Numerical analysis of supercritical CO₂ dry gas seals with phase transitions

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to acquire the phase distribution and sealing performance of supercritical carbon dioxide (SCO₂) dry gas seals with phase transitions.

Design/methodology/approach

The SCO₂ spiral groove dry gas seal is taken as the research object. The finite differential method is applied to solve the governing equations. Furthermore, the phase distribution and the sealing performance are obtained. Compared to the ideal gas model, the effect of phase transitions on sealing performance is also explored.

Findings

Vaporization is likely to occur near the inner radius when SCO₂ dry gas seals are operated near the critical point. Whether phase transitions are considered in the model affects the sealing performance seriously. When phase transitions are considered, the sealing performance depends significantly on the working conditions, and unexpected results are produced when inlet conditions approach the critical point.

Originality/value

The numerical model for SCO₂ dry gas seals with phase transitions is established. The phase distribution and the sealing performance of SCO₂ dry gas seals are explored.

Citation

Zhang, C., Jiang, J. and Peng, X. (2022), "Numerical analysis of supercritical CO₂ dry gas seals with phase transitions", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 74 No. 7, pp. 780-787. https://doi.org/10.1108/ILT-03-2022-0066