Abstract: The disclosure relates to an improved recuperative heat exchanger for a turbine engine. Heat exchanger modules have discrete passages therein for the relatively high pressure compressor discharge air and relative low pressure exhaust gases. A continuous seal is provided at each end of the exhaust passages in the heat exchanger that is expandable into positive engagement with the heat exchange module.

Abstract: This invention provides a rotary heat regenerator which includes a regenerator wheel in which the regenerator matrix is formed of at least one strip of synthetic organic plastic wound onto a central hub, with suitable spacing means being formed in the strip to form gas passages. Inexpensive means is provided to stiffen the wheel to impart lateral strength and rotational stability. In one embodiment of the invention, radial portions of the face of the matrix are fastened together by fusing, by an adhesive, or both. In another embodiment of the invention, radial apertures are formed in the wheel by forcing a heated tool, radially into the wheel periphery so that the surfaces of the strip layers of the matrix are fused together, forming a hollow cylinder bounded by a continuous layer of plastic. To impart further rigidity to the wheel, the hollow cylinder may be filled with a reinforcing rod of plastic or metal.

Abstract: A rotary regenerative heat exchanger comprises a plurality of moving sector-like rotor compartments carrying regenerative heat exchange material, in which leakage of a gaseous medium having a lower pressure and being trapped by a stationary section plate in the sector-like compartments to a gaseous medium of a higher pressure is at least reduced by the provision of a means for adjusting the sector plate to such an axial clearance with respect to the end of the rotor that an intentional amount of direct leakage of the high pressure medium is maintained between the rotor end and the sector plate, giving rise to forcing out the low pressure medium from compartments that are about to leave the low pressure medium passage and replacing it with high pressure medium.

Abstract: A sector plate for a regenerative air preheater has an outer support ring centered on an axis and normally of cylindrical shape, an inner support ring centered on the axis, and a plurality of radially extending walls lying generally in axial planes and having outer ends fixed to the outer ring and inner ends and guided on the inner ring. A plurality of angularly extending and radially spaced annular walls extend between the radial walls and form therewith axially throughgoing passages. Thus when hot gases flow in one axial direction through the passages they thermally deform the radial walls so that their ends move into a position at an angle to each other. The ring is thermally deformed to a taper equal to twice the angle for holding the inner ends of the radial walls and the inner ring in the axially level with the outer ring when hot gases flow through the passages.

Abstract: This invention relates to a floating seal system for rotary devices to reduce gas leakage around the rotary device in a duct and across the face of the rotary device to an adjacent duct. The peripheral seal bodies are made of resilient material having a generally U-shaped cross section wherein one of the legs is secured to a support member and the other of the legs forms a contacting seal against the rotary device. The legs of the peripheral seal form an extended angle of intersection of about 10.degree. to about 30.degree. in the unloaded condition to provide even sealing forces around the periphery of the rotary device. The peripheral seal extends around the periphery of the support member except where intersected by radial seals which reduce gas leakage across the face of the rotary device and between adjacent duct portions.

Abstract: A regenerator assembly for a gas turbine engine has a hot side seal assembly formed in part by a cast metal engine block having a seal recess formed therein that is configured to supportingly receive ceramic support blocks including an inboard face thereon having a regenerator seal face bonded thereto. A pressurized leaf seal is interposed between the ceramic support block and the cast metal engine block to bias the seal wear face into sealing engagement with a hot side surface of a rotary regenerator matrix.

Abstract: A trunnion sealing means for a rotary regenerative heat exchange apparatus. The sealing means is separated into two independent portions. The first portion is an air seal 34 that lies concentrically around a continuously moving trunnion 32. A supply of pressurized air is supplied thereto to preclude the leakage of fluid from the rotor of the rotary regenerative heat exchange apparatus. A second portion of said seal comprises a spool 56 radially spaced from the trunnion and having walls that are permitted to move relatively only an insignificant amount not sufficient to abrade or otherwise harm a packing material 36 therein.

Abstract: A rotary regenerator disc matrix has a face seal with a cross arm and arcuate rim segments joined by prestress clamps to prestrain the arcuate rim seals so as to compensate seal rim twisting or coning and resultant disc face seal leakage as produced by operating thermal gradients across the seal.

Abstract: A sealing structure for use in a rotary, heat-regenerative heat exchanger includes a seal element with a face in rubbing contact with a regenerator, a first elastic element such as a ring spring coupled to the seal element, and a second elastic element such as a ring spring coupled to a housing. The first and second elastic elements are in contact.

Abstract: A metal heat recuperation wheel (12) wherein a number of structural metal spokes (38) extend radially from the core (22) through or along the metal heat exchange medium (36) into a heavy metal rim (30) to provide thermal stability necessary for gap seals (18, 20) on the rim and face of the wheel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sealing device for minimizing leakage losses in a rotary regenerative type heat exchanger, and more particularly in a heat exchanger comprising a cylindrical matrix of heat absorbent material rotatably mounted in a stationary housing.To prevent a loss of efficiency of the heat exchanger, which occurs when an uncontrolled flow between the inlets and the outlets of the exchanger takes place, an axially extending annular groove (3) having bottom and side walls is formed in each of the two end surfaces (2) of the matrix (1). In each of these annular grooves (3) a stationary sealing sleeve (5) projects into each of said grooves.

Abstract: The present invention is a rotary heat exchanger core for use with a rotary heat exchanger. The core comprises a plurality of discs having passages for axial fluid flow. The discs are axially aligned and connected with a space between adjacent discs. There is a means to prevent circumferential fluid flow in the space between adjacent discs. Preferably the discs are connected in a moving relationship relative to each other to help compensate for thermal movements and dimensional changes resulting from thermal expansion and contraction.

Abstract: An improved seal column design for use in counterflow heat exchanger systems having a centrally supported rotary heat exchanger or heat recovery wheel having an integral strengthened central hub. According to the invention, the edges formed between the end wall of each seal column juxtaposed an annular face of the wheel and the side walls of the column exposed to and separating the fluid flows are straight and parallel to one another and evenly spaced, at their point of closest approach, between one-half inch (1.27 cm) and one and one-half inches (3.81 cm) and preferably one inch (2.54 cm) beyond the outer circumference of the hub. Also, the side walls of the columns are straight and parallel to one another in the vicinity of the end wall.

Abstract: A rotary heat exchanger (10) for a furnace or incinerator has a gap face seal structure which is adjustable during operation of the heat exchanger. A rotary wheel (40) is disposed between adjacent face seals (32, 34) in a housing (15). The face seals (32, 34) are spaced from adjacent side surfaces of the wheel (40) by a predetermined gap. The wheel (40) is carried on a shaft journalled in bearings (48, 54) mounted to a first section (11) of the housing (15). The bearings (48, 54) are coupled to the shaft (41) to permit axial displacement of the shaft (41) relative to the housing (15). The first section (11) of the housing is joined to a second section (12) by an adjustable coupling (26) to permit relative displacement therebetween. In this way, the gaps between the wheel (40) and the face seals (32, 34) can be adjusted while the wheel is hot to maintain the gaps at a minimum to reduce the thermal gradients across the wheel which may induce stresses and cracks in the wheel.

Abstract: A rotary regenerative heat exchanger comprising an inner cylindrical post shell, an outer cylindrical shell interconnected with said inner shell by a radial partition wall, and rigid sealing rings at opposite ends of the outer shell. The outer or the inner end portion of each radial partition wall is slidingly adopted in an axial slot in the outer or inner shell, respectively, and the outer end portions of each partition wall are also slidingly engaging said sealing ring in a radial direction in order to isolate the floating sealing rings from the thermal deformation of the load carrying structure.

Abstract: A rotary regenerative heat exchange apparatus having a rotor 10 carrying a mass of heat absorbent material that is ultimately exposed to a hot and a cold fluid in order that heat absorbed from the hot fluid may in turn be transferred to the cold fluid. The rotor 10 is surrounded by a housing 18 including a sector plate 30 at the hot end of the rotor that separates the fluids. A turndown indicator 40 operatively associated with the hot end sector plate 30 is provided so that the operator may at any time determine the amount of turndown of the rotor thereby permitting adjustment of the sector plate or other sealing means to reduce to a minimum any fluid leakage between the hot and cold fluids throughout a wide range of temperature variation and thermal expansion.

