Hydrostatic Seal Secondary Seal Protection Against Pressure Surges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional hydrostatic seal assemblies in gas turbine engines lack substantial structural protection for secondary seals, which can be damaged by pressure surges or reversals, leading to permanent bending and potential liberation, resulting in debris and loss of functionality.
Innovation Solution
A hydrostatic seal assembly with a structural component, such as a secondary seal cover or spacer, is positioned adjacent to the axially forward face of the secondary seal to extend radially inward and cover at least half of its radial distance, providing protection against pressure-induced damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional hydrostatic seal assemblies are used without additional structural protection, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is simpler, but the secondary seal is vulnerable to damage from pressure surges or reversals
Solution Approach 1:
A structural component is positioned adjacent to the axially forward face of the secondary seal and extends radially inwardly to cover at least half of the radial distance of the secondary seal. This pre-positioned structural element provides protective support before pressure surges occur, preventing the secondary seal from bending permanently or becoming liberated during pressure reversals or surges.
2Reliability
If the secondary seal is made thinner to reduce friction and improve sealing, then sealing performance is enhanced, but the secondary seal becomes more susceptible to damage from pressure reversals
Solution Approach 1:
The structural component acts as an intermediary between the pressure surge and the secondary seal. It is positioned to provide mechanical support to the secondary seal during pressure reversals, absorbing and distributing the harmful forces before they can damage the thin secondary seal, thus protecting the vulnerable sealing element while maintaining its thin profile for optimal sealing performance.
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 structural component effectively prevents the secondary seal from bending and becoming debris, ensuring continued proper functioning and maintaining the seal's integrity during pressure fluctuations.
Implementation Method 1
a structural component located adjacent to the axially forward face of the secondary seal and extending radially inwardly to cover at least half of the radial distance of the secondary seal
Implementation Method 2
Hydrostatic seals involve motion of a spring-attached shoe whose response is based on aerodynamic forces developed between the seal shoe and a rotor surface during operation
Implementation Method 3
Proper functioning and positioning of the secondary seal(s) is dependent upon a positive pressure differential
Data Source
AI summary
A hydrostatic seal assembly configured to be disposed between relatively rotatable components includes a base. The seal also includes a shoe operatively coupled to the base. The seal further includes a secondary seal disposed proximate an axially forward end of the shoe, the secondary seal extending radially from a radially inner end to a radially outer end to define a radial distance of the secondary seal, the secondary seal having an axially forward face. The seal yet further includes a structural component located adjacent to the axially forward face of the secondary seal and extending radially inwardly to cover at least half of the radial distance of the secondary seal.