Dynamic Force Coefficients of a Multiple-Blade, Multiple-Pocket Gas Damper Seal: Test Results and Predictions

1999 ◽  
Vol 122 (1) ◽  
pp. 317-322 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiming Li ◽  
Ramon Aguilar ◽  
Luis San Andre´s ◽  
John M. Vance

Experimental rotordynamic force coefficients and leakage for a four-blade, two-four pocket gas damper seal are presented and compared to predictions based on a one control volume bulk-flow model. The test rig comprises a vertical shaft and a test seal housing and flexible structure suspended from a rigid centering frame. The experiments were conducted at increasing rotor speeds to 6000 rpm and inlet/exit pressure ratios from 1.0 to 3.0. The seal force coefficients are obtained from impact response measurements of the seal and flexible structure using a frequency domain parameter identification technique. Both measurements and predictions show the seal direct stiffness and damping coefficients are proportional to the inlet/exit pressure ratio and insensitive to rotor speed. The agreement between experimental results and analytical predictions is acceptable. Predicted cross-coupled stiffness coefficients are of small amplitude. However, the test results evidence cross-coupled stiffnesses without journal rotation due to a structural asymmetry induced by the external pressurization into the seal. [S0742-4787(00)04201-6]

Author(s):  
Luis San Andrés ◽  
Tingcheng Wu

Labyrinth gas seals (LS) commonly used in turbomachines reduce secondary flow leakage. Conventional see-through labyrinth seal designs include either all Teeth-On-Stator (TOS) or all Teeth-On-Rotor (TOR). Experience shows that an interlocking labyrinth seal (ILS), with teeth on both stator and rotor, reduces gas leakage by up to 30% compared to the conventional see-through designs. However, field data for ILS rotordynamic characteristics is still vague and scarce in the literature. This work presents flow predictions for an ILS and a TOS LS, both seals share identical design features, namely radial clearance Cr = 0.2 mm, rotor diameter D = 150 mm, tooth pitch Li = 3.75 mm, and tooth height B = 3 mm. Air enters the seal at supply pressure Pin = 3.8, 6.9 bar (absolute) and temperature of 25 °C. The ratio of gas exit pressure to supply pressure ranges from 0.5 to 0.8, and the rotor speed is fixed at 10 krpm (surface speed of 79 m/s). The analysis implements a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method with a multi-frequency-orbit rotor whirl model. The CFD predicted mass flow rate for the ILS is ∼21% lower than that of the TOS LS, thus making the ILS a more efficient choice. Integration of the dynamic pressure fields in the seal cavities, obtained for excitation frequency (ω) ranging from 12% to 168% of rotor speed (sub and super synchronous whirl), allows an accurate estimation of the seal dynamic force coefficients. For all the considered operating conditions, at low frequency range the TOS LS shows a negative direct stiffness (K < 0), frequency independent; whereas the ILS has K > 0 that increases with both frequency and supply pressure. For both seals, the magnitude of K decreases when the exit pressure/inlet pressure ratio increases. On the other hand, the cross-coupled stiffness (k) from both seals is frequency dependent, its magnitude increases with gas supply pressure, and the k for the ILS is more sensitive to a change in the exit/inlet pressure ratio. Notably, k turns negative for subsynchronous frequencies below rotor speed (Ω) for both the TOS LS and ILS. The direct damping (C) for the TOS LS remains constant for ω > ½ Ω and has a larger magnitude than the damping for the ILS over the frequency range up to 1.5Ω. An increase in exit/inlet pressure ratio decreases the direct damping for both seals. The effective damping coefficient, Ceff = (C-k/ω) whenever positive aids to damp vibrations, whereas Ceff < 0 is a potential source for an instability. For frequencies ω /Ω < 1.3, Ceff for the TOS LS is higher in magnitude than that for the ILS. From a rotordynamics point of view, the ILS is not a sound selection albeit it reduces leakage. Comparison of the CFD predicted force coefficients against those from a bulk flow model demonstrate the later simple model delivers poor results, often contradictory and largely indifferent to the type of seal, ILS or TOS LS. In addition, CFD model predictions are benchmarked against experimental dynamic force coefficients for two TOS LSs published by Ertas et al. (2012) and Vannini et al. (2014).


2018 ◽  
Vol 140 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adolfo Delgado ◽  
Bugra Ertas

The following paper focuses on an experimental and analytical study aimed at identifying the dynamic force coefficients of hydrostatic gas films for recessed flat plates. The motivation for the effort was brought upon by the necessity of generating more accurate models for hydrostatic gas films found in hybrid gas bearings. Pressurized air at room temperature up to 120 psi was used to test different recess geometries on a flat plate test rig, capable of characterizing the stiffness and damping force coefficients for varying supply pressures, gas film thickness values, excitation frequencies, and vibration amplitudes. The test rig design and operation is described. Experimental results include frequency-dependent stiffness and damping coefficients, and leakage. The test results show that using external pressurization can generate large stiffness values while exhibiting small leakage. However, the results also show that the majority of the test configurations portray high negative damping values. An analytical model is presented and numerical predictions are compared to experimental results. Example damping trends as a function of frequency, pressure, and film thickness are presented in addition to force coefficient plots as functions of pressure ratio.


