Dynamic Sealing with Magnetic Fluids

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Abstract
If a lip seal could use a liquid lip, the resulting perfect conformity to the rotating and stationary surfaces would negate the effects of surface finish and mechanical run-out. Magnetic fluids, called ferrofluids, make this type of seal possible and practical. This paper discusses magnetic fluids: what are they, what are their intrinsic properties, and how can they be controlled and positioned to create zero-leakage, nonwearing ferrofluidic seals. Design parameters of ferrofluidic seals including radial gap, differential pressure, rotary speed and torque are developed. Specific examples of hard-vacuum, exclusion and rotating-machinery applications illustrate the versatility of magnetic-liquid seals, which have been used primarily for gas service. Other potential seal applications include packings, face seals, and conventional lip seals which can benefit from use of newly developed magnetic-fluid lubricants.

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