Hydrodynamic packing assembly

Abstract

A hydrodynamically lubricated rotary seal or packing assembly which provides environmental exclusion, lubricant retention and hydrodynamic interfacial lubrication in applications where the environment pressure may be higher than the lubricant pressure. The invention is particularly suitable for oilfield drilling swivels and rotary mining equipment, and for applications such as artificial lift pump stuffing box assemblies and centrifugal pumps where a rotating shaft penetrates a pressurized reservoir which is filled with abrasive-laden liquids, mixtures or slurries. The invention provides a unique sealing mechanism which controls high pressure abrasive fluids, and which accomplishes hydrodynamic lubricant pumping activity to maintain efficient lubrication at the dynamic sealing interfaces thereof to thus significantly enhance service life. The invention provides a non-circular support surface which efficiently supports the non-circular flank of a hydrodynamic rotary sealing element against environmental pressure, thereby maintaining the integrity of the non-circular lubricant edge and the abrupt circular environment edge of the sealing element.

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