A STUDY ON STERN TUBE SEALING SIMULATION SYSTEM

It is difficult to carry out tests or make measurements on shipboard stern tube seals. In 1983, the authors therefore completed the development of a simulation system to study such seals analytically and experimentally. The system can simulate actual working conditions, including stern shaft revolutions, pressure, axial vibration and radical vibration. Various parameters can be measured directly, such as the frictional moment; temperature of the contact surface between sealing ring lip and sleeve; temperature of sealing ring lip; and temperature, pressure and leakage of the sealing medium. Test results for a SIMPLEX-COMPACT sealing ring of 210 mm diameter are also given.