Electrically heated balance piston seal

US10584709B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• DRESSER-RAND COMPANY · US

Inventors

• David J. Peer · Olean, US
• Paul Morrison Brown · Seattle, US
• Richard J. Wiederien · Bellevue, US
• Kirk Ryan Lupkes · Issaquah, US
• Brian David Massey · Seattle, US
• James M. Sorokes · Olean, US
• Mark J. Kuzdzal · Allegany, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 17, 2016
• Grant date: Mar 10, 2020
• Expiry date: Jan 10, 2039

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F05D2300/5021
• WIPO field: Engines, pumps, turbines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A balance piston seal assembly for a balance piston of a compressor is provided. The balance piston seal assembly may include a balance piston seal configured to be disposed about the balance piston such that an inner radial surface of the balance piston seal and an outer radial surface of the balance piston define a radial clearance therebetween. The balance piston seal assembly may also include a plurality of heaters in thermal communication with the balance piston seal and configured to heat and thermally expand the balance piston seal and thereby increase a radial length of the radial clearance.