Design and experiment of a large gap rotating seal structure based on nanomagnetic liquid

Purpose This study aims to develop a large gap nanomagnetic liquid sealing technology to address the problems of significant deformation, vibration, and radial oscillation caused by harsh working conditions such as low assembly and processing accuracy, heavy load, and high speed in mechanical equipment. Design/methodology/approach Based on the principle of magnetic liquid sealing structure, a large gap magnetic fluid sealing scheme based on axial and radial distribution was proposed, equipped with self-made silicone oil–based magnetic fluid. Taking the common roller in mining equipment as an example, sealing performance tests were conducted using a mining roller running resistance test bench in the simulated underground environment. Findings In routine environmental tests, the running resistance of the new magnetic liquid sealing roller is reduced by an average of 7.6% and 34.3% compared to the labyrinth sealing roller, respectively; In long-term environmental tests, the running resistance of the new magnetic liquid sealing roller decreased by an average of 16.2% compared to the labyrinth sealing roller, it is recommended to equip it with self-made silicone oil–based magnetic fluid; In vibration environmental tests, the running resistance of the new magnetic liquid sealing roller is more stable compared to the magnetic liquid sealing roller with only axial distribution. Originality/value The research results have important theoretical and practical value in compensating for the shortcomings of magnetic fluid sealing structure and expanding the application fields of magnetic fluid.