Diamond-coated seal face is a technology that applies a very thin layer of diamond to the base surface, usually silicon carbide, to increase hardness and reduce friction. EagleBurgmann commercialized this technology with the name DiamondFace, while Advanced Diamond Technologies introduced optimized diamond surfaces for dry running conditions.
The diamond layer is usually deposited from the gas phase onto the prepared seal face surface, forming a very thin coating, about a few micrometers. The adhesion quality between the coating and the base determines the durability of the entire seal face.
Dry running, loss of fluid film, and media containing solid particles are common causes of seal damage. Diamond has a very high hardness and low friction coefficient, so in theory, it helps the seal face to withstand wear and tear better and generates less heat when the fluid film is lost.
Hydrocarbon Processing magazine once posted an article reminding buyers to be cautious when considering diamond coating as the only solution for dry running. It's necessary to consider the adhesion and thickness of the coating, quality control process, independent testing conditions, compatibility with media and temperature, and cost versus benefit.
Compare with sintered silicon carbide, SiC containing graphite, and other dry running solutions. Consider the total cost of ownership instead of just the initial purchase price. Contact SNS-VN for consultation.
EagleBurgmann, Pumps and Systems, Hydrocarbon Processing, Compound Semiconductor. The article is compiled and reinterpreted by SNS-VN; brand names belong to their owners.