Abstract: A circumferential sealing assembly for use between a lower-pressure oil side and a higher-pressure gas side is presented. The assembly includes a sealing ring interposed between either a rotatable runner or a sleeve and a housing within a turbine engine. Ducts communicate the hot gas into grooves to form a thin film between the ring and the runner or the sleeve. Embodiments include grooves on the runner and ducts through the runner; grooves on the ring and ducts through the runner; grooves on the ring and ducts through the ring; grooves on the runner and ducts through the ring; grooves on the sleeve and ducts through the sleeve; grooves on the ring and ducts through the sleeve; grooves on the ring and ducts through the ring adjacent to the sleeve; and grooves on the sleeve and ducts through the ring. Grooves and/or ducts may rotate with the component(s) thereon.

Abstract: A circumferential sealing assembly for use between a lower-pressure side with a lubricant oil therein and a higher-pressure side with a hot gas therein is presented. The assembly includes a sealing ring interposed between either a rotatable runner and a housing or a sleeve and a housing within a turbine engine. Ducts communicate the hot gas into grooves to form a thin film between the ring and the runner or the ring and the sleeve. First embodiments include grooves on the runner, ducts through the runner, and both grooves and ducts rotating with the runner. Second embodiments include grooves on the ring, ducts through the runner, and ducts rotating with the runner. Third embodiments include grooves on the ring and ducts through the ring adjacent to a runner. Fourth embodiments include grooves on the runner, ducts through the ring, and grooves rotating with the runner. Fifth embodiments include grooves on the sleeve, ducts through the sleeve, and both grooves and ducts rotating with the sleeve.

Abstract: A circumferential sealing assembly for use between a lower-pressure side with a lubricant oil therein and a higher-pressure side with a hot gas therein is presented. The assembly includes a sealing ring interposed between either a rotatable runner and a housing or a sleeve and a housing within a turbine engine. Ducts communicate the hot gas into grooves to form a thin film between the ring and the runner or the ring and the sleeve. First embodiments include grooves on the runner, ducts through the runner, and both grooves and ducts rotating with the runner. Second embodiments include grooves on the ring, ducts through the runner, and ducts rotating with the runner. Third embodiments include grooves on the ring and ducts through the ring adjacent to a runner. Fourth embodiments include grooves on the runner, ducts through the ring, and grooves rotating with the runner. Fifth embodiments include grooves on the sleeve, ducts through the sleeve, and both grooves and ducts rotating with the sleeve.

Abstract: A circumferential sealing assembly for use between a lower-pressure side with a lubricant oil therein and a higher-pressure side with a hot gas therein is presented. The assembly includes a sealing ring interposed between either a rotatable runner and a housing or a sleeve and a housing within a turbine engine. Ducts communicate the hot gas into grooves to form a thin film between the ring and the runner or the ring and the sleeve. First embodiments include grooves on the runner, ducts through the runner, and both grooves and ducts rotating with the runner. Second embodiments include grooves on the ring, ducts through the runner, and ducts rotating with the runner. Third embodiments include grooves on the ring and ducts through the ring adjacent to a runner. Fourth embodiments include grooves on the runner, ducts through the ring, and grooves rotating with the runner. Fifth embodiments include grooves on the sleeve, ducts through the sleeve, and both grooves and ducts rotating with the sleeve.

Abstract: A circumferential sealing assembly for use between a lower-pressure side with a lubricant oil therein and a higher-pressure side with a hot gas therein is presented. The assembly includes a sealing ring interposed between either a rotatable runner and a housing or a sleeve and a housing within a turbine engine. Ducts communicate the hot gas into grooves to form a thin film between the ring and the runner or the ring and the sleeve. First embodiments include grooves on the runner, ducts through the runner, and both grooves and ducts rotating with the runner. Second embodiments include grooves on the ring, ducts through the runner, and ducts rotating with the runner. Third embodiments include grooves on the ring and ducts through the ring adjacent to a runner. Fourth embodiments include grooves on the runner, ducts through the ring, and grooves rotating with the runner. Fifth embodiments include grooves on the sleeve, ducts through the sleeve, and both grooves and ducts rotating with the sleeve.

Abstract: A slurry seal assembly for use about a rotatable shaft between a process side and an atmosphere side is presented. The slurry seal assembly includes a sleeve, a rotatable seal ring, a stationary seal ring, a floating bushing seal assembly, and a plurality of slots. The sleeve is disposed about and rotatable with the shaft. The rotatable seal ring contacts and is rotatable with the sleeve. The stationary seal ring is arranged to form a sealing interface with the rotatable seal ring. The floating bushing seal assembly is disposed about the sleeve so that an inner annular surface along the floating bushing seal assembly is separated from an outer annular surface along the sleeve by a gap. The slots are disposed along the sleeve within the process side adjacent to the floating bushing seal assembly. The slurry seal assembly is applicable to devices whereby a fluid is movable between an inlet and an outlet.

