Abstract: A sealing assembly for a rolling bearing. The sealing assembly has at least one cover element for covering a bearing gap along a cover plane. The cover element has a securing section, a sealing collar, a base part connecting the securing section and the sealing collar, and at least one sealing surface provided on the sealing collar for non-contact sealing. At a starting section the sealing collar extends from the base part diagonally toward the inner side of the cover element facing the bearing interior and at an end section the sealing collar extends from the inside toward the outer side of the cover element facing away from the bearing interior. At the same time, the sealing collar forms a sealing surface substantially perpendicular to the cover plane and at the end of the end section at least one edge impeding the inflow of impurities into the bearing interior.

Abstract: Methods and mechanisms for fluid sealing are provided. The disclosed mechanisms include a tool having a cavity configured to form a toroidal vortex and a fluid sealing element to induce an azimuthal variation of the toroidal vortex (a “dynamis seal”). The fluid sealing element may include a sharp change in the axial symmetry of the cavity to induce the azimuthal variation. Some exemplary shapes of the fluid sealing element may include a notch in a cavity, a step shaped cavity, or an angular cavity in the tool. Methods for manufacturing such a dynamic seal is also provided as well as methods for producing hydrocarbons with a plunger having the dynamic seals. The tool may be a plunger, a pig, an in-flow control device, or other cylindrical device traveling through a conduit or tubular member.

Abstract: A spring assembly for a retractable turbine rotor seal supported in an arcuate segment may include in one embodiment a first radially inner restraining plate having a lower surface adapted to engage a surface of a turbine stator, and a flat upper surface provide with an upstanding hub; a second radially outer restraining plate having a flat lower surface and an upper surface adapted to engage a surface of the arcuate segment, the radially outer restraining plate formed with an opening receiving the upstanding hub; and at least one spring telescoped over the upstanding hub and exerting a radially outward biasing force on the second radially outer restraining plate, and adapted to exert a radially outward retracting force on the arcuate segment.

Abstract: A seal member for effecting a seal preventing fluid flow in an axial direction through an annular space formed between a rotatable shaft and a stator structure. The seal member includes a plurality of flexible seal strips extending radially through the annular space and having a radially outer end supported to the stator structure and a radially inner end defining a tip portion extending widthwise in the axial direction for engaging in sliding contact with a peripheral surface of the rotatable shaft. The seal strips are mounted to the stator structure with the tip portions of the seal strips at an angle to the axial direction. Each of the tip portions are formed with a curvature in a radially extending plane between a leading edge and a trailing edge of each seal strip.

Abstract: A seal member for effecting a seal preventing fluid flow in an axial direction through an annular space formed between two relatively moving components including a rotatable shaft and a stator structure. The seal member includes a plurality of flexible seal strips. Each seal strip includes a planar plate extending radially through the annular space and having a radially outer end supported to the stator structure and a radially inner end defining a tip portion extending widthwise in the axial direction engaged in sliding contact with a peripheral surface of the rotatable shaft. At least one of the seal strips includes a plurality of perforations extending through the seal strip and located between a leading edge and a trailing edge of the seal strip for effecting an increased flexibility of the seal strip adjacent to the tip portion.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of this invention, a pressure actuated leaf seal assembly is provided that includes film riding, hydrodynamic/hydrostatic runners under seal member leaf ends. Leaf seal assemblies according to embodiments of this invention maintain the runner away from a rotating body until adequate rotating speed is present to generate lift required to allow the runner to float on a thin film of operating fluid on the rotating body, so that the runner does not rub the rotating body. In addition, runners are attached, or added, to leaf seal members such that the runners move in a radial direction, while remaining parallel to the rotating body. In one embodiment, a runner can comprise a separate structure coupled to a leaf seal member, and in another embodiment, a runner can comprise a wear-resistant pad on a distal end of a leaf seal member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for sealing the space between first and second components, wherein a sealing element is placed between the sealing surface of the first component and the sealing surface of the second component, means are used for displacing the sealing element towards the first component and the sealing surface of the second component is used in the form of a guiding surface for the sealing element when it is displaced towards the first component. The means comprise a movable pressure element which is embodied in such a way that the displacement thereof generates the displacement of the sealing element.

