ROTATING-SHAFT HELIUM SEAL INVESTIGATION

A research program to evaluate and study positive rotating-shaft seals for application to high-speed turbomachinery using high-pressure, high-temperature helium as the working fluid has been conducted. Preliminary target specifications set turbine speed at 25,000 rpm with helium at the turbine inlet at 1000 psi and 1350 F. Seal life is to be at least 5,000 hours and leakage is to be minimized. The report covers the second phase of this research including investigations of materials to withstand high-speed rubbing contact in a helium environment, gas leakage through pressure seals, aspects of the dynamic characteristics of the seal system, and evaluation of several advanced commercial high-speed shaft seals. On the basis of a field survey and the requirements of the helium turbomachinery application, it was decided to concentrate on face-type seals. To avoid contamination of the helium system by liquid lubricants, dry seals were to be given primary consideration. The selection of materials for the primary seal elements was considered to be the central problem. ( Author ).

• Corporate Authors:

  Battelle Memorial Institute

  505 King Avenue
  Columbus, OH  United States  43201
• Authors:
  • Orcutt, F K
  • Bell, J C
  • Glaeser, W A
  • Allen, C M
• Publication Date: 1959-8-25

Media Info

• Pagination: 51 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Design; Durability; Gas turbines; Seals (Devices)
• Subject Areas: Design; Marine Transportation; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00015075
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: May 7 1973 12:00AM