Triangular Asperities Control Seal Leakage and Lubrication

Arrays of triangular asperities have been developed for surface treatment of rigid sealing members of either radial lip or face sealing systems. The arrays consist of multiplicities of closely spaced triangular asperities and can be varied in geometry to control the flow of lubricant within the lubricant film which separates the sealing members. The asperities are oriented so that the base of each triangle is parallel to the direction of seal travel. Lubricant flow is directed toward the apex of each triangular asperity. Asperities can be modified in shape to increase fluid film thickness. This technique provides control of seal leakage, temperature, and wear, the primary factors affecting seal performance.