Segmented Turbine Sealing Ring for Gas Leakage Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional labyrinth seals in turbine engines suffer from inefficiencies and complex assembly processes, necessitating an improvement in sealing performance and mounting simplicity.
Innovation Solution
A two-part sealing ring with axially offset portions and a mortise-and-tenon joint configuration, where the first and second portions define grooves for the lip insertion, enhancing sealing efficiency and facilitating assembly by allowing a larger radial lip engagement, thereby reducing gas leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional single-piece sealing ring is used, then the structure is simple, but the sealing efficiency is insufficient and the assembly process is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing ring is divided into two separate portions (first portion and second portion) that can be assembled independently. Each portion has specific grooves and engagement features that allow them to be mounted separately on the stator, simplifying the assembly process while maintaining effective sealing through the combined structure of both portions working together with the lip.
2Loss of energy
If the lip radial dimension is increased to improve sealing, then the head loss increases, but the assembly becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the sealing ring into two portions with interlocking grooves and engagement features, the patent enables the use of a larger radial lip dimension to increase head loss and improve sealing efficiency, while the segmented structure allows each portion to be assembled independently, reducing overall assembly difficulty.
3Ease of operation
If a two-part sealing ring with mortise-and-tenon joint is used, then the assembly is facilitated and sealing is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing ring is segmented into two portions that connect through mortise-and-tenon joints, where the tenon of one portion fits into the mortise of the other. This segmentation facilitates assembly by allowing independent mounting of each portion on the stator, while the connection features ensure proper alignment and sealing without requiring overly complex structures.
4Reliability
If the clearances at the seals are reduced to limit leakage, then the sealing efficiency improves, but the assembly precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented sealing ring design with interlocking grooves and engagement features allows for controlled clearances between the lip and the sealing surfaces. The mortise-and-tenon joints provide alignment features that maintain proper positioning, enabling reduced clearances for improved sealing efficiency without requiring excessively high assembly precision.
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 significantly increases the head loss in the seal, simplifies the assembly process, and effectively limits gas leakage, optimizing the sealing efficiency by ensuring proper alignment and engagement of the sealing ring components.
Implementation Method 1
the first portion comprising a first protruding zone engaged in a form-fitting manner in the axial direction into a first recessed zone of the second portion
Implementation Method 2
the radially external end of the lip cooperating with said sealing ring so as to form a seal of the labyrinth type
Implementation Method 3
the stator comprising means for holding the first and second portions in position relative to the stator
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a turbine for a turbine engine, having a stator and a rotor comprising a rotor wheel having vanes the radially external periphery of which comprises at least one lip which radially extends outwards, with sealing means radially extending about the vanes and comprising a ring. The radially external end of the lip cooperates with said ring so as to form a seal of the labyrinth type.