Alternatives in Gearbox Seals for Main Drive Gearboxes

A variety of sealing devices have been used to seal Marine Main Reduction Gears. One means of sealing Main Reduction Gears today is the labyrinth seal. While the labyrinth seal has been successfully employed in some applications, it has performed unsatisfactorily in others. This paper discusses mechanical seals as alternatives to labyrinth seals for use in Marine Main Reduction Gears. Along with a discussion a/Labyrinth Seals, various types of mechanical seals are considered, along with their respective advantages and disadvantages. Split Circumferential Seals are described in particular. Seal design features, as well as test results, are presented.