Retractable segmented packing ring for fluid turbines having gravity springs to neutralize packing segment weight forces
US5934684A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 27, 1997 |
| Grant date | Aug 10, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 27, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16J15/442
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A segmented seal ring and spring system for steam turbines for minimizing leakage between rotating and stationary components, and preventing damage and wear thereto, with a single gravity spring contained in the lower half seal ring segment to produce an upward force which neutralizes the downward force caused by the weight of all the packing segments; so that only a small fluid pressure force is required to close the lower seal segments; the various segment lenths being adjustable to optimize closure sequence; with pairs of adjacent seal ring segments being optionally hinged to optimize proper motion capability, and individual segments optionally having one or more seal teeth removed to optimize motion capability; with adjacent pairs of ring segments optionally being slideably pinned to force simultaneous radial motion.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.