Finite Element Analysis on Thermal Deformation of T-shape Groove Dry Gas Seal

In order to know thoroughly the thermal deformation characters of T-shape groove dry gas seal under stable state in synthesis gas compressor, the physical model of seal pair and the mathematical model are established on its structural and thermal analysis. Based on thermo-elastic deformation theory and finite element analysis software ANSYS, numerical analysis method and separation method are applied to resolve and analyze thermal-structural coupling deformation of seal pair, and the effective seal length is gained. The analyzed results show that the deformation of stationary ring is negative conicity, the deformation of rotating ring is positive conicity, and the later is the major reason of seal failure. The conicity and curvature of end face axial deformation are the major causes of forming end face gap shape (convergence/ parallel/ divergence), while restriction form and geometrical shape are the main reasons affecting deformation conicity and curvature. The deformation conicity and curvature of rotating ring should be decreased, so we can expect the gap between the rotating and stationary rings will keep parallel or similar parallel after deformation.