Abstract: A segment of a seal assembly for sealing against a rotating member can include a main body extending between first and second sides and defining a radial outer surface and a radial inner surface for sealing against the rotating member, a plateau surface defining a portion of the radial inner surface, and a first transverse groove defined in the main body, the first transverse groove defining a portion of the radial inner surface and being for maintaining a pressure around portions of the segment. The segment can further include a primary pad defining a portion of the main body radial inner surface and being located at or in proximity to the first transverse groove, and can further include a secondary pad defined within the main body and located between the plateau surface and the radial outer surface, the secondary pad being radially concealed behind the plateau surface.

Abstract: A radial seal segment includes a radial air dam. The radial air dam includes at least one air curtain generator provided along an inside diameter of the radial air dam. The radial seal segment may include one or more hydrodynamic features. The radial seal segment may include a plurality of radial air dam grooves. A sealing assembly may include such radial seal segments.

Abstract: A segment of a seal assembly for sealing against a rotating member can include a main body extending between first and second sides and defining a radial outer surface and a radial inner surface for sealing against the rotating member, a plateau surface defining a portion of the radial inner surface, and a first transverse groove defined in the main body, the first transverse groove defining a portion of the radial inner surface and being for maintaining a pressure around portions of the segment. The segment can further include a primary pad defining a portion of the main body radial inner surface and being located at or in proximity to the first transverse groove, and can further include a secondary pad defined within the main body and located between the plateau surface and the radial outer surface, the secondary pad being radially concealed behind the plateau surface.

Abstract: A segmented seal and segmented seal assembly (10) are disclosed. An embodiment of a radial seal assembly includes a plurality of seal segments (12) that may interconnect to form a seal ring, each seal segment having a male joint end (20) and a female joint end (30). A male joint end of one seal segment may be configured to interconnect with a female joint end of an adjacent seal segment to provide a joint interface (50). In embodiments, the male joint end may include a shallow groove or pad (40) on an inner diameter of the male joint end, and the male joint end and the female joint end may be configured to provide a seal at the joint interface. With embodiments, the female joint end may include a deep groove or pad (60) on an inner diameter of the female joint end and/or may include a vent hole (70) that is isolated from the shallow groove.

Abstract: A radial seal segment includes a radial air dam. The radial air dam includes at least one air curtain generator provided along an inside diameter of the radial air dam. The radial seal segment may include one or more hydrodynamic features. The radial seal segment may include a plurality of radial air dam grooves. A sealing assembly may include such radial seal segments.