Seal member, assembly and method

Abstract

A brush seal assembly and method for a turbine machine having a rotary member and a stationary member circumscribing the rotary member. The seal assembly is comprised of a sealing member disposed at a radially inward region of the stationary member and a portion of the sealing member is in rubbing contact with the contact region. The sealing member is detachable from the stationary member for selective replacement and incorporates at least one integrally formed seal element.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention generally relates to dynamic seals of the type used in turbo machinery. [0002] Labyrinth-type packings and brush seals are widely used in steam turbines and in aircraft and industrial gas turbines to provide dynamic seals between the rotating and static turbine components, such as the rotor and diaphragm inner web of a steam turbine. Traditional labyrinth packing comprises a series of (hard) teeth that project radially inward from the circumference of a static component and toward but out of contact with the rotary component, thereby defining a series of partial barriers that create a tortuous axial flow path immediately adjacent the surface of the rotary component. [0003] Brush seals typically comprise metal bristles that, similar to the teeth of a labyrinth packing, project radially inward from the circumference of a static component toward a rotary component. In contrast to labyrinth packings, brush seals are normally inten...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] The invention proposes to reduce the amount of material necessary for forming a seal assembly while allowing all sealing devices to be replaced if necessary without any manufacturing or modification to the nozzle.

[0009] In an example embodiment of the invention, a brush seal carrier is provided that reduces the footprint of the brush seal assembly and its carrier while also integrating a hard tooth seal as a secondary / redundant / backup seal into the carrier. Integrating the hard tooth seal into the carrier provides for ease of replacement while the small footprint allows the brush seal to be installed in smaller areas. Integrating the hard tooth structure allows the hard tooth to be provided with minimal support structure and yet allows the hard tooth to be replaced in the event it becomes worn.

Problems solved by technology

As noted above, current brush seal carriers take up significant room, driving up the amount of material needed to hold the carriers in place and restricting where the seals can be installed.

As also noted above, some hard teeth are actually machined to the nozzle assembly so if the seal is worn, it cannot be replaced.

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