Method of using a labyrinth seal for sealing a turbomachine for oxygen rich process fluids

A method for sealing an oxygen-rich process gas within a compressor or expander, comprising:

• providing a rotor component comprising a rotating element,
• wherein at least a first rotating portion of the rotating element has no labyrinth seal teeth,
• wherein at least a second rotating portion of the rotating element comprises a rotot insert, wherein the rotor insert comprises labyrinth seal teeth,
• providing a stator component comprising a stationary element,
• wherein at least a first stationary portion of the stationary element comprises labyrinth seal teeth,
• wherein at least a second stationary portion of the stationary element has no labyrinth seal teeth,
• wherein the first rotating portion and the first stationary portion comprise a first sealing zone,
• wherein the second rotating portion and the second stationary portion comprise a second sealing zone,
• introducing a seal gas into the first sealing zone, and
• introducing a buffer gas into the second sealing zone.