Balance diameter varies with seal design, but for spring pusher seals under outer-diameter pressure,

it is normally the diameter of the sliding contact surface of the inner diameter of the dynamic O-ring;
for spring pusher seals under inner-diameter pressure, it is normally the diameter of the sliding contact
surface of the outer diameter of the dynamic O-ring; for welded metal bellows-type seals, the balance
diameter is normally the mean diameter of the bellows, but this can vary with pressure.
Temperature control plays an important role in the success of a mechanical seal. Every seal
generates heat at the seal faces. In some cases, heat soak from the fluid pumped should also be
controlled. Heat soak is the heat transferred from the pump and pumped fluid to fluid in the seal
chamber. For example, if a particular fluid must be maintained at 60 °C (140 °F) to maintain a
satisfactory vapour pressure margin and the pump operating temperature is 146 °C (295 °F), heat
would be transferred through the pump case into the seal chamber. The combined heat load (soak-
and face-generated) should be carried away by the flush.
Seal to be designed such that the seal faces and seal balance ratio to minimize seal-face-generated
heat consistent with optimum life expectations.

Flushing means a supply line with clean, cool, lubricating liquid from outside the pump into
the stuffing box. Of course this can also be the pumped product itself if it can be withdrawn in
a clean and cool condition from another point within the process. Compatible fluid is used for
flushing.

Calculation method
Required inputs:
Do is the seal face contact outer diameter, expressed in millimetres;
Di is the seal face contact inner diameter, expressed in millimetres;
Db is the effective seal balance diameter, expressed in millimetres;
Fsp is the spring force at working length, expressed in newtons;
Δp is the pressure across the seal face, expressed in megapascals;
n is the face rotational speed, expressed in revolutions per minute;
f is the coefficient of friction (assume 0,07);
K is the pressure drop coefficient (assume0,5).
ON THE LUBRICATION OF MECHANICAL FACE
SEALS
-Harald Lubbinge