Abstract: A segment of a seal assembly for forming a hydrodynamic seal against a rotating member can include a main body extending between first and second sides and defining a radial internal surface for forming a hydrodynamic seal with the rotating member. The main body can include a main surface extending between the main body first and second sides, a fluid inlet portion recessed from the main surface, and a hydrodynamic pad region located adjacent the fluid inlet portion and extending in a circumferential direction. The hydrodynamic pad region can include a first section and a second section separated by a land portion, wherein the first and second sections are recessed from the main surface.

Abstract: A segment of a seal assembly for forming a hydrodynamic seal against a rotating member can include a main body extending between first and second sides and defining a radial internal surface for forming a hydrodynamic seal with the rotating member. The main body can include a main surface extending between the main body first and second sides, a fluid inlet portion recessed from the main surface, and a hydrodynamic pad region located adjacent the fluid inlet portion and extending in a circumferential direction. The hydrodynamic pad region can include a first section and a second section separated by a land portion, wherein the first and second sections are recessed from the main surface.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic face seal has a rotating first ring and a stationary second ring. The rotating first ring has an inner face. The stationary second ring has an inner face adjacent to the inner face of the rotating first ring. The inner face of the rotating first ring includes a groove having a fluid inlet portion and a hydrodynamic force generating portion. The fluid inlet portion of the groove has a depth greater than the hydrodynamic force generating portion of the groove. The fluid inlet portion has a minimum depth configured to create a higher pressure than a surrounding pressure around the rotating first ring, while not generating a hydrodynamic or hydrostatic force in the fluid inlet portion.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic face seal has a rotating first ring and a stationary second ring. The rotating first ring has an inner face. The stationary second ring has an inner face adjacent to the inner face of the rotating first ring. The inner face of the rotating first ring includes a groove having a fluid inlet portion and a hydrodynamic force generating portion. The fluid inlet portion of the groove has a depth greater than the hydrodynamic force generating portion of the groove. The fluid inlet portion has a minimum depth configured to create a higher pressure than a surrounding pressure around the rotating first ring, while not generating a hydrodynamic or hydrostatic force in the fluid inlet portion.