Abstract: A shaft seal for sealing a gap between a shaft and a casing is provided. The shaft seal includes a plurality of sealing modules, at least one fluid feed and at least one fluid outlet. The sealing modules include an outer main seal, and inner main seal and a fluid drain between the two. Conventional shaft seals of the above type require significant amounts of additional barrier fluid in regular intervals to ensure suitable pressure gradients. In the presently provided shaft seal, the inner seal is designed as a radial double seal which is defined by two gas seals having respective rotating sealing surfaces and stationary sealing surfaces, the pair of sealing surfaces being opposite each other in a sealing plane. The sealing planes extend from the shaft in a substantially radial manner.

Abstract: The device serves for sealing a bearing housing of an exhaust-gas turbocharger, from which a rotor is led into a chamber of the turbocharger subjected to a mass flow. The device includes a sealing ring arranged in a groove of the rotor, a seat, arranged on the bearing housing and on which a pre-stressed sealing ring is secured by an outward-facing circumferential surface, and a radially extending separation gap, which leads annularly around the axis of rotation of the rotor and is defined by two superimposed sliding surfaces, the first of which is arranged on a first face of the sealing ring and the second of which is arranged on a first flank of the groove. In order to reduce a heat input into the sealing ring caused by lapping of the sealing ring during operation of the exhaust-gas turbocharger, a depression annularly around the axis is formed into the second flank of the groove. The depression is defined radially outwards by an annular body formed into the rotor.

Abstract: An insertion hole (83a) is provided in a packing (83) and a rotating shaft (81a) is inserted into the insertion hole (83a). A sliding portion (83b) forming an air clearance (83c) is provided on the outside of the packing (83). The rotating shaft (81a) is inserted into the insertion hole (83a) with a grease G applied to the circumferential surface thereof. When the rotating shaft (81a) is inserted, the grease G is shaved off by the sliding portion (83b) and a sufficient amount of the grease G is stored in the air clearance (83c). Consequently, frictional sound and heat are and thus reduced between the rotating shaft (81a) and the packing (83), the sliding portion (83b) can come into tight contact with the rotating shaft (81a), thereby enhancing airtightness.

Abstract: A seal assembly which, among other applications, may be used for sealing fluid leakage between low temperature multistage compressors and pumps, steam turbine rotors and turbine stator bodies. In accordance with the invention a seal assembly is provided that comprises a leaf seal including a plurality of staggered leaf seal members; and a polymer member disposed on a high pressure side of the leaf seal, wherein the polymer member is in compliant contact with the leaf seal.

Abstract: An improved air-riding seal system for turbine engines is presented. The seal system includes a movable primary seal assembly, a stationary secondary seal assembly, and at least one structure to increase the stiffness of a thin film between the primary seal and a rotating component. The primary seal assembly includes an annular seal ring and an arcuate support arm. The annular seal ring has a cross section that is substantially L-shaped and a surface with a step face and a circumferential dam. The arcuate support arm has a tooth at one end adjacent to an outermost circumferential surface along the seal runner, which could include an optional notch. The tooth and outermost circumferential surface are separated by a gap. The secondary seal ring is disposed between and contacts the primary seal assembly and housing structure so as to form a bore seal and a face seal therewith.

Abstract: A hybrid seal for sealing the circumferential gap between a first machine component and a second machine component comprises at least one shoe extending along one of the machine components in a position to create a non-contact seal, at least one spring element connected between one of the machine components and the shoe(s) and a stack of sealing elements located within a slot formed in the shoe(s), wherein a primary seal and secondary seal of the circumferential gap is created by the shoe(s) in cooperation with the spring element(s) and sealing elements, respectively.

Abstract: A shaft protection washer to protect a rotating shaft in a “measurement while drilling” (MWD) tool. Use of the shaft protection washer renders the rotating shaft less susceptible to erosion from the drilling fluid flowing between the rotating component and the stationary component.

Abstract: A seal assembly for a gas turbine engine is provided that includes a seal support member, at least one knife edge seal blade member, and at least one cooling member. The seal support member is configured for rotation within the gas turbine engine around an axial centerline of the engine. The support member has a thickness extending between a first surface and a second surface. The blade member extends outwardly from the first surface of the support member. The blade member has a central portion that extends between a base end and a distal knife edge end. The base end is attached to the first surface of the seal support member. The cooling member extends outwardly from the second surface, and is oppositely aligned with the blade member.

Abstract: A seal arrangement for a turbo-engine, for sealing a peripheral gap between a rotor and a stator is provided. The stator a seal holder provided with at least one groove for respectively receiving a segmented, dynamic seal. Segments of the dynamic seal are made up of a plurality of brush seal segments, and free ends of bristles of the brush seal segments extend in the radial direction project from the respective groove and lie on the rotor. The or every groove for receiving the brush-type seal segments is designed without an undercut, the brush-type seal segments being received in the respective groove without an undercut in a positive manner.

Abstract: An expansion joint for use between a turbine duct and an exhaust duct. The expansion joint may include a flange attached to the turbine duct and a number of plates attached to the exhaust duct that extend towards the flange. The plates and the flange may include a gap therebetween, the gap being narrower when the turbine duct is hot than when the turbine duct is cold.

Abstract: A quick release bellow seal guard for use with a shaft assembly having a first guard member having an open central region and a second guard member releasably coupled to the first guard member also having an open central region. The first guard member further includes a wall extending from a base portion to a distal end. The second guard member further includes a proximal end releasably coupled to the distal end of the first guard member to collectively define an interior guard volume. The quick release bellow seal guard further includes a seal member sealingly engaging at least one of the first guard member and the second guard member and further sealingly engaging the shaft assembly. The seal member is positioned within the interior guard volume.

Abstract: A wheel seal is mainly provided with an annular internal sleeve oil seal. An annular concave inwards is formed at one side of the internal sleeve oil seal to contain one end of an annular outer annular member. A gap is kept between the internal sleeve oil seal and the outer annular member to contain an anti-friction ring and a second barrier. A labyrinth zone that is up and down is formed in the second barrier. Thus, the anti-friction ring is used to not only block foreign matters from entering the wheel seal through the gap and then being damaged, but also effectively transfer the strength from the inner annular member to the outer annular member at the time of installation for increasing the success rate of installation.

Abstract: A compliant plate seal manufacturing method is provided. The method includes assembling a plurality of compliant plates and a plurality of spacer shims into a weld fixture, thereby forming a leaf pack having a front and rear end and sides and a curvature, welding the sides of the leaf pack to hook plates on the weld fixture, removing a portion of the weld fixture, removing a portion of the hook plates and applying a radial flow plate to the leaf pack.

Abstract: A bearing seal includes a radially split stator and a rotor. The rotor is enclosed within the stator along the internal length of the rotor. The rotor may, optionally, also be radially split.

Abstract: A non-contacting seal for sealing in high temperature applications includes at least one segment having an inner pad with a hydrodynamic/hydrostatic lift-off geometry enabling the seal to run in a non-contact mode, and at least one finger spring supported on the pad that aids in making the seal radially compliant while also being axially stiff, compared to the radial direction. In one embodiment, multiple segments are supported on a support member spaced from the pad to form a gap (g) therebetween. The pad preferably includes a wear resistant layer on its inner diameter (ID) which prevents excessive wear of the pad. In one embodiment, the hydrodynamic/hydrostatic lift-off geometry is in the form of a groove formed on the inner pad. A cover may also be provided between inner pads at the ID and the support ring at the outer diameter OD in order to prevent leakage through the gap.

Abstract: Abstract A shaft seal structure (17) is provided around an outer circumferential surface of the bearing member (16M, 16FM) located on the cylinder inside of each of the screw rotors (13M, 13FM). The shaft seal structure (17) forms a static pressure seal. A seal gas is introduced between the outer circumferential surfaces of the bearing members (16M, 16FM) and the inner circumferential surfaces (7) of the rotor cylinders of the screw rotors (13M, 13FM) through the bearing members (16M, 16FM).

Abstract: A rotary machine includes a machine rotor, a machine stator, and a fluid seal disposed between the machine rotor and the machine stator. The fluid seal includes a fluid seal stator, a fluid seal rotor, and an active gap control mechanism coupled to the fluid seal stator. The fluid seal is configured to control a gap between the fluid seal stator and the fluid seal rotor.

Abstract: This invention relates to a seal for sealing between a stator and rotor, including a generally annular carrier (11), an array of adjacent leaves (12) mounted in the annular carrier for sealing between the stator and the rotor with their panes lying parallel to the axis of the carrier and front and back plates (15, 16) disposed on respective axial sides of the leaves, characterised in the front and back plates (15, 16) have one or more apertures (17, 18) dimensioned for providing a substantially symmetric pressure drop across the leaves.

