The wear mechanism and life prediction of silicon carbide mechanical seal ring is a crucial issue in the industrial field, which is directly related to the operating efficiency, maintenance cost and production safety of the equipment.
The wear mechanism of silicon carbide mechanical seal ring mainly involves friction wear, corrosive wear and thermal wear.
During the operation of the mechanical seal, relative movement will occur between the silicon carbide seal ring and the mating ring, resulting in friction. This friction will cause the material on the surface of the seal ring to gradually wear and form wear marks or pits. The degree of friction and wear depends on the material properties of the seal ring, the material of the mating ring, the friction coefficient and the operating conditions (such as speed, pressure, etc.).
When the sealing medium is corrosive, the surface of the silicon carbide seal ring will react chemically, resulting in material corrosion. Corrosive wear will accelerate the failure of the seal ring, especially in an environment where high temperature, high pressure and corrosive media coexist, where corrosive wear is particularly serious.
In a high temperature environment, the silicon carbide seal ring will undergo thermal expansion, resulting in changes in the sealing gap. At the same time, high temperature will also accelerate the oxidation and aging of the seal ring material, thereby reducing its wear resistance. Thermal wear usually works together with friction wear and corrosive wear to accelerate the failure of the seal ring.
The life prediction of silicon carbide mechanical seal ring is a complex process, which involves the comprehensive consideration of multiple factors.
The quality indicators of silicon carbide materials such as purity, particle size, and crystallinity will directly affect its wear resistance and service life. High-quality silicon carbide materials have higher hardness and wear resistance, so their service life is relatively longer.
Operating conditions such as operating temperature, pressure, and speed have an important impact on the life of silicon carbide seal rings. High temperature, high pressure, and high speed working environment will aggravate the wear of the seal ring and shorten its service life.
The characteristics of the sealing medium such as corrosiveness, viscosity, and particle size will also affect the life of silicon carbide seal rings. Corrosive media will accelerate the corrosion wear of the seal ring, while high viscosity or particle-containing media will increase the friction wear of the seal ring.
Correct installation and regular maintenance are essential to extend the life of silicon carbide seal rings. Improper installation or untimely maintenance may lead to early failure of the seal ring.
Based on the above factors, a life prediction model for silicon carbide mechanical seal rings can be established. The model usually includes parameters such as material wear rate equation, operating condition influence coefficient, and medium characteristic influence coefficient. By inputting specific operating conditions and medium characteristics, the expected service life of the seal ring can be predicted.
In order to verify the accuracy of the life prediction model, experimental verification is usually required. By simulating actual operating conditions, accelerated life tests are carried out on silicon carbide seal rings to obtain their actual wear conditions and failure time. Comparing the experimental results with the prediction model can further correct and improve the prediction model.
Based on comprehensive consideration of factors such as material properties, operating conditions, medium characteristics, installation and maintenance, and life prediction models, the life of silicon carbide mechanical seal rings can be comprehensively evaluated. This helps to formulate reasonable maintenance plans and replacement strategies to ensure stable operation of equipment and extend service life.
