Compressor Seal Fin Geometry for Vortex-Guided Gas Containment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In existing sealing devices for compressors, process gas leaks occur due to the jet flow of sealing gas penetrating the second fin group, leading to leakage from the intra-compressor side.
Innovation Solution
A sealing device with a ring part having a first and second fin group, where the second fin group's fins are positioned radially inward and inclined, forming a vortex that guides the jet flow of the first sealing gas radially outward, preventing direct collision and leakage through the clearance of the second fin group.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the first fin group and second fin group are disposed with clearances to the rotary shaft, then sealing gas can be supplied to both sides, but the jet flow of process gas penetrates the second fin group and leaks to the outside
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing device is divided into multiple functional segments: first fin group for process gas sealing, second fin group for inert gas sealing, and a third fin group positioned between them to block jet flow penetration. Each segment performs a specific sealing function to collectively prevent gas leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The third fin group acts as an intermediary barrier between the first and second fin groups. It intercepts the jet flow of process gas before it can penetrate through the second fin group, thereby preventing harmful gas leakage to the outside.
2Reliability
If the second fin group is positioned to form clearance with the rotary shaft, then inert gas sealing is achieved, but process gas jet flow directly collides with and penetrates through the second fin
Solution Approach 1:
The third fin group is positioned upstream to preliminarily block the jet flow of process gas before it reaches the second fin group. This preliminary anti-action prevents the harmful jet flow from directly colliding with and penetrating the second fin, protecting the inert gas sealing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The third fin group is disposed in the axial direction between the first and second fin groups, adding a new dimensional barrier. This axial positioning creates an additional sealing layer that intercepts radial jet flow, preventing it from reaching the second fin group.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration effectively suppresses the leakage of sealing gas from the intra-compressor side, ensuring better containment of process gases, including combustible or hazardous ones like NOX, by guiding the jet flow radially outward and preventing direct contact with the second fin group.
Implementation Method 1
The second sealing gas passing through the clearance of the second fin group to the intra-compressor side is bent toward the radially outer side by colliding with the stepped surface, and a vortex is formed in front of the second fin that is on the most intra-compressor side
Implementation Method 2
The process gas that is supplied to the sealing device may pass through the second fin group as a jet flow along the outer peripheral surface of the rotary shaft after passing through the clearance of the first fin group
Data Source
AI summary
A sealing device includes a ring part, a first fin group that together with a first outer peripheral surface forms a clearance, and a second fin group of which the front end is positioned farther radially inward than the first outer peripheral surface and which together with a second outer peripheral surface forms a clearance. The ring part has a first gas supply channel capable of supplying a first sealing gas to the first fin group, a second gas supply channel capable of supplying a second sealing gas to the second fin group, and a mixed gas discharge channel capable of discharging a mixed gas of the first sealing gas and the second sealing gas from between the first fin group and the second fin group.