US 9,850,772 B2 · Seals with a thermal barrier for turbomachinery

Abstract

Seal assemblies for reducing leakage between components of turbomachinery include a metallic shim, at least a pair of non-metallic end blocks, and ceramic fiber positioned between the shim and the end blocks. The shim may be mechanically coupled with the end blocks such that the metallic shim, end blocks and ceramic fiber are coupled. The end blocks account for misalignment of turbine components by ensuring sealing engagement of the seal to the components. The end blocks may be a ceramic or glass material, and the ceramic fiber may be a high temperature woven ceramic fiber. The ceramic fiber and/or the end blocks protect the metallic shim from reaching harmful temperatures during use of the seal, such as use in high temperature turbines including CMC components.

Claims18

Dependent claims

A seal assembly for positioning within a seal slot formed at least partially by adjacent turbomachinery components to seal a gap extending between the components, the seal assembly comprising:

a pair of ceramic or glass end blocks each including a sealing surface and a support surface;
ceramic fiber overlying at least a portion of the support surfaces of the end blocks;
and
a metallic shim overlying at least a portion of the ceramic fiber and including a plurality of tabs, wherein the plurality of tabs engage the end blocks to couple the end blocks, ceramic fiber and metallic shim, wherein the end blocks each include at least one channel configured to accept at least a portion of the metallic shim therein.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Seals with a thermal barrier for turbomachinery

Life of this patent

Seals with a thermal barrier for turbomachinery

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims18