New engine design-seals and lube 7

[cbinstitute]

Hello, I have just been granted a patent on a new rotary engine design but I need help with the seals and lube. I need a material that can be used under high temp and pressure. I would like to get away from using anything petroleum based. I have considered Teflon but I don't think it can withstand temps over 500F. I would like to be able to coat the rotor so there will be and air tight seal with the housing with a low friction coefficient. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[MikeHalloran]

Well, it only took Mazda, what, twenty years and millions of dollars, to find a seal material that would work in a Wankel? Start soon. Find a Sugar Daddy with really deep pockets.

Agreed, Teflon ain't it.



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[FIF99]

Hi,

Recently I experienced the material Thermiculite. Good chemical properties as well as mechanical (high temps in combination with relatively high pressure).

Just search for Thermiculite on the internet. Properties are available.

Teflon is indeed not suitable.

Good Luck.
Regards,
FKE

 

[DAVIDSTECKER]

It's been some time since I have looked in on them, but you might also look for General-Magna Plate.

 

[tbuelna]

cbinstitute:

MikeHalloran is right. If you want to read a real horror story, study the development of the Wankel apex seal. Mazda, Rolls-Royce, Mercedes-Benz, Curtiss-Wright, NSU, Ford, GM, etc., literally spent tens of millions of dollars on getting that apex seal to work properly.

However, best of luck with your project!

 

[cbinstitute]

Thanks for the info guys. Thermiculite is only for static seals, but good info to know. I have spent countless hours of brain power on this and not ready to give up yet. There has to be a solution to this dilema. Any more sugestions? Chris

 

[gwolf]

cbinstitute,

Try matweb.com, I use it a lot for general materials data. You may find that some of the seal materials which were once considered exotic are now easier to get hold of. Things move relatively fast in the materials world. If you are in the prototype development phase you don't need the best material, just something which works reasonably well for demos.

I would have thought the more important issue is whether your engine gives any significant benefit over everything else currently available. Assume that you have a seal material as good as any Mazda then consider the following: Unit cost, fuel efficiency, power density, controlability. Does your engine significantly surpass any current designs in any important category(s)?

If it doesn't, then you have a personal hobby engine not a business proposition. A hobby engine is perfectly respectable, just don't delude yourself into thinking it is any more than that and have fun with it.

Of course if you do score highly over other designs then you may become rich and famous.

Good Luck whichever way it goes.

gwolf.

 

[cbinstitute]

Thanks for the help gwolf. I will check out that site. My design builds up pressure to increase torque. I realize this will take some time and would still appreciate any help. Chris

 

[aamoroso]

Congrats on the patent.

Fill what's empty. Empty what's full. And scratch where it itches.

 

[GregLocock]

Really? what number is it?

Cheers

Greg Locock

Please see FAQ731-376 for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.

 

[FIF99]

Hi cbinstitute,

Regarding the Thermiculte:
This material was recommended to us as valve stem seals. Subject seals will be exposed to dynamic loading as well.
May be, for your application, the dynamic loading will be higher than the dynamic loading in a manualy operated valve.

Anybody having experience Thermiculite as stem seals?
Thanks anyhow.

Regards.

 

[cbinstitute]

Thanks again for the help guys. The patent number is: us 6,923,618 B1 Aug 2, 2005. Please check it out and I value any sugestions.