Flexible Spring Seal for Turbine Gas Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sealing interfaces in industrial gas turbine engines experience wear due to thermal expansion and vibrational forces, leading to increased gas leakage and reduced efficiency, necessitating improved sealing solutions that balance cost, reliability, and durability.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a spring seal assembly with a multi-layer structure and finger seal plates that provide flexible contact with vane rails, accommodating axial and radial movement while maintaining a seal between the transition piece and the turbine inlet section, thereby reducing gas leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional floating seals with clearance are used to accommodate thermal expansion and dynamic motion, then the seal can adapt to thermal and mechanical changes, but gas leakage increases and engine efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible sealing element comprising a thin strip of elastomeric material that can deform and conform to the mating surfaces while maintaining continuous contact. This flexible membrane structure accommodates thermal expansion and dynamic motion without requiring clearance gaps, thereby preventing gas leakage while adapting to dimensional changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element utilizes changes in material properties through temperature variation. The elastomeric material's elasticity and compliance change with temperature, allowing the seal to maintain optimal contact pressure across a range of operating conditions. The material softens at elevated temperatures to accommodate expansion while remaining sufficiently compliant to maintain sealing contact.
2Loss of energy
If tight tolerances are used in newly installed seals to reduce gas leakage, then engine efficiency is improved, but the seals wear quickly and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible elastomeric sealing element maintains continuous conformal contact with mating surfaces through its inherent compliance, eliminating the need for tight manufacturing tolerances. The material's ability to deform allows it to compensate for surface irregularities and wear, maintaining sealing effectiveness throughout the component life without requiring precision fits.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing system combines a flexible elastomeric material with rigid support structures. The elastomeric portion provides compliance and sealing contact, while the supporting framework maintains geometric stability. This composite approach allows the seal to tolerate wear and dimensional changes in the rigid components while maintaining sealing integrity.
3Loss of energy
If rigid sealing structures are used to maintain precise sealing contact, then gas leakage is reduced, but the seals cannot accommodate thermal expansion and vibrational forces
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomeric sealing strip replaces rigid sealing structures with a flexible membrane that can deform to accommodate thermal expansion and vibrational forces. The material's elasticity allows it to maintain sealing contact while adapting to dimensional changes in the rigid components, eliminating the need for clearance gaps that would be required with rigid seals.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible component that can continuously adapt its shape and position. The elastomeric material's ability to deform and recover allows the seal to respond to changing operating conditions, maintaining contact with mating surfaces throughout thermal cycles and vibrational excursions.
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
The spring seal assembly effectively reduces gas leakage and enhances the durability of the sealing interfaces, maintaining efficiency and extending the time between inspections and repairs, while minimizing the costs associated with seal replacement.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible strip (83) extending between the U-shaped section and the turbine flange to act as a spring member pressing against the turbine flange
Implementation Method 2
providing a seal about a volume extending from the axis to the installed U-shaped section
Data Source
AI summary
A sealing component (61) for a turbine (15) positionable at an interface between a transition section (21) for carrying exhaust gas and a turbine inlet section (32). A U-shaped section (45) includes first and second legs (67, 69). When the sealing component is positioned at the interface, the legs extend about the turbine axis. A seal flange (75) connects to the U-shaped section. The positioned sealing component extends about the axis and in a direction away from the first leg. The seal flange faces the inner surface (76) of the flange. A flexible strip (79), positioned radially outward with respect to the seal flange, extends about the axis and extends along the axis between the U-shaped section and the flange. The flexible strip acts as a spring member pressing against the outer surface (96) of the flange.