1997 ◽  
Vol 119 (1) ◽  
pp. 132-141 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. T. Sawicki ◽  
R. J. Capaldi ◽  
M. L. Adams

This paper describes an experimental and theoretical investigation of a four-pocket, oil-fed, orifice-compensated hydrostatic bearing including the hybrid effects of journal rotation. The test apparatus incorporates a double-spool-shaft spindle which permits independent control over the journal spin speed and the frequency of an adjustable-magnitude circular orbit, for both forward and backward whirling. This configuration yields data that enables determination of the full linear anisotropic rotordynamic model. The dynamic force measurements were made simultaneously with two independent systems, one with piezoelectric load cells and the other with strain gage load cells. Theoretical predictions are made for the same configuration and operating conditions as the test matrix using a finite-difference solver of Reynolds lubrication equation. The computational results agree well with test results, theoretical predictions of stiffness and damping coefficients are typically within thirty percent of the experimental results.


2019 ◽  
Vol 142 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xueliang Lu ◽  
Luis San Andrés ◽  
Tingcheng Wu

Abstract In the subsea oil and gas industry, multiphase pumps and wet gas compressors are engineered choices saving transportation and separation facility costs. In these machines, seals handling multiple phase components must be able to operate without affecting the system efficiency and its dynamic stability. This paper, extending prior work conducted with uniform clearance and wavy surface annular seals, presents measurements of leakage and dynamic force coefficients in a grooved seal whose dimensions are scaled from an impeller wear ring seal in a boiler feed pump. The 14-grooves seal has diameter D = 127 mm, length L = 0.34 D, and clearance c = 0.211 mm; each groove has shallow depth dg ∼2.6 c and length Lg ∼ 3.4% L. At a shaft speed of 3.5 krpm (surface speed = 23.3 m/s), a mixture of air in ISO VG 10 oil with inlet gas volume fraction (GVF) ranging from 0 (just oil) to 0.7 (mostly air) lubricates the seal. The pressure ratio (inlet/exit) is 2.9. The flow is laminar since the liquid is viscous and the pressure drop is low. The measured mixture mass flow decreases continuously with an increase in inlet GVF. The seal stiffnesses (direct K and cross coupled k), added mass (M), and direct damping (C) coefficients are constant when the supplied mixture is low in gas content, GVF ≤ 0.1. As the gas content increases, 0.2 ≤  GVF ≤ 0.5, the seal direct dynamic stiffness becomes nil with an increase in excitation frequency, whereas k and C reduce steadily with GVF. In general, for GVF ≤ 0.5, the direct damping is invariant with frequency; variations appearing for GVF = 0.7. Compared against a three wave annular seal, the grooved seal offers much lower force coefficients, in particular the viscous damping. Thus, for laminar flow operation (heavy oil) with a low pressure drop as in a wear ring seal, a three wave seal is recommended as it also offers a significant centering stiffness.


Author(s):  
Luis San Andre´s ◽  
Thomas Soulas ◽  
Florence Challier ◽  
Patrice Fayolle

The paper introduces a bulk-flow model for prediction of the static and dynamic force coefficients of angled injection Lomakin bearings. The analysis accounts for the flow interaction between the injection orifices, the supply circumferential groove, and the thin film lands. A one control-volume model in the groove is coupled to a bulk-flow model within the film lands of the bearing. Bernoulli-type relationships provide closure at the flow interfaces. Flow turbulence is accounted for with shear stress parameters and Moody’s friction factors. The flow equations are solved numerically using a robust computational method. Comparisons between predictions and experimental results for a tangential-against-rotation injection water Lomakin bearing show the novel model predicts well the leakage and direct stiffness and damping coefficients. Computed cross-coupled stiffness coefficients follow the experimental trends for increasing rotor speeds and supply pressures, but quantitative agreement remains poor. A parameter investigation evidences the effects of the groove and land geometries on the Lomakin bearing flowrate and force coefficients. The orifice injection angle does not influence the bearing static performance, although it largely affects its stability characteristics through the evolution of the cross-coupled stiffnesses. The predictions confirm the promising stabilizing effect of the tangential-against-rotation injection configuration. Two design parameters, comprising the feed orifices area and groove geometry, define the static and dynamic performance of Lomakin bearing. The analysis also shows that the film land clearance and length have a larger impact on the Lomakin bearing rotordynamic behavior than its groove depth and length.


Author(s):  
Xueliang Lu ◽  
Luis San Andrés ◽  
Tingcheng Wu

Abstract In the subsea oil and gas industry, multiphase pumps and wet gas compressors are engineered choices saving transportation and separation facility costs. In these machines, seals handling multiple phase components must be able to operate without affecting the system efficiency and its dynamic stability. This paper, extending prior work conducted with uniform clearance and wavy surface annular seals, presents measurements of leakage and dynamic force coefficients in a grooved seal whose dimensions are scaled from an impeller wear ring seal in a boiler feed pump. The 14-grooves seal has diameter D = 127 mm, length L = 0.34 D, and clearance c = 0.211 mm; each groove has shallow depth dg ∼2.6 c and length Lg ∼ 3.4% L. At a shaft speed of 3.5 krpm (surface speed = 23.3 m/s), a mixture of air in ISO VG 10 oil with inlet gas volume fraction (GVF) ranging from 0 (just oil) to 0.7 (mostly air) lubricates the seal. The pressure ratio (inlet/exit) is 2.9. The flow is laminar since the liquid is viscous and the pressure drop is low. The measured mixture mass flow decreases continuously with an increase in inlet GVF. The seal stiffnesses (direct K and cross coupled k), added mass (M), and direct damping (C) coefficients are constant when the supplied mixture is low in gas content, GVF ≤ 0.1. As the gas content increases, 0.2 ≤ GVF ≤ 0.5, the seal direct dynamic stiffness becomes nil with an increase in excitation frequency, whereas k and C reduce steadily with GVF. In general, for GVF ≤ 0.5 the direct damping is invariant with frequency; variations appearing for GVF = 0.7. Compared against a three wave annular seal, the grooved seal offers much lower force coefficients, in particular the viscous damping. Thus, for laminar flow operation (heavy oil) with a low pressure drop as in a wear ring seal, a three wave seal is recommended as it also offers a significant centering stiffness.


2006 ◽  
Vol 128 (3) ◽  
pp. 626-633 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deborah A. Osborne ◽  
Luis San Andre´s

Gas film bearings offer unique advantages enabling successful deployment of high-speed microturbomachinery (<0.4 MW). Current applications encompass micropower generators, air cycle machines and turbo expanders. Mechanically complex gas foil bearings are in use; however, their excessive cost and lack of calibrated predictive tools deters their application to mass-produced systems. The present investigation provides experimental results for the rotordynamic performance of a small rotor supported on simple and inexpensive hybrid gas bearings with static and dynamic force characteristics desirable in high-speed turbomachinery. These characteristics are adequate load support, stiffness and damping coefficients, low friction and wear during rotor startup and shutdown, and most importantly, enhanced rotordynamic stability. The test results evidence the paramount effect of feed pressure on early rotor lift-off and substantially higher threshold speeds of rotordynamic instability. Higher supply pressures also determine larger bearing direct stiffnesses, and thus bring an increase in the rotor-bearing system critical speed albeit with a reduction in damping ratio.


2004 ◽  
Vol 126 (2) ◽  
pp. 326-333 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dara W. Childs ◽  
Jonathan Wade

Selected test results are presented for an annular gas seal using a smooth rotor and a hole-pattern-roughness stator for a supply pressure of 70 bar, three pressure ratios, three speeds up to 20,000 rpm, two clearances, and three preswirl ratios. Dynamic data include frequency-dependent direct and cross-coupled stiffness and damping coefficients. Static data include leakage and upstream and downstream pressures and temperatures. Very good agreements are found between measurements and predictions from a two-control-volume bulk-flow model.


Author(s):  
Adolfo Delgado ◽  
Luis San Andre´s ◽  
John F. Justak

Multiple-shoed brush seals represent an alternative to resolve poor reliability resulting from bristle tip wear while also allowing for reverse rotation operation. The novel configuration incorporates pads contacting the shaft, and which under rotor spinning; lift off due to the generation of hydrodynamic pressures. The ensuing gas film prevents intermittent contact; thus lowering the operating temperature and thermal distortions, and even eliminating bristles’ wear. A computational analysis for the equilibrium and dynamic forced response of a brush seal with reverse rotation capability is presented. Small amplitude rotor motions about an equilibrium position lead to a nonlinear partial differential equation for the static pressure field, and a set of first order linear partial differential equations to determine the rotordynamic force coefficients, stiffness and damping, as function of the excitation frequency and other operating conditions. Predictions for the stiffness and damping coefficients of a 20 shoe-brush seal configuration operating over a range of rotor speeds are detailed. The parametric study varies the nominal gas film thickness, the supply to discharge pressure ