Low friction face sealed reaction turbine rotors

Abstract

Rotary jetting tool including a rotor with axially-opposed pressure-balanced mechanical face seals. Vented upper mechanical face seal enables the rotor to be operated with the relativity low starting torque achievable using reaction forces from offset jets energized with a pressurized fluid. When rotor is displaced axially due to set-down conditions, a pressure chamber exerts a pressure imbalance on the rotor, forcing the rotor to return to a normal operating position. Alternate structure to achieve low starting torque includes a volume disposed adjacent to a lower mechanical face seal, the volume being coupled in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid. Mechanical face seal surfaces are fabricated from ultra-hard materials, such as tungsten carbide, silicon carbide, and diamond. A gage ring designed to ensure the jets remove all of the material from the gage of the protective housing before the tool can advance can be incorporated.