18315736. TURBINE ENGINE WITH A ROTOR SEAL RETRACTION MECHANISM simplified abstract (GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY)

TURBINE ENGINE WITH A ROTOR SEAL RETRACTION MECHANISM

Organization Name

GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY

Inventor(s)

David Yamarthi of Bengaluru (IN)

Prateek Jalan of Bengaluru (IN)

Grant Portune of Cincinnati OH (US)

Steven Douglas Johnson of Milford OH (US)

Mark L. Hopper of West Chester OH (US)

Richard A. Wesling of Cincinnati OH (US)

Ravindra Shankar Ganiger of Bengaluru (IN)

TURBINE ENGINE WITH A ROTOR SEAL RETRACTION MECHANISM - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18315736 titled 'TURBINE ENGINE WITH A ROTOR SEAL RETRACTION MECHANISM

The abstract describes a rotary machine, such as a turbomachine of a gas turbine engine, that includes a rotor and a rotor seal assembly. The rotor is rotatable about a rotational axis and has a rotor seal face. The rotor seal assembly consists of a seal body, primary fluid conduits formed in the seal body, and a retraction assembly. The seal body can be positioned to create a fluid-bearing gap between its seal face and the rotor seal face. The primary fluid conduits are connected to the fluid-bearing gap to supply fluid to it. The retraction assembly is attached to the seal body to move it away from the rotor seal face.

• Seal body with a seal face
• Primary fluid conduits for supplying fluid to the fluid-bearing gap
• Retraction assembly for moving the seal body away from the rotor seal face

Potential Applications: - Gas turbine engines - Aerospace industry - Power generation systems

Problems Solved: - Reducing friction and wear between rotor and seal - Ensuring proper fluid supply to the fluid-bearing gap

Benefits: - Improved efficiency and performance of rotary machines - Extended lifespan of components - Enhanced reliability and safety

Commercial Applications: Title: "Innovative Rotor Seal Assembly for Gas Turbine Engines" This technology can be used in gas turbine engines for aircraft, power plants, and other industrial applications. It has the potential to improve the overall efficiency and reliability of these machines, leading to cost savings and enhanced performance in various commercial sectors.

Prior Art: There may be existing patents or research related to rotor seal assemblies in rotary machines, but specific details would need to be investigated further.

Frequently Updated Research: New developments in materials science and fluid dynamics could impact the design and performance of rotor seal assemblies in rotary machines. Stay updated on the latest research in these fields to enhance the technology's capabilities.

Questions about Rotary Machine Rotor Seal Assembly:

Question 1: How does the retraction assembly in the seal body function to move it away from the rotor seal face? Answer: The retraction assembly is connected to the seal body and operates to retract the seal body in a direction away from the rotor seal face, ensuring proper clearance and minimizing contact between the two surfaces.

Question 2: What are the primary fluid conduits in the seal body used for? Answer: The primary fluid conduits are designed to supply fluid to the fluid-bearing gap between the seal body and the rotor seal face, helping to reduce friction and wear while maintaining proper lubrication in the rotary machine.

Original Abstract Submitted

A rotary machine, such as a turbomachine of a gas turbine engine, for example, including a rotor and a rotor seal assembly. The rotor is rotatable about a rotational axis and has a rotor seal face. The rotor seal assembly includes a seal body, one or more primary fluid conduits formed in the seal body, and a retraction assembly. The seal body has a seal face and is positionable to form a fluid-bearing gap between the seal face of the seal body and the rotor seal face. The one or more primary fluid conduits are fluidly connected to the fluid-bearing gap to supply a fluid to the fluid-bearing gap. The retraction assembly is connected to the seal body to move the seal body in a retraction direction away from the rotor seal face.