Monolithic Carrier Non-Contact Seal for Rotating Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrostatic non-contact seal assemblies for rotational equipment face challenges in effectively sealing annular gaps between static and rotor structures, particularly in high-pressure and high-temperature environments, such as gas turbine engines, where traditional mounting schemes and seal configurations can be complex and difficult to implement, especially with hard-to-weld super-alloy materials.
Innovation Solution
A non-contact seal assembly with a monolithic carrier structure and a support ring configured with apertures in an annular array, which radially engages the seal base and axially supports spring elements, along with seal shoes and secondary seal devices, to create a hydrostatic seal that circumscribes the rotor structure, providing a modular and efficient sealing solution that avoids complex inter-connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mounting schemes and seal configurations are used, then sealing capability is achieved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the carrier structure and support ring into a monolithic integrated component. The support ring is formed as an integral part of the carrier structure, eliminating the need for separate mounting operations and complex inter-connections between these two elements. This merging maintains sealing reliability while significantly reducing mounting complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The monolithic carrier structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, carries the seal elements, and incorporates the support ring functionality for axial positioning. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall device while maintaining effective sealing.
2Reliability
If traditional seal assemblies are used, then sealing is achieved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to hard-to-weld super-alloy materials
Solution Approach 1:
By forming the carrier structure and support ring as a single monolithic component, the patent eliminates the need for welding or other complex joining operations between these parts. This integrated approach greatly improves ease of manufacture, especially when working with hard-to-weld super-alloy materials, while maintaining the sealing performance required in high-temperature environments.
3Strength
If complex inter-connections are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monolithic construction of the carrier structure and support ring eliminates complex inter-connections entirely. The integral design ensures structural integrity through continuous material without joints, welds, or fasteners, thereby maintaining strength while dramatically reducing connection 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
The solution effectively seals annular gaps in rotational equipment, reducing fluid leakage and maintaining structural integrity even in challenging environments, while simplifying the mounting process and avoiding the use of complex connections, thus enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the seal assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of spring elements arranged circumferentially about the centerline in an annular array, each of the spring elements configured to connect a respective one of the seal shoes with the seal base
Implementation Method 2
The seal assembly may be configured as or otherwise include a hydrostatic non-contact seal device
Data Source
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AI summary
An assembly (20) includes a monolithic carrier structure (44) and a seal assembly (30). The monolithic carrier structure (44) includes a carrier base (46) and a support ring (48). The carrier base (46) extends axially along the centerline (22). The support ring (48) projects radially inward from the carrier base (46). The seal assembly (30) is nested radially within the carrier base (46) and axially next to the support ring (48). The seal assembly (30) includes a seal base (72), a plurality of spring elements (76) and a plurality of seal shoes (74) arranged about the centerline (22) in an annular array. The seal base (72) circumscribes the annular array of the seal shoes (74). Each of the spring elements (76) is radially between and connects a respective one of the seal shoes (74) with the seal base (72).