Segmented Non-Contact Seal Assembly for Low-Heat Rotor Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rotational equipment, such as gas turbine engines, face inefficiencies and increased costs due to heat generation from contact seals, which can lead to high temperatures and require specialty materials, and non-contact seals are difficult to configure and prone to replacement when contact occurs.
Innovation Solution
A circumferentially segmented stator and rotor assembly with a non-contact seal system, including a carrier and hydrostatic non-contact seal, positioned radially above a cylindrical seal portion of the rotor, utilizing a male-female connection and spring elements to maintain sealing without contact, reducing heat transfer and material wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a contact seal with a seal element is used to seal the gap between rotor and stator, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but heat generation increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact seal system with a magnetic field-based non-contact seal system. The magnetic seal uses a magnet assembly and flexible magnetic seal element to create sealing force without physical contact, thereby eliminating the friction and heat generation inherent in mechanical contact seals while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
2Temperature
If non-contact seals are used to reduce heat, then temperature is reduced, but configuration difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the seal assembly into modular components including a magnet assembly, flexible magnetic seal element, and support structure. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized and assembled independently, simplifying the overall configuration and installation process while maintaining the non-contact sealing functionality.
3Temperature
If non-contact seals are used to reduce heat, then temperature is reduced, but reliability decreases due to replacement needs when contact occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a flexible magnetic seal element that can accommodate incidental contact between the rotor and stator without damage. The flexible nature of the seal element provides a cushioning effect that absorbs contact forces, preventing damage and eliminating the need for replacement due to incidental contact, thereby improving reliability.
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 gaps between stators and rotors in rotational equipment, reducing heat transfer, material stress, and maintenance costs by using a non-contact seal system that maintains sealing efficiency and prolongs component life.
Implementation Method 1
The seal assembly includes a base, a plurality of shoes and a plurality of spring elements. Each of the spring elements is radially between and connects a respective one of the shoes to the base.
Implementation Method 2
The seal assembly is configured for substantially sealing a gap radially between the rotor and the stator... reducing heat transfer, material stress, and maintenance costs
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly is provided for rotational equipment. The assembly includes a circumferentially segmented stator and a rotor radially within the stator. The assembly also includes a seal assembly configured for substantially sealing a gap radially between the stator and the rotor. The seal assembly includes a carrier and a non-contact seal seated with the carrier. The carrier includes a plurality of discrete carrier segments circumferentially arranged around the non-contact seal.