Multi-stage magnetic-fluid seals for operating in water – life test procedure, test stand and research results. Part. I. Life test procedure, test stand and instrumentation

The edge criteria for magnetic-fluid seals durability research are critical for the seal’s technological usefulness. The magnetic fluid seal technology in water is much more difficult technological problem in comparison to gas or vacuum environment. There is always problem with immediate contact between magnetic fluid and the environmental uninspected liquids. In the paper are presented ways of experiments definitions carried out with multi-stage rotating magnetic fluid seal operating in permanent contact with utility water. The special test procedures have been elaborated and practically used, with the aim to define main characteristics of magnetic fluid seals. These characteristics were: critical pressure, critical motion velocity and working life of the seal. Some grades of commercial, silicon based magnetic fluids of hydrophobic properties were tested in sealing system. The test stand and its features as well as results of tests are presented in the form of tables, cross section draws and diagrams. In conclusion one can see that multi-stage magnetic-fluid seals could be efficiently used in water for rotating shaft seals in a limited range of motion velocity and work lasting.