Abstract: A leaf seal arrangement is provided in which within a housing there are edge portions to inter associate with non parallel chamfer edges in leaf seal elements. In such circumstances, deflection of the leaf seal elements in an outward direction or inward direction relative to a rotating shaft creates variation in a control gap X, XX between the edges and the chamfer edge. Such increase or decrease in the control gap X, XX adjusts the aerodynamic radial force that is presented to the leaf seal elements whereby those elements can be more accurately maintained at a desired leaf position for optimizing leakage whilst achieving better wear resistance performance.

Abstract: The apparatus, which can be used in aspirating face seals or thrust bearings, spaces two relatively rotatable facing surfaces in use by entraining gas between the surfaces. The apparatus includes a first portion (1) defining a generally frusto-conical surface (3); a second portion (2) defining at least one flat surface disposed adjacent the first portion so that the two surfaces face each other and define at least one point of closest engagement between the surfaces, with diverging gaps extending between the surfaces on either side of a plane which contains the point or points of closest engagement and which extends generally orthogonal to the direction of relative rotation, and a device (4) for biasing the flat surface towards the frusto-conical surface to maintain the gaps within a predetermined dimensional range.

Abstract: A method and seal assembly for a rotary machine including a rotary component and a stationary component is provided. The method includes providing a seal housing including a front plate and a back plate that is spaced from the front plate such that a cavity is defined between the front plate and the back plate. The method also includes coupling a plurality of flexible compliant plates to at least one of the seal housing and the stationary component such that the compliant plates are spaced from the front plate and the back plate within the cavity, and coupling at least one projection to at least one of the seal housing and the compliant plates such that the at least one projection facilitates reducing flow through at least one of a first axial gap and a second axial gap that are defined between the seal housing and the compliant plates.

Abstract: An assembly for sealing a rotating shaft and a bearing housing which has a stator, a rotor, and a unitizing element. The stator has at least two portions and an annular engagement flange extending in an axial direction having a groove on a radial side thereof. The rotor has at least two portions and an annular engagement flange extending in an axial direction having a groove on the radial side thereof. The annular unitizing element has at least two portions, a stator engaging member that engages the stator groove, a rotor engaging member that engages the rotor groove, and a rear member having a side edge that engages the stator. A radially outer surface of the unitizing element has two areas of differing diameter, one corresponding to the rotor engaging member and the other corresponding to the rear member.

Abstract: A leaf seal is provided for sealing a radial gap between a stator and rotor of a turbo machine. The seal includes a plurality of metallic sealing leaves, arranged in a row and attached to a carrier. The leaves are arranged concentrically around the circumference of the rotor and are arranged inclined at an angle to the radial direction of the rotor and in an opposite direction to the rotation direction and also includes front and rear plates connected to the carrier and extend over a circumference of the seal on both sides of the sealing leaves. A first axial distance is defined between the rear plate and the sealing leaves, and a second axial distance is defined between the front plate and the sealing leaves. An apparatus is also included for actively controlled variation of the first axial distance during operation of the turbomachine.

Abstract: A seal ring for a rotatable shaft in a turbo machine includes a seal body configured for disposing around the shaft wherein a radial gap is defined between an inner surface of the seal body and the shaft. An upstream surface defined by the seal body extends from the inner surface, and an annular obstruction extends from the upstream surface of the seal body, wherein the obstruction is spaced away from the inner surface.

Abstract: A shaft protection washer to protect a rotating shaft in a “measurement while drilling” (MWD) tool. Use of the shaft protection washer renders the rotating shaft less susceptible to erosion from the drilling fluid flowing between the rotating component and the stationary component.

Abstract: An oil seal (1A) has an outer member (2) fitted to a crankcase (100), an inner member (3) integrally rotatably fitted to a crankshaft (101), and a first movable lip (4) disposed in the gap (G1) formed by the outer member (2) and the inner member (3). The first movable lip (4) is disposed such that it is not in contact with the outer member (2) when rotation of the crankshaft (101) is stopped and that it is displaced in the direction to approach the outer member (2), coming into contact with the outer member (2) to close the gap (G1).

