Published online by Cambridge University Press: 21 February 2011
Close tolerance metallic sleeves may be used as seals for reciprocating pumps or intensifiers operating at pressures up to 700 MPa. Seals of this type may be designed to provide a low friction sealing action which minimizes the usual wear problems. This paper presents the high pressure performance characteristics of such seals and examines the influence of parameters such as seal geometry, initial clearance, working pressure and fluid viscosity and temperature on leakage rates. Experimental results are compared with theoretical data generated using a computer model.