Abstract: Disclosed is an improved sealing element for a regenerative heat exchanging apparatus, such as a Ljungstrom™-type or a Rothemuhle™-type Preheater. The sealing element is mounted to a radial wall to provide a secure seal between the radial wall and an outer housing of the heat exchanging apparatus and prevent leakage between the hot gas conduit and cool air conduit. In one embodiment, the sealing element includes a reinforced mounting strip that is used to mount the sealing element to the radial wall. The sealing element also includes a sealing strip that maintains a sealing contact between the radial wall and outer housing and a support member that inhibits over-flexing of the sealing element. A set of bellows is positioned on the sealing element to provide the sealing element with flexibility and resiliency so that the sealing element maintains contact with the sealing surface even when the heat exchanging apparatus experiences warping and/or distortion from thermal stress.

Abstract: A seal for a regenerative air preheater. The seal is comprised of two members that each have a plurality of tabs and slots. The tabs and slots interlock so that the tabs on one member are positioned adjacent the slots on the other member. The tabs have a narrow neck section and a wider sealing section. The wider sealing sections overlay and the narrow neck sections are positioned within a recessed region of the notch on the opposite member so as to interlock the two members. The seal is mounted either to the rotor or to the inner wall of the housing so as to extend through the bypass gap between the rotor and the inner wall of the housing. As the tabs are flexible, the tabs may resiliently deform as a result of the tabs making contact with the sealing surface of the heat exchanger. The air preheater further comprises a reinforcing section that stabilizes the tabs when the tabs resiliently deform.