Abstract: A rotary regenerative heat exchange device has a rotor of heat absorbent element 19 that is exposed alternately to hot and cold fluid in order that heat from the hot fluid may be transferred to the cold fluid. The rotor is surrounded by a housing 22 including a sector plate 42 at opposite ends of the rotor that separates the hot from the cold fluid. The sector plate is forced to correspond to thermal distortion of the rotor to preclude fluid leakage therebetween. A unique fiber optic sensing device 58 utilizes a beam of infrared rays that detects excess clearance space between the rotor and the adjacent sector plate to actuate means that provides suitable corrective measures.

Abstract: A sealing device for a rotary regenerative heat exchanger has a rotary regenerator whose one end slidably contacts with the rotary regenerator, a slide member, and a seal plate urged to the other side of the slide member by pressure difference across the plate. The seal plate is mounted on the housing, while a supporting member is secured with the slide member to contact with intermediate portion of the seal plate. When the slide member is worn, the supporting member is separated from the seal plate to decrease effective rigidity of the seal plate to maintain contact of the seal plate with the slide member.

Abstract: Adjusting means for the sector plate sealing members of rotary regenerative heat exchangers, wherein at least one sensing means is attached to each sealing member, adjacent a circumferential metal flange supported by the regenerator body. The sensing means is connected to a control circuit for actuating a servo device for controlling the position of the sealing member in response to the capacity fluctuations in an electrical circuit comprising the space between the sensing means and the metal flange.

Abstract: Rotary regenerative heat exchange apparatus including a cylindrical rotor of heat absorbent material that is alternately exposed to a hot and a cold fluid in order that heat absorbed from the hot fluid may be transferred to the cold fluid passing therethrough. The rotor is surrounded by a housing that includes a sector plate at opposite ends thereof to separate the hot from the cold fluids. As the rotor turns and is being subjected to a wide range of temperatures, it distorts into a dish shaped element. A mechanical toggle arrangement moved by a hydraulic actuator forces the sector plate into a configuration similar to that of the adjacent face of the rotor so as to preclude excessive leakage of fluid therebetween.

Abstract: A rubbing-contact sealing structure for use in a rotary, counter-flow heat-regenerative heat exchanger having a heat regenerative core rotatable with a housing structure having high-pressure and low-pressure fluid chambers arranged in counter-flow relationship adjacent one face of the core, comprising a main seal element to be in rubbing contact with the particular face of the regenerative core, and a pressing member supported on the housing and in pressing engagement with the main seal element for pressing the main seal element in rubbing contact with the heat regenerative core, the pressing member being substantially flat and parallel with the aforesaid face of the heat regenerative core.

Abstract: Rotary regenerative heat exchange apparatus having a rotor of heat absorbent material that is alternately exposed to hot and cold fluids in order that heat absorbed from the hot fluid may be transferred to the cold fluid. The rotor is surrounded by a housing including sector plates at opposite ends of the rotor that are arranged to separate the hot from the cold fluids. Fail safe apparatus is provided to quickly release a sector plate from a position where it is held in close proximity to the rotor whereby a sudden variation of conditions will not permit mutual interference between relatively rotating parts.

Abstract: A regenerator cross arm seal structure for a rotary regenerator of a gas turbine engine includes a cross arm seal extending diametrically of a matrix of the rotating regenerator which includes a center bore therein for a drive bushing and spindle; the seal having a leaf spring on one surface thereof that is engageable with an engine block support platform to seal between the engine block and one surface of a seal platform that supports a cross arm wear face with a hub section cooled by leakage of air through the center bore and the seal wear face including a material with low friction and good wear characteristics when operating at elevated temperatures between 1000.degree. F. to 1500.degree. F. (523.degree. C. to 800.degree. C.

Abstract: An exchanger has at least one heat exchange matrix, forming a cylindrical ng. In other embodiments, the exchanger is formed of at least two cylindrical rings, which are coaxial with the axis of the turbine. The flows of compressed cold air and of hot exhaust gas are directed into complementary sectors of the rings. The axial sealing devices are rollers, which are parallel to the axis of the matrices and are borned by their surface on the surface of the matrices in order to form the joint. The fluid distribution housing forms a counter current heat exchanger.

