Retractable segmented packing rings for fluid turbines
US5810365A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 27, 1997 |
| Grant date | Sep 22, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 27, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16J15/442
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Springs are arranged in elastic fluid turbine seal ring systems to accomplish a condition of relatively large clearance while starting and during low load conditions but in cooperation with pressure forces occurring at higher loads permitting said seal ring to relocate to a position of relatively small clearance to improve sustained efficiency. Geometry of existing packing rings is improved to enhance proper motion and improve efficiency benefits by either machining the outer arcuate surface of the seal ring segment, or including raised local surfaces on both ends of the seal segments, or, in the case of multiple seal ring segments, removing a seal tooth from the discharge side of each segment and adding the removed tooth to the upstream side of the following segment, or widening the neck of a seal ring by moving its discharge side in the downstream direction.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.