Turbine engine ring seal
First Claim
1. A turbine engine ring seal segment comprising:
- a first channel having a radially inwardly concave surface, the first channel being shaped so as to form an extension transitioning into a forward span and an aft span, the forward and aft spans being opposite each other and extending at an angle from the extension in a radially outward direction, wherein the extension of the first channel includes an outer surface that is exposed to turbine blades in use;
a separate second channel having a radially inwardly concave surface, the second channel being shaped so as to form an extension transitioning into a forward span and an aft span, the forward and aft spans being opposite each other and extending at an angle from the extension in a radially outward direction, wherein the extension of the second channel includes an outer surface that is exposed to turbine blades in use, the first and second channels being detachably coupled such that the aft span of the first channel substantially abuts the forward span of the second channel so as to define an axial interface and the extensions for the first and second channels form a uninterrupted planar surface across the entirety of the extensions; and
at least one of a seal and a bonding material operatively engaging the aft span of the first channel and the forward span of the second channel.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Aspects of the invention relate to a ring seal for a turbine engine. The ring seal can be made up of a plurality of circumferentially abutted ring seal segments. Each ring seal segment can comprise a plurality of individual channels. The channels can be generally U-shaped in cross-section with a forward span, and aft span and an extension connecting therebetween. The channels can be positioned such that the aft span of one channel can substantially abut the forward span of another channel. The plurality of separate channels can be detachably coupled to each other by, for example, a plurality of pins. The ring seal segment according to aspects of the invention can facilitate numerous advantageous characteristics including greater material selection, selective cooling, improved serviceability, and reduced blade tip leakage. Moreover, the configuration is well suited to handle the operational loads of the turbine.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A turbine engine ring seal segment comprising:
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a first channel having a radially inwardly concave surface, the first channel being shaped so as to form an extension transitioning into a forward span and an aft span, the forward and aft spans being opposite each other and extending at an angle from the extension in a radially outward direction, wherein the extension of the first channel includes an outer surface that is exposed to turbine blades in use; a separate second channel having a radially inwardly concave surface, the second channel being shaped so as to form an extension transitioning into a forward span and an aft span, the forward and aft spans being opposite each other and extending at an angle from the extension in a radially outward direction, wherein the extension of the second channel includes an outer surface that is exposed to turbine blades in use, the first and second channels being detachably coupled such that the aft span of the first channel substantially abuts the forward span of the second channel so as to define an axial interface and the extensions for the first and second channels form a uninterrupted planar surface across the entirety of the extensions; and at least one of a seal and a bonding material operatively engaging the aft span of the first channel and the forward span of the second channel. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A turbine engine ring seal system comprising:
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a turbine stationary support structure; and a first ring seal segment operatively connected to the turbine stationary support structure, the ring seal segment including a first channel and a separate second channel, the first channel having a radially inwardly concave surface, the first channel being shaped so as to form an extension transitioning into a forward span and an aft span, the forward and aft spans being opposite each other and extending at an angle from the extension in a radially outward direction; the second channel having a radially inwardly concave surface, the second channel being shaped so as to form an extension transitioning into a forward span and an aft span, the forward and aft spans being opposite each other and extending at an angle from the extension in a radially outward direction, the first and second channels being detachably coupled such that the aft span of the first channel substantially abuts the forward span of the second channel, thereby defining an axial interface; and at least one seal operatively engaging the aft span of the first channel and the forward span of the second channel such that the axial interface is substantially sealed, whereby coolant leakage through the axial interface is minimized; a second ring seal segment including a first channel and a separate second channel, the first channel having a radially inwardly concave surface, the first channel being shaped so as to form an extension transitioning into a forward span and an aft span, the forward and aft spans being opposite each other and extending at an angle from the extension in a radially outward direction, the second channel having a radially inwardly concave surface, the first channel being shaped so as to form an extension transitioning into a forward span and an aft span, the forward and aft spans being opposite each other and extending at an angle from the extension in a radially outward direction, the first and second channels being detachably coupled such that the aft span of the first channel substantially abuts the forward span of the second channel, thereby defining an axial interface, wherein each of the first and second ring seal segments includes opposite circumferential ends, and wherein one of the circumferential ends of the first ring seal segment substantially abuts one of the circumferential ends of the second ring seal segment to thereby define a circumferential interface; and at least one seal operatively engaging the circumferential ends of the first and second ring seal segments that form the circumferential interface such that the circumferential interface is substantially sealed, whereby coolant leakage through the circumferential interface is minimized. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification