Method and apparatus for labyrinth seal packing rings
US8360712B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 22, 2010 |
| Grant date | Jan 29, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 31, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF05D2250/314
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A seal assembly for a turbomachine may include at least one arcuate plate coupled to an interior surface of a stationary housing; a circumferentially-segmented packing ring disposed intermediate to a rotor and the plate; a plurality of arcuate teeth disposed intermediate to the ring and the rotor, wherein a clearance of each tooth decreases progressively going from an upstream side of the turbomachinery to a downstream side; wherein the progressive decrease in the clearances of the teeth creates a passive feedback, such that as a tip clearance decreases, outward radial forces cause the packing ring to move away from the rotor and as the tip clearance increases, inward radial forces cause the packing ring to move toward the rotor; and a biasing member disposed intermediate to the arcuate plate and the ring and coupled to both.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.