Fluid-Cooled Seal Land Layout for Hot Seal Interface Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seal land designs in rotational equipment, such as gas turbine engines, face challenges in maintaining durability due to increased temperature from rubbing friction with carbon seal elements, as conventional cooling fluid passage designs often concentrate cooling in intermediate regions rather than directly at the interface.
Innovation Solution
A seal land with a configuration of fluid passages that include an inner passage segment and an outer passage segment, where the inner passage segment extends along a first trajectory and the outer passage segment extends along a second trajectory with a radial and circumferential component, providing enhanced cooling directly at the interface between the seal land and the carbon seal element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional cooling fluid passage designs are used, then cooling is provided to the seal land, but the cooling is concentrated in intermediate regions far from the interface, failing to effectively reduce temperature at the critical sealing interface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by configuring the cooling fluid passages to deliver cooling specifically to the critical interface region where the seal land contacts the carbon seal element. The passages are positioned and oriented so that cooling fluid exits adjacent to the sealing interface, providing localized thermal management exactly where rubbing friction generates the most heat, rather than distributing cooling uniformly or concentrating it in intermediate regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes another dimension by orienting the cooling fluid passages with both radial and circumferential components. This three-dimensional configuration allows the passages to navigate through the seal land body and position cooling outlets precisely at the interface region, transitioning from conventional two-dimensional cooling patterns to a spatially optimized three-dimensional arrangement that targets the critical thermal zone.
2Temperature
If cooling fluid passages are added to reduce temperature, then temperature control improves, but the structural complexity of the seal land increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the cooling fluid passage into distinct segments: an inner passage segment and an outer passage segment. This segmentation allows each segment to be optimized for its specific function - the inner segment for fluid delivery and the outer segment for positioning cooling outlets at the interface - while simplifying the overall manufacturing process compared to creating a single complex monolithic passage structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements the nested doll principle by positioning the cooling fluid passages within the seal land body in a nested configuration. The inner passage segment is nested within the seal land structure, and the outer passage segment extends from the inner segment toward the interface region, creating a compact hierarchical arrangement that integrates cooling functionality without significantly increasing external dimensions or overall structural complexity.
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 reduces the operating temperature of the seal land by directing cooling fluid close to the engagement area, enhancing the durability and performance of the seal assembly by distributing thermal energy more efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
A first of the fluid passages includes an inner passage segment and an outer passage segment fluidly coupled with the inner passage segment... effectively reduces the operating temperature of the seal land by directing cooling fluid close to the engagement area
Data Source
AI summary
A seal land includes a seal land body that extends circumferentially about an axis and radially between an inner seal land side and an outer seal land side. The seal land body is configured with a plurality of fluid passages arranged about the axis. A first of the fluid passages includes an inner passage segment and an outer passage segment fluidly coupled with the inner passage segment. The inner passage segment extends along a first trajectory within the seal land body towards the outer passage segment. The outer passage segment extends along a second trajectory within the seal land body away from the inner passage segment and towards the outer seal land side. The second trajectory is different than the first trajectory and includes a radial component and a circumferential component.