Abstract: A rubbing contact fluid seal member is provided on the hot side of a rotary regenerator of a gas turbine engine to prevent high temperature exhaust gases from mixing with counterflowing combustion air, maintaining rubbing contact with a radial surface of a rotatable matrix. The seal member is formed with a heat-resistant layer of silicon carbide at a part of its surface which is in direct contact with the high temperature exhaust gas.

Abstract: Rotary regenerative heat exchange apparatus including a housing that surrounds a rotor of heat absorbent material. A pair of oppositely spaced sector plates intermediate the ends of the rotor and the rotor housing are subjected to a force biasing them to conform to thermal deformation of the rotor to preclude leakage of fluid therebetween. A mechanism is provided whereby the sector plates are quickly released from the biasing force to preclude interference between the rotor and the sector plates.

Abstract: A seal assembly for a rotary heat-exchanger of a gas turbine is held in bearing contact with each end face of a regenerative rotor of the heat-exchanger to slidably support the regenerative rotor and to seal between a low-pressure gas passage and a high-pressure air passage of the turbine. The regenerative rotor is rotated across the passages to effect the heat-exchange between the low-pressure gas and the high-pressure air. The seal assembly comprises a sliding pad formed of a solid lubricant for sliding and bearing contact with the rotor, and a metallic backing for reinforcing the sliding pad.

Abstract: Rotary regenerative heat exchange apparatus in which a rotor of heat absorbent material is alternately exposed to a heating fluid and to a fluid to be heated. The rotor is surrounded by a housing having a sector plate at opposite ends thereof adapted to separate the heating fluid from the fluid to be heated. The apparatus is provided with control means that intermittently drives a sector plate into a sealing relationship with the adjacent edge of the rotor after which a predetermined reference point on the rotor activates a sensor to move the sector plate away from the rotor to permit freedom of movement therebetween.

Abstract: A shaft-sealing sliding member which is formed by thermal compression molding by using the mixture consisting of graphite component powder, synthetic resin binder and boron nitride powder. The shaft-sealing sliding member is excellent in several properties such as self-lubricating property and wear resistance. In order to improve these characteristic properties, if necessary, one member or both of silicon dioxide and silicate may be added to the above mixed material.

Abstract: A heat recovery system is provided for recovering heat from flue gases and the like and heating combustion air or the like in the form of a flue gas conduit receiving hot flue gas from a furnace or the like, a metallic recuperator receiving hot flue gas from said flue gas conduit, a ceramic regenerator selectively receiving at least a part of the hot flue gas leaving the metallic recuperator, by-pass means in parallel with the ceramic regenerator receiving any of the flue gas leaving the metallic recuperator which does not go through the ceramic regenerator, stack means receiving the flue gas from the by-pass means and the ceramic regenerator means for discharge to the atmosphere, means delivering air to be heated in parallel to the ceramic regenerator and the metallic recuperator, and conduit means receiving and combining heated air from the ceramic regenerator and the metallic recuperator for delivery to a point of use.

Abstract: Sealing apparatus is provided for a rotary heat exchanger of the regenerative type, in which the exchanger has a rotatable disc-like matrix having two opposed end faces and at least one pair of gas passages opening on to each end face of the matrix. The sealing apparatus seals at least one of the end faces for preventing leakage of gas between the two passages at the interface of the respective passage and end face and the sealing apparatus includes a plurality of sealing blocks arranged in end-to-end relation providing a flexible seal extending along the interface. Each of the blocks is of channel-shaped configuration, has a base bearing in sealing relation upon the respective end face of the matrix, and is mounted upon a respective guide member extending within the channel.

Abstract: A seal for the gas channels of a regenerative heat-exchanger which consists of a sealing bar that abuts at a rotatable disk-shaped storage body and of a sealing diaphragm which, assisted by leaf spring elements, extends over the gap between the sealing bar and the oppositely disposed housing wall; the sealing diaphragm which is V-shaped or U-shaped in cross section, is enclosed along one of its legs and pressed against the sealing bar by a clamping strip secured at its one edge along the sealing bar; with its back side, the sealing diaphragm is disposed opposite at least one abutment arranged at the sealing bar.

