Transitions of Wear Characteristics for Rubber/Steel Seal Pairs During the Abrasive Wear Process

Abstract

Abrasive wear resulting from the microclastic rock is a common failure phenomenon in the drilling environmentthat often limits the sealing ability and the service life of seals. In this study, the friction and wear process of uoro rubber (FKM) seals against 304 stainless steel (SS304) after one single entry of SiO 2 abrasives were investigated. The in uence of the changes in particle state on friction coe cient evolution, wear loss evolution, wear morphologies and wear mechanisms were discussed in detail. The results indicate that the presence of abrasive particles dispersed between the sealing interface clearly improves the friction performance of the seal pairs and deteriorates the wear performance of the metal counterpart. The movement and breakage of particles after one single entering into the sealing interface were obtained. And on this basis, the stable wear process can be divided into three stages. In addition, the main causes contributed to this change of wear mechanisms are the random movement and process of continuous breakdown of abrasive particles. Furthermore, the transition of the wear mechanism that clearly describes the wearing behavior of the seal pairs under these abrasive wear conditions was identi ed. The results of this study enhanced our understanding of the abrasive wear degradation of rubber seal in practical drilling applications.

Research status and prospect of wear and aging on hydraulic rubber sealing materials

“…At the same time, particles can cause damage to the seal subsurface. The process of abrasive wear on the seal surface is a changing process, with the transition from three-body to two-body wear marking the change in the type of wear from simple abrasive wear to composite wear [81]. Compound wear mainly includes abrasive and adhesive wear.…”

Wear mechanism and leakage failure analysis of the mechanical seal end face of an oil transfer pump

“…Based on a dynamic model and the Archard wear equation, a numerical wear simulation method was proposed. Zhou et al 9 studied the friction and wear process between fluororubber (FKM) seals and 304 stainless steel (SS304) after a single addition of SiO 2 abrasive. The existence of abrasive particles dispersed between the sealing interfaces significantly improved the friction performance of the sealing pair and deteriorated the wear performance of metal counterparts.…”

Study of frictional wear properties of materials for mechanical seals

“…Its emergence has solved the prevalent leakage problem in mechanical equipment [5][6]. With its design-inspired superiority, mechanical seals have been widely used in many mechanical equipment such as liquids and gases [7][8]. Mechanical seals enhance the safety of manufacturing, improve the efficiency of mechanical equipment, and play an irreplaceable role in industrial manufacturing.…”