Abstract: A slurry seal assembly for use about a rotatable shaft between a process side and an atmosphere side is presented. The slurry seal assembly includes a sleeve, a rotatable seal ring, a stationary seal ring, a floating bushing seal assembly, and a plurality of slots. The sleeve is disposed about and rotatable with the shaft. The rotatable seal ring contacts and is rotatable with the sleeve. The stationary seal ring is arranged to form a sealing interface with the rotatable seal ring. The floating bushing seal assembly is disposed about the sleeve so that an inner annular surface along the floating bushing seal assembly is separated from an outer annular surface along the sleeve by a gap. The slots are disposed along the sleeve within the process side adjacent to the floating bushing seal assembly. The slurry seal assembly is applicable to devices whereby a fluid is movable between an inlet and an outlet.

Abstract: A slurry seal assembly for use about a rotatable shaft between a process side and an atmosphere side is presented. The slurry seal assembly includes a sleeve, a rotatable seal ring, a stationary seal ring, a floating bushing seal assembly, and a plurality of slots. The sleeve is disposed about and rotatable with the shaft. The rotatable seal ring contacts and is rotatable with the sleeve. The stationary seal ring is arranged to form a sealing interface with the rotatable seal ring. The floating bushing seal assembly is disposed about the sleeve so that an inner annular surface along the floating bushing seal assembly is separated from an outer annular surface along the sleeve by a gap. The slots are disposed along the sleeve within the process side adjacent to the floating bushing seal assembly. The slurry seal assembly is applicable to devices whereby a fluid is movable between an inlet and an outlet.

Abstract: A slurry seal assembly for use about a rotatable shaft between a process side and an atmosphere side is presented. The slurry seal assembly includes a sleeve, a rotatable seal ring, a stationary seal ring, a floating bushing seal assembly, and a plurality of slots. The sleeve is disposed about and rotatable with the shaft. The rotatable seal ring contacts and is rotatable with the sleeve. The stationary seal ring is arranged to form a sealing interface with the rotatable seal ring. The floating bushing seal assembly is disposed about the sleeve so that an inner annular surface along the floating bushing seal assembly is separated from an outer annular surface along the sleeve by a gap. The slots are disposed along the sleeve within the process side adjacent to the floating bushing seal assembly. The slurry seal assembly is applicable to devices whereby a fluid is movable between an inlet and an outlet.

Abstract: A segmented intershaft seal assembly for counter-rotating and co-rotating turbine engines is described. The assembly includes a pair of end rings, an annular seal element, and at least one resilient element. At least one end ring has a flange that extends from one side thereof. The flange has a lower annular surface. The seal element includes at least two seal segments. Each seal segment includes a ring segment and a ring flange segment. The ring segment has an upper radial surface. The ring flange segment directly contacts and extends from the upper radial surface forming either a substantially “T”-shaped or “L”-shaped cross section. The seal segments are disposed between the end rings. At least one resilient element biases each seal segment away from the inner shaft so that the upper radial surface contacts the lower annular surface and a portion of the ring flange segment extends beyond the flanges.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a circumferential seal applicable to turbine engines. The circumferential seal includes a ceramic runner, an annular seal ring, at least one tolerance ring, and a pair of sealing rings. The runner is circumscribed about a shaft or a carrier within a recess along the shaft and is bounded by a shoulder and a clamping ring. At least one non-sealing spring mechanism is disposed between and directly contacts the shoulder and the first end of the runner. A second end of the runner directly contacts the clamping ring. In other embodiments, at least one non-sealing spring mechanism is disposed between and directly contacts the second end and the clamping ring and the first end directly contacts the shoulder. An anti-rotation element is attached to the clamping ring, carrier, or shaft and extends into a slot or hole or slot along the runner. The spring(s) applies a biasing force onto the runner toward the clamping ring or shoulder.

Abstract: A segmented intershaft seal assembly for use between inner and outer shafts within a turbine engine is presented. The intershaft seal assembly includes annular end rings, an annular seal element with an inverted “T”-shaped cross section, at least one resilient element, an annular spacer ring, carriers, counterweights, and hydrodynamic grooves. The intershaft seal assembly is secured to the inner shaft. The resilient element(s) biases seal segments away from the inner shaft toward the outer shaft. The counterweights are disposed about the seal segments and substantially negate forces imposed by the seal segments outward toward the outer shaft. The hydrodynamic grooves are disposed along an inner annular surface of the outer shaft and direct fluid onto an outer surface along the seal segments when the outer shaft rotates. The hydrodynamic grooves form a thin-film layer and non-contact seal that separates the seal segments from the outer shaft which otherwise provide a contact-type seal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to circumferential seal ring segments positioned around a rotating shaft so as to prevent fluids from leaking from a lubricant sump during both low and high pressure conditions. The circumferential seal is comprised of a plurality of adjoining annular ring segments facing the rotating shaft. Each sealing ring segment includes a dead end circumferential groove on a shaft-side face of each sealing ring such that, when the segments are joined, the circumferential dead end groove of each segment extends arcuately in the direction of shaft rotation. At least one additional groove is contained on the shaft-side face of each sealing ring segment. The additional groove(s) directs and creates pressurized air within the dead end circumferential groove, either directly or indirectly maintaining a seal between the ring segments and the shaft. A bleed hole may also be provided to create a seal between each sealing segment.

