Abstract: A cooling system for seal assemblies in turbomachines addresses the problem of heat buildup in seal components. The described system includes a seal assembly with a sealing element coupled to a fixed housing and a runner with a first surface oriented towards the sealing element and a second surface away from the sealing element. A lubricant source directs lubricant to the runner's second surface, forming a thin film that reduces the runner's temperature during operation. A lattice element with a porous structure is disposed against the runner's second surface, enhancing heat dissipation. This system is applicable in turbomachines with rotating shafts and fixed housings.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to cooling systems for turbomachine seal assemblies. The seal assemblies include stationary and rotating components and at least one interface between the stationary and rotating components. During operation of the turbomachine, the components of the seal assemblies generate heat, which is removed from the seal assembly by the cooling systems of this disclosure. In some examples, the cooling system includes a reservoir of lubricant that is distributed to a face of one of the components of the seal assembly. In other examples, the cooling system includes a lattice structure capable of retaining lubricant against the components of the seal assembly, or a pressurized jet of lubricant directed against the components of the seal assembly. The cooling systems can further include a combination of deflectors, hairpin members, and channels for distributing the lubricant to the components of the seal assemblies.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to cooling systems for turbomachine seal assemblies. The seal assemblies include stationary and rotating components and at least one interface between the stationary and rotating components. During operation of the turbomachine, the components of the seal assemblies generate heat, which is removed from the seal assembly by the cooling systems of this disclosure. In some examples, the cooling system includes a reservoir of lubricant that is distributed to a face of one of the components of the seal assembly. In other examples, the cooling system includes a lattice structure capable of retaining lubricant against the components of the seal assembly, or a pressurized jet of lubricant directed against the components of the seal assembly. The cooling systems can further include a combination of deflectors, hairpin members, and channels for distributing the lubricant to the components of the seal assemblies.

Abstract: A seal assembly for a turbomachine. The turbomachine includes a rotating shaft extending along a centerline and a fixed housing positioned exterior to the rotating shaft in a radial direction relative to the centerline. The seal assembly includes a sump housing at least partially defining a bearing compartment for holding a cooling lubricant. The seal assembly further includes a bearing supporting the rotating shaft. In addition, the seal assembly also includes a sump seal at least partially defining the bearing compartment. A pressurized housing of the seal assembly is positioned exterior to the sump housing and defines a pressurized compartment to at least partially enclose the sump housing. Further, a non-contacting carbon seal is positioned between the rotating shaft and the fixed housing to at least partially define the pressurized compartment to enclose the sump housing.

Abstract: A seal assembly for a turbomachine. The turbomachine includes a rotating shaft extending along a centerline and a fixed housing positioned exterior to the rotating shaft in a radial direction relative to the centerline. The seal assembly includes a sump housing at least partially defining a bearing compartment for holding a cooling lubricant. The seal assembly further includes a bearing supporting the rotating shaft. In addition, the seal assembly also includes a sump seal at least partially defining the bearing compartment. A pressurized housing of the seal assembly is positioned exterior to the sump housing and defines a pressurized compartment to at least partially enclose the sump housing. Further, a non-contacting carbon seal is positioned between the rotating shaft and the fixed housing to at least partially define the pressurized compartment to enclose the sump housing.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a bearing compartment sealing system including a bearing for supporting a shaft. A housing encloses the bearing and defines a compartment for holding lubricant therein. At least two seals are located between the shaft and the housing. The at least two seals, the housing, and the shaft collectively enclose the compartment. Only one of the at least two seals is a hydrodynamic seal.

Abstract: A spoolie for sealing a tube passing through an air gap or other interruption within a high temperature operating environment. The apparatus and method allow for a sealing service pathway between areas of differential temperature while allowing for relative movement consistent with thermal expansion and contraction.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a bearing compartment sealing system including a bearing for supporting a shaft. A housing encloses the bearing and defines a compartment for holding lubricant therein. At least two seals are located between the shaft and the housing. The at least two seals, the housing, and the shaft collectively enclose the compartment. Only one of the at least two seals is a hydrodynamic seal.

Abstract: The present disclosure involves a spoolie (60) for sealing a tube (50) passing through an air gap or other interruption within a high temperature operating environment. The apparatus allow for a sealing service pathway between areas of differential temperature while allowing for relative movement consistent with thermal expansion and contraction.