Labyrinth Seal Removal Face for Compact Gas Turbine Servicing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In compact gas turbine engine configurations, the removal of labyrinth seal components for servicing and replacement is challenging due to space constraints, which can lead to damage to adjacent components during the removal process.
Innovation Solution
The labyrinth seal design incorporates a removal face integral to an end fin, allowing for a perpendicular or axial removal force application, reducing the face height from the seal base and minimizing the risk of damage by providing improved clearance for removal tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If labyrinth seal components are designed with typical removal features such as flanges, then ease of removal is improved, but space requirements increase and risk of damage to adjacent components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The removal feature (removal face) is merged directly into the labyrinth seal element structure itself, specifically formed on the end fin. This integration eliminates the need for separate flanges or external removal features, allowing removal tool access within the existing seal geometry without requiring additional space in the cavity.
Solution Approach 2:
The removal face is positioned on the end fin surface, utilizing the radial dimension of the seal structure. This allows removal forces to be applied in a direction that does not require additional axial or radial clearance beyond what is already present in the seal design, effectively using the existing dimensional space efficiently.
2Ease of repair
If labyrinth seal components are designed with typical removal features such as flanges, then ease of removal is improved, but risk of damage to adjacent components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The removal feature is integrated into the seal element itself, ensuring that removal forces are applied directly to the seal structure. This eliminates the need for external flanges or attachments that could interfere with adjacent components, thereby reducing the risk of damage during the removal process.
Solution Approach 2:
The removal face acts as an intermediary surface between the removal tool and the labyrinth seal element. This dedicated interface allows controlled application of removal forces, distributing the load evenly across the end fin and preventing concentrated stresses that could damage the seal or adjacent engine components.
3Ease of operation
If removal face height is reduced from the seal base, then clearance for removal tools is improved, but structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The removal face is positioned locally on the end fin rather than requiring a tall structure from the seal base. This localized feature provides sufficient clearance for removal tool engagement while maintaining the overall structural integrity of the seal element, as the reduction is confined to a specific region rather than compromising the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal element is segmented into functional zones: the seal fins for sealing, the end fin for removal operations, and the base for structural support. This segmentation allows the removal face to be optimized for tool clearance in the end fin region while the base maintains sufficient height and structural strength to support the seal element during operation and removal.
Data Source
AI summary
A seal of a gas turbine engine includes a rotationally stationary seal element secured to a rotationally fixed component of the gas turbine engine, and a labyrinth seal element secured to and rotatable with a rotational component of the gas turbine engine. The labyrinth seal element includes a seal base, and a plurality of seal fins extending outwardly from the seal base, the plurality of seal fins configured to define a seal interface between the plurality of seal fins and the rotationally stationary seal element to prevent airflow therethrough. A removal face is defined integral to an end fin of the plurality of seal fins. The removal face is configured for application of a removal force thereto to remove the labyrinth seal from an installed position in the gas turbine engine.