Session: 27-03 Bearing Effects and Stability in Rotordynamics

Paper Number: 129353

129353 - Design and Analysis of High-Temperature, High-Pressure Seal Test Rig 

As power density of turbomachines increases, individual components such as seals are subject to more extreme conditions. The maximum working fluid temperature and pressure are increasing, as is the operating speed. Seal performance has always had a large impact on machine efficiency, but with new working fluids and higher temperatures, this is especially true. Designing component level test rigs at these conditions presents challenges. Material compatibility at high temperatures, rotordynamics, thermal expansion and cooling scheme must be balanced in order to yield adequate results. This paper presents a new test rig capable of testing seals to 700° C and 250 bar at speeds up to 21,000 rpm. The test rig measures leakage and estimates drag loss. The test rig is designed to test dry gas seals for sCO₂, but the rig can accommodate a variety of seal types, geometries and working fluids. The test rig uses a direct drive 250 kW motor to provide rotation to the test rig, and a separate spindle assembly for providing a connection to ground. Thermal expansion in the seal housing is uniform due to a flexible attachment to the spindle assembly. The seal housing material is Alloy 625, and is rated for the full pressure range. Cooling is provided to the spindle shaft through an oil/air system.

Presenting Author: Thomas Kerr Texas A&M University

Presenting Author Biography: Thomas Kerr is a senior research engineer at Southwest Research Institute.

Authors:

Thomas Kerr Southwest Research Institute
Jason Bensmiller Southwest Research Engineer