Abstract: A floating seal is provided between the fixed housing and the drive wheel, and an outside seal is provided so as to cover the outer circumference of the floating seal. The outside seal is composed of a gap between the fixed seal member secured to the fixed housing serving as a vehicle body and the rotating seal member rotatably secured integrally with the drive wheel. Blades that rotate on the outer circumference of the outside seal are provided on the outer circumference of the rotating seal member so as to protrude therefrom. By means of the blades, dirt accumulated in the fixed housing is scraped off. Therefore, dirt is prevented from being accumulated on the outer circumference of the outside seal, wherein it is possible to prevent dirt from entering the position of the floating seal and to appropriately discharge the dirt that has entered to the outside.

Abstract: A barrier seal system comprises a rotatable shaft disposed within an outer housing. The rotatable shaft axially extends from a high-pressure region to a low-pressure region within the outer housing. At least a portion of the rotatable shaft, typically the portion disposed adjacent to the low-pressure region, comprises an oleophobic surface. The system further comprises a barrier seal that radially extends from the outer housing to the rotatable shaft and defines a gap between the barrier seal and the rotatable shaft. A barrier gas injector is provided for injecting a barrier gas into the gap to flow from the high-pressure region to the low-pressure region.

Abstract: A vacuum pump, comprising a pair of screw rotors having a first screw rotor with a plurality of spiral land parts and a second screw rotor with a plurality of spiral groove parts and rotating about two axes substantially parallel with each other while engagement with each other, a casing storing the pair of screw rotors, and a pair of bearings installed on a pair of shafts (4) supporting the pair of screw rotors. The vacuum pump is characterized in that a pair of shaft seals (5) in non-contact with the pair of shafts (4) are installed between the pair of screw rotors and the pair of bearings, and each of the pair of shaft seals (5) is of a static pressure type and leads seal gas through a shaft seal portion.

Abstract: Leaf seal arrangements 1 are known in which a number of leaf seals 2 are presented in a housing 3 in order to create a seal relative to a rotating surface 4. Conventional arrangements 21 have the leaf seals 2 aligned with an axis of rotation for the rotating surface 4, there is symmetrical lift up and blow down of a tip end 5 relative to the surface 4. In such circumstances the arrangement 1 is dependent upon the seal 2 stiffness to achieve designed operational performance. By presenting leaf seals 22 at an askew angle relative to an axis of rotation RR asymmetric deflection is achieved between an inlet side 30 and an exit side 31 such that the inlet and exit flow areas change and therefore lift up/blow down forces can be controlled to achieve a more optimal positioning of a tip end 25 relative to a rotating surface for operational performance with reduced risk of wear upon the leaf seals 22.

Abstract: A sealing assembly is provided. The sealing assembly includes a foil disposed circumferentially around a rotating component and configured to provide primary sealing to the rotating component between high pressure and low pressure sides and a spring system disposed adjacent to the foil. The spring system includes a plurality of features to facilitate foil surface to follow excursions of the rotating component, wherein the plurality of features provide secondary sealing from the high pressure to the low pressure sides between the foil and a stationary component.

Abstract: A bearing isolator assembly for sealing a rotating shaft with a porous sealing element including a rotor configured to sealingly engage with a shaft, and a stator configured to sealingly engage with a housing of an assembly. The rotor and stator are configured to engage with each other to define a labyrinthine pathway and one or more cavities, in which may be disposed a unitizing element and a porous sealing element. The porous sealing element provides a barrier to particulate contaminants from entering the interior of the housing, and to prevent egress of lubricants from the interior of the housing. The unitizing element limits axial and/or radial movement of the rotor with respect to the stator, and helps prevent wear of the rotor and/or stator by helping prevent the rotor from contacting the stator during operation.

Abstract: A shaft seal serves to reduce leakage between a rotating shaft and a static shell. The shaft seal includes a plurality of compliant plate members, each having a root and a tip. The compliant plate members are secured to one of the static shell and the rotating shaft at their root in facing relation. The tips of the compliant plate members define a sealing ring between the static shell and the rotating shaft. An axial flow resistance member is disposed within the compliant plate members and serves as a harrier to axial leakage flow between the compliant plate members.

Abstract: A seal comprises the combination of a primary seal and a secondary seal each of which acts on at least one shoe that is installed with clearance relative to one of a rotor and a stator in a position to create a non-contact seal therewith. The at least one shoe is provided with a surface geometry and labyrinth-type teeth that influence the inertia of fluid flowing across the seal, and, hence, the velocity of the fluid and the pressure distribution across the seal, ultimately affecting the balance of forces applied to the seal.

Abstract: A seal comprises the combination of a primary seal and a secondary seal each of which acts on at least one shoe that is installed with clearance relative to one of a rotor and a stator in a position to create a non-contact seal therewith. The at least one shoe is provided with a surface geometry that influences the inertia of fluid flowing across the seal, and, hence, the velocity of the fluid and the pressure distribution across the seal, ultimately affecting the balance of forces applied to the seal.

Abstract: An annular unitizing element has a rotor engaging member, a stator engaging member, and a rear member. The radially outer surface of the unitizing element has two areas of differing diameter, one corresponding to the rotor engaging member and the other corresponding to the rear member. The stator engaging member extends radially inward from the radially inner side of the annular unitizing element. A sealing assembly for sealing a rotating shaft and a bearing housing has a rotor having an annular engagement flange extending in an axial direction comprising a groove on a radial side thereof, a stator having an annular engagement flange extending in an axial direction comprising a groove on a radial side thereof, and an annular unitizing element having a stator engaging member, a rotor engaging member, and a rear member.

Abstract: A fluid control device for use in a high pressure fluid system, the device including a device body with a cavity and a high pressure circuit, a plunger positioned for reciprocal movement in the cavity, and a leakage reduction cap mounted to the plunger for reducing fluid leakage flow. In one implementation, the leakage reduction cap includes a flexible portion positioned between the device body and the plunger, and defining an annular clearance gap between the leakage reduction cap and the device body. The flexible portion of the leakage reduction cap resiliently flexes radially outwardly in response to fluid pressure forces to reduce the annular clearance gap so as to minimize fluid leakage flow through the annular clearance gap.

Abstract: The invention relates to a brush seal for sealing a gap between a rotor and a stator, with at least one brush ring, comprising a number of sealing brushes and at least two annular brush ring carriers, running in the circumferential direction of the rotor. Each brush ring is fixed between a first front face of a first brush ring carrier and a second front face of a second brush ring carrier, whereby the second brush ring carrier is directly axially and radially fixed to the first brush ring carrier.

Abstract: A method of assembling a turbomachine that includes a rotor and a stationary component is provided. The method includes coupling a housing to the stationary component using at least one biasing member, wherein the housing extending circumferentially about the rotor. The method also includes coupling at least one annular ring to the housing, and coupling a plurality of plate members to the housing such that the at least one annular ring extends from the housing towards the rotor and partially through the plurality of plate members.

Abstract: A shaft seal serves to reduce leakage between a rotating shaft and a static shell. The shaft seal includes a plurality of compliant plate members, each having a root and a tip. The compliant plate members are secured to the static shell at their root in facing relation. The tips of the compliant plate members define a sealing ring between the static shell and the rotating shaft. An axial flow resistance member is disposed within the compliant plate members and serves as a barrier to axial leakage flow between the compliant plate members.

Abstract: An adaptor that can be used with rotary fluid equipment will protect mechanical seals and/or packing material adjacent a seal cavity (18) of the equipment. The adaptor includes an annular body (30) with a central bore (32) adapted to receive a shaft (12) of the equipment. When used with mechanical seals the adaptor is receivable in the cavity at the entrance thereto and it has a portion which surface which effects contact with a complementary surface of the seal. When used with packing the adaptor fits within the cavity and defines an outboard extension in which the packing can be received. The bore defines two portions, one of which is close to the shaft (52) and another portion (54) which flares outwardly from the one portion towards the outboard end of the adaptor. Each bore portion has a spiral groove (56, 58) therein, which groove serves to redirect contaminant material contained in fluids surrounding the shaft away from the seal cavity.

Abstract: A bearing seal includes a radially split stator and a rotor. The rotor is enclosed within the stator along the internal length of the rotor. The rotor may, optionally, also be radially split.

Abstract: A foil thrust bearing forms the primary rotating interface for a film riding face seal. This face seal includes a spring system that will allow the entire assembly to translate axially relative to a static attachment. The complete assembly will form a hybrid foil/film riding face seal that shows much promise at being sufficiently flexible to enable operation in a gas turbine engine. The seal includes a flexible top plate having a non-flat surface under its working conditions, and a spring support system to allow the top plate to accommodate axial excursions and out-of-flat distortions.