Application of brush seal technology in modern turbomachines

Aerospace propulsion engineering


Аuthors

Pugachev A. O.*, Ravikovich Y. A.**

Moscow Aviation Institute (National Research University), 4, Volokolamskoe shosse, Moscow, А-80, GSP-3, 125993, Russia

*e-mail: pugachev@tum.de
**e-mail: yurav@mai.ru, yr@mai.ru

Abstract

The paper presents an analysis of brush seal technology applications in modern turbomachinery. The brush seal designs, their advantages and disadvantages are described and discussed. Brush seals show a superior leakage performance comparing with conventional labyrinth seals. However, due to the compliant nature of bristles the behavior of the bristle pack is very complex. The performance characteristics of brush seals can largely depend on the geometric parameters, mechanical and aerodynamic state of the sealing unit. Proper design and application of the brush seals allow constraining the bristle wear. The impact of brush seals on the turbomachine rotordynamics is one of the key considerations with very limited data available. A small number of lab-scale experimental studies have demonstrated overall improved dynamic coefficients in comparison with the labyrinth seals. However, the field experience has shown both positive as well as negative influence of brush seals on rotordynamics. Using aramid fiber with smaller diameter than the metallic wire can further reduce leakage through the brush seal. The main problems with aramid fiber brush seals are limited temperature operating range and structural stiffness. In spite of some problems, the brush seal technology has been successfully applied abroad in air-breathing engines, and also in the industrial gas and steam turbines. Detailed studies are presently carried out for better understanding various phenomena occurring in brush seals and for solving experiencing problems. Several attempts to apply brush seal technology have been taken also in Russia with only limited positive outcome. Therefore, more investigations are needed for faster deployment of this novel sealing technology.

Keywords:

brush seal, modeling, computational fluid dynamics, porous medium, leakage, dynamics characteristics

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