurs between the primary and mating rings
of the seal, frictional heat develops that increases the surface waviness of
each seal face from its initial value to some operating waviness. One of
the consequences of waviness is that the changes to the sealing surfaces
are not uniform. However, continuous operation without solid contact
between the seal faces is the result of an ideal wave formation for the
operating conditions of the seal. This also results in the development of a
lubricating film and a long life for the seal installation (Figure 17-2B).
Under certain conditions non-uniform heating of the seal faces may
lead to even more concentration of friction. Portions of the sealing surfaces
will break through the lubricating film, resulting in solid contact
and increased frictional heat in localized areas. The formation of highly
stressed hot spots on the seal face will reduce the effects of the lubricat-