Abstract: A segmented intershaft seal assembly for use between inner and outer shafts within a turbine engine is presented. The intershaft seal assembly includes annular end rings, an annular seal element with an inverted “T”-shaped cross section, at least one resilient element, an annular spacer ring, carriers, counterweights, and hydrodynamic grooves. The intershaft seal assembly is secured to the inner shaft. The resilient element(s) biases seal segments away from the inner shaft toward the outer shaft. The counterweights are disposed about the seal segments and substantially negate forces imposed by the seal segments outward toward the outer shaft. The hydrodynamic grooves are disposed along an inner annular surface of the outer shaft and direct fluid onto an outer surface along the seal segments when the outer shaft rotates. The hydrodynamic grooves form a thin-film layer and non-contact seal that separates the seal segments from the outer shaft which otherwise provide a contact-type seal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to circumferential seal ring segments positioned around a rotating shaft so as to prevent fluids from leaking from a lubricant sump during both low and high pressure conditions. The circumferential seal is comprised of a plurality of adjoining annular ring segments facing the rotating shaft. Each sealing ring segment includes a dead end circumferential groove on a shaft-side face of each sealing ring such that, when the segments are joined, the circumferential dead end groove of each segment extends arcuately in the direction of shaft rotation. At least one additional groove is contained on the shaft-side face of each sealing ring segment. Each additional groove may contain a pocket. The additional groove(s) directs and creates pressurized air within the dead end circumferential groove, either directly or indirectly maintaining a seal between the ring segments and the shaft. A bleed hole may also be provided to create a seal between each sealing segment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to circumferential seal ring segments positioned around a rotating shaft so as to prevent fluids from leaking from a lubricant sump during both low and high pressure conditions. The circumferential seal is comprised of a plurality of adjoining annular ring segments facing the rotating shaft. Each sealing ring segment includes a dead end circumferential groove on a shaft-side face of each sealing ring such that, when the segments are joined, the circumferential dead end groove of each segment extends arcuately in the direction of shaft rotation. Additional grooves are contained on the shaft-side face of each sealing ring segment. The additional grooves direct and create pressurized air within the dead end circumferential groove, either directly or indirectly maintaining a seal between the ring segments and the shaft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to circumferential seal ring segments positioned around a rotating shaft so as to prevent fluids from leaking from a lubricant sump during both low and high pressure conditions. The circumferential seal is comprised of a plurality of adjoining annular ring segments facing the rotating shaft. Each sealing ring segment includes a dead end circumferential groove on a shaft-side face of each sealing ring such that, when the segments are joined, the circumferential dead end groove of each segment extends arcuately in the direction of shaft rotation. At least one additional groove is contained on the shaft-side face of each sealing ring segment. Each additional groove is an axial bore groove extending perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the seal ring segment in fluid communication with the dead end circumferential groove so as to direct fluid flow generated from a rotating shaft into the dead end circumferential groove.

Abstract: The present invention relates to circumferential seal ring segments positioned around a rotating shaft so as to prevent fluids from leaking from a lubricant sump during both low and high pressure conditions. The circumferential seal is comprised of a plurality of adjoining annular ring segments facing the rotating shaft. Each sealing ring segment includes a dead end circumferential groove on a shaft-side face of each sealing ring such that, when the segments are joined, the circumferential dead end groove of each segment extends arcuately in the direction of shaft rotation. At least one additional groove is contained on the shaft-side face of each sealing ring segment. The additional groove(s) directs and creates pressurized air within the dead end circumferential groove, either directly or indirectly maintaining a seal between the ring segments and the shaft. A bleed hole may also be provided to create a seal between each sealing segment.

Abstract: A segmented intershaft seal assembly for counter-rotating and co-rotating turbine engines is described. The assembly includes a pair of end rings, an annular seal element, and at least one resilient element. At least one end ring has a flange that extends from one side thereof. The flange has a lower annular surface. The seal element includes at least two seal segments. Each seal segment includes a ring segment and a ring flange segment. The ring segment has an upper radial surface. The ring flange segment directly contacts and extends from the upper radial surface forming either a substantially “T”-shaped or “L”-shaped cross section. The seal segments are disposed between the end rings. At least one resilient element biases each seal segment away from the inner shaft so that the upper radial surface contacts the lower annular surface and a portion of the ring flange segment extends beyond the flanges.

Abstract: An intershaft seal assembly for counter-rotating and co-rotating turbine engines is described. The seal assembly includes a pair of end rings and a seal element. At least one end ring has a flange, with upper and lower surfaces, disposed along and extending from one side of the ring. The seal element includes a ring, with inner and outer radial surfaces, and a ring flange wider than the ring. The ring flange is disposed along and extends diametrically from the outer radial surface, the latter also contacting the lower surface along at least one flange. The seal element is disposed between the end rings so that the ring flange extends beyond the flanges. The invention avoids the wear and heating problems inherent to intershaft seal systems, thus allowing the seal element to be composed of a temperature resistant metal, metal alloy, or carbon graphite.