Swirl Teeth Labyrinth Seal for Compressor Vibration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In gas compressors, increasing rotational speed leads to uncontrolled circumferential velocity of compressed fluid, causing vibrations and self-excitation, which can damage components, as existing labyrinth seals fail to effectively manage swirl at higher RPMs.
Innovation Solution
A labyrinth seal design featuring an annular body with swirl teeth and slots, where the swirl teeth have a brake chord and pitch, evenly distributed around the high-pressure end, to reduce circumferential velocity by creating free vortices that minimize swirl and prevent self-excitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If rotational speed of the compressor is increased, then productivity is improved, but circumferential velocity of compressed fluid increases causing vibrations and self-excitation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful circumferential velocity (swirl) into beneficial controlled free vortices within the labyrinth chambers. The swirl teeth and slots are specifically designed to transform the uncontrolled rotational motion that causes vibrations into organized vortex patterns that reduce circumferential velocity and prevent self-excitation, thereby allowing higher operating speeds without damage
Solution Approach 2:
The labyrinth seal is segmented into multiple chambers with swirl teeth and slots arranged at specific intervals. This segmentation creates multiple zones for vortex formation and dissipation, effectively breaking down the continuous circumferential velocity into controlled discrete vortex regions, maximizing swirl reduction while maintaining sealing effectiveness
2Object-affected harmful factors
If swirl reduction is maximized using traditional labyrinth seals, then vibrations are reduced, but the seal complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The swirl teeth and slots are integrated directly into the labyrinth seal structure, combining the functions of sealing and swirl reduction in a single component. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate swirl control devices, reducing overall system complexity while achieving effective vibration reduction through maximized swirl reduction
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 design effectively reduces swirl and circumferential velocity, enhancing compressor performance by minimizing vibrations and allowing higher operating speeds, thus preventing rotordynamic instability and increasing output pressure.
Implementation Method 1
creating free vortices that minimize swirl
Implementation Method 2
Labyrinth seals on rotating shafts provide non-contact sealing action by controlling the passage of fluid through a variety of chambers by centrifugal motion
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for reducing swirl in a gas compressor is provided. The device can include a tubular or annular seal body having an abradable interior surface for use in forming a seal. The tubular body can further have a plurality of swirl teeth arranged on a high pressure side of the seal body. The swirl teeth are disposed so as to form swirl slots between the adjacent swirl teeth. The swirl teeth can have a brake chord and a brake pitch describing the length and separation of each adjacent swirl tooth. The ratio of the brake pitch to the brake chord can be optimized in order to maximize creation of free vortices between the swirl teeth as the compressor rotates for swirl reduction.