SELF-PRESSURIZING SEALS KEEP SUBMERSIBLE MOTORS DRY

Water entry has been a principal failure cause for oil-filled motors. This article describes a development program aimed at identifying the probable cause for water entry and means for eliminating it. Only recently has seal theory provided an explanation for the phenomenon. Conventional face seals were tested as well as new seal concepts based on the technology of spiral groove bearings. One of these concepts was applied to production submersible motors in the 20-500-hp (15-370-kW) range. Successful field experience over the past 4 yr indicates that the problem of water entry has been resolved.

• Corporate Authors:

  American Society of Mechanical Engineers

  Two Park Avenue
  New York, NY  United States  10016-5990
• Authors:
  • McHugh, J D
• Publication Date: 1976-2

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: p. 20-27
• Serial:
  • ASME Journal of Mechanical Engineering
  • Volume: 98
  • Issue Number: 2
  • Publisher: American Society of Mechanical Engineers

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Design; Motors; Pumps; Seals (Devices); Submersibles; Wells
• Old TRIS Terms: Pumps, turbine; Seal design; Submerged; Submerged motor; Submersible motors; Well pumps
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Design; Marine Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00148170
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Engineering Index
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Feb 16 1977 12:00AM