L-Shaped Brush Seal for Turbine Narrow Space Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional brush seals face challenges in fitting into narrow spaces between stationary and rotating components of turbines due to their radial dimensions and length, leading to inefficiencies in gas leakage prevention.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates L-shaped brush seals with layers of thick and thin wire filaments, where the axial portion is parallel to the rotor shaft and the radial portion is perpendicular, allowing for a bend that abuts the rotating surface, and is clamped between annular side rails, with optional protective sheets for enhanced structural support and gas sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional radial brush seals are used, then gas sealing function is provided, but the seal cannot fit in narrow spaces between stationary and rotating components
Solution Approach 1:
The brush seal transitions from a conventional radial configuration to an L-shaped configuration with both axial and radial portions. This dimensional change allows the seal to utilize narrow axial spaces while maintaining effective radial sealing contact with the rotating component, resolving the contradiction between fitting in narrow spaces and providing adequate sealing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The brush seal is divided into two distinct functional segments: an axial portion for mounting and positioning within the narrow space, and a radial portion for actual sealing contact with the rotating component. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while working together as an integrated seal system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If L-shaped brush seals with axial and radial portions are used, then the seal fits in narrow spaces, but structural stability under high pressure is challenged
Solution Approach 1:
The L-shaped brush seal employs a composite structure combining axial and radial portions made of pressure-resistant materials. This composite configuration distributes high pressure loads across both portions, with the axial portion providing mounting strength and the radial portion providing sealing contact strength, thereby maintaining structural stability under turbine operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The axial portion of the L-shaped seal acts as a cushioning element that absorbs and distributes high pressure loads before they reach the mounting interface. This beforehand cushioning protects the seal structure from pressure-induced damage while maintaining its position in the narrow space.
3Reliability
If layers of thick and thin wire filaments are used, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brush seal incorporates layers of thick and thin wire filaments with different local qualities: thick filaments provide structural strength and pressure resistance, while thin filaments provide fine sealing contact. This local quality differentiation optimizes sealing effectiveness at different locations within the seal structure, with each filament type performing its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-layer filament structure combines different wire diameters and material properties to create a composite seal that achieves superior sealing effectiveness. The composite arrangement of thick and thin filaments allows the seal to withstand high pressures while maintaining intimate contact with the rotating component surface.
Data Source
AI summary
A brush seal for a turbine including an annular layer of filaments having a generally L-shape including an axial portion of the filaments and a radial portion of filaments, wherein a first end of the filaments is at an end of the radial portion and faces a rotating component of the turbine and a second end region of the filaments is at an end of the axial portion of the filaments and is fastened to a stationary component of the turbine.