Improved Bearing Compartment Sealing for Gas Turbine Engines

The project objective is to develop grounded and counter-rotating bearing compartment seals that satisfy the requirements of advanced engines that include 5400 hour operational life, 450 ft/s rubbing velocity for grounded seals and 1200 ft/s for counter rotating seals in a 900o F environment. During Phase I, Stein has conducted experiments to determine suitable high temperature carbon materials by exposing samples to wear,exudation,oxidation and fluid compatibility tests. Several carbon grades were selected for seal hardware development. Advanced concepts for grounded and counter-rotating intershaft seals were generated and analyzed to establish feasibility. Layout designs were produced of promising configurations. During Phase II, Stein will complete manufacturing drawings, produce seal hardware, design and produce test fixturing, and complete a comprehensive test program to qualify candidate seals for grounded and intershaft seals. Successful concepts incorporated into military gas turbine engines would improve performance and reliability. Designs will be applicable to both commercial propulsion and for ground power generation. Stein Seal Company has a long history of providing bearing compartment seals to major engine manufacturers, and Steins extensive experience provides high confidence for both technical and commercialization success.