Abstract: A regenerator seal structure for a rotary regenerator of a gas turbine engine includes a rim bypass seal located on the hot surface of the matrix of the rotating regenerator including a semi-circular platform with a leaf spring on one surface thereof that is engageable with an engine block support platform to seal between the engine block and one surface of the platform with a free end thereof connected to an inboard edge of the platform and being secured thereto by a hinge member and wherein the platform includes a face seal element with its inboard edge located on the outer diameter of the platform at a point isolated from infrared radiation emissions from a combustor located within the engine housing; the platform including a substantial, radially extending semi-circular flat-plate heat exchanger segment thereon that is exposed to hot gas on one side and to cool gas on the opposite side and inboard of low heat conductivity attachment faces on the seal element to reduce conduction of heat from the inboard e

Abstract: A dynamic heat-exchanger with rotor having radial passages disposed, in relation to two circulation ducts, so that there flows radially therethrough, on one sector, a hot fluid flowing in one of the two ducts, and, on another sector, a cold fluid flowing in the other duct. This exchanger comprises a fluid jet cleaner provided for acting by blowing in the passages of the rotor, this blowing taking place between two facing outer and inner sealing zones disposed on the outer and inner cylindrical surfaces of the rotor. This exchanger further comprises a preheater for blowing heated gas through the passages to warm them before hot fluid flows through the passages.

Abstract: A seal comprising a bellows and a shielding plate. The bellows extending from an interior wall of a housing and surrounding a fluid flow passage urges a shoe into sealing contact with an end face of a wheel type heat accumulator. The shielding plate inside the bellows protects the bellows from thermal variations.

Abstract: A sealing arrangement positioned between a sector plate and an adjacent connecting plate at the end of a rotary regenerative heat exchanger adapted to utilize normal pressure differential of a fluid being contained to create a force that acts upon the sealing arrangement to effect an improved sealing relationship.

Abstract: A sealing means that lies intermediate a rotatable trunnion and fixed housing structure of a rotary regenerative heat exchanger device to preclude the flow of leakage fluid therebetween. A cooling jacket is positioned concentrically around the sealing means to simultaneously cool the sealing means and any hot fluid leaking thereto.

Abstract: A seal device for a rotary heat-exchanger of a gas turbine is held in bearing contact with each end face of a regenerative rotor of the heat-exchanger to partition a low-pressure exhaust gas passage and a high-pressure air passage from one another and to seal therebetween. The regenerative rotor is rotated across the passages to effect the heat-exchanger between the low-pressure exhaust gas and the high-pressure air. The seal device comprises a bellows having one end thereof secured to a seal member rotatably supporting the regenerative rotor and the other end secured to a flange fast on the inner wall of the rotor housing, and a jacket substantially backing up the bellows to control the shape thereof.

Abstract: A rotary regenerative air preheater including a housing surrounding a rotor of heat absorbent material that is adapted to rotate between a duct for heating fluid and a spaced duct that carries a fluid to be heated. Sealing means intermediate the rotor and the rotor housing include a torsion spring activated by the moving rotor that is adapted to bias the sealing means axially to provide a barrier that precludes fluid flow between the rotor and the rotor housing.

Abstract: A fluid seal is composed of an upper oxidized sintered metallic layer and a lower unoxidized sintered metallic layer integral with the upper layer. The upper layer is in rubbing contact with the radial surface of a rotating matrix of the regenerator portion of a gas turbine engine and the lower layer is connected through metal bellows to the housing of the matrix.

Abstract: A heat accumulating member for a rotary heat-accumulation type heat exchanger of a gas turbine engine, in which a flat sheet and a corrugated sheet are wound around a hub rotatably mounted in the heat exchanger. The flat sheet has a thickness of about 2.5 times that of the corrugated sheet whereby deformation of the heat accumulating member due to gas pressure and high temperature of gases is prevented.

Abstract: A driven mechanism for a rotatory heat regenerator, in which a shock absorbing member is fitted around the outer peripheral surface of a discoidal rotatory regenerator having a honeycomb structure. A metal ring having teeth is set around the outer periphery of the shock absorbing member and held in position thereby. The ring is driven by at least one driving gear connected with a prime mover and transfers torque to the rotatory regenerator. Torque fluctuations on the driving gear are moderated by the elastic deformation of the ring and the shock absorbing member. Any difference in the amount of thermal expansion between the ring and the regenerator is compensated by the shock absorbing member.

Abstract: The sealing mechanism for a rotative heat regenerator herein disclosed includes a pair of seal rings fixed to an axle received in the central hole of a disc-shaped rotative heat regenerator core. Each seal ring has a boss provided in the center and inserted over the axle, at least two arms extending outwardly from the boss and rings being attached to the outer ends of the arms and identical in diameter to the heat regenerator. The boss, the arms and the rings are positioned opposite to the center, the side face and the outer periphery, respectively, of the heat regenerator. Each of the boss, the arms and the rings has a sliding member facing either side of the heat regenerator, and the sliding members provided in the rings are slidable along the outer surface of the regenerator. Elastic bodies are interposed between the sliding members and the regenerator surface.

Abstract: Rotary regenerative heat exchange apparatus having a rotor of heat absorbent element that is alternately exposed to a hot and a cold fluid in order that heat absorbed from the hot fluid may be transferred to the cold fluid. The rotor is surrounded by a housing including a sector plate at opposite ends of the rotor that separates the hot and cold fluids. The sector plate is forcefully deflected to conform to normal "turndown" experienced by the rotor in order that there will be minimum leakage of fluid through the space therebetween.

Abstract: Rotary regenerative heat exchange apparatus having a rotor containing a mass of heat absorbent element that is slowly rotated about a vertical axis in order that the element may be alternately exposed to a heating fluid and to a fluid to be heated. The rotor is surrounded by a housing including a sector plate at opposite ends thereof adapted to separate the several fluids. The sector plate is divided into a plurality of radially adjacent sections, each of which is independently actuated into a preferred sealing relationship with the adjacent face of the rotor.

Abstract: A stationary-mass rotary regenerative air preheater uses a single regenerative mass for the separately controllable heating of different streams of air. This is achieved by providing at each axial end face of the mass rotating cowls divided into rotationally symmetrical hoods each of which is sub-divided into sector-shaped compartments which have the same radial extent as the mass. A given compartment of one hood on one end face is angularly of the same extent as the corresponding compartment of the other hood on that end face. The compartments are brought to coaxial connecting ducts at the neck of each cowl. Separation of media flows even under temperature or pressure differences is assured by sealing strips at each of the radially extending walls of each hood; these are automatically operated, and those on internal (sub-dividing) walls may be operatively linked to those on external walls.

Abstract: A sealing system for a rotating heat-exchanger with D-shaped sealing strips which includes a crossarm and an annular portion pressed against a rotating heat-exchanger by an elastic intermediate member which consists of a diaphragm leaf spring matched to the shape of the sealing strip and, for example, of U-shaped or V-shaped cross section, whereby the free end of one leg is connected with the sealing strip; the D-shape of the sealing strip has a preferably straight crossarm as well as a circularly shaped annular portion.

Abstract: A sealing device for a rotary regenerative heat exchanger is provided with a pair of flat, rigid seal ring portions positioned on opposite sides of a rotary type regenerating body, with a minute clearance maintained between the seal ring portions and the peripheral edge portions of the regenerating body, and with at least a pair of cross bar portions extending crosswise past each center of the seal ring portions from one position on the peripheral edge portion of each seal ring portion to another symmetrically opposite position on the same peripheral edge portion of the seal ring portion. The cross bar portions are also spaced a minute clearance from the side surfaces of the regenerating body, the clearances being so predetermined as to effectively seal fluids tending to pass therethrough. The sealing device also provides a spacer ring sandwiched between the opposed seal ring portions as well as a center spacer shaft sandwiched between opposed central portions of the cross bar portions.

Abstract: A regenerator seal assembly for use in a rotary regenerator includes a two-stage seal with a peripheral rim seal having a seal leaf turned inside out so that the free end of the leaf is of a smaller radius of curvature than the fixed end of the leaf and wherein the outer peripheral rim seal is made up of a plurality of straight leaf segments formed on chord lines along the outer circumference of the seal assembly with each straight leaf segment being joined by a mitered joint so that the free end of each such leaf segment is deflected without formation of waviness of wrinkles in the seal assembly.

Abstract: A hot side seal in rubbing contact with a rotary regenerator matrix of a gas turbine engine consists of an annular portion formed from a carbon block and a diametral portion, the rubbing surface of which is made from a layer of a compound of nickel oxide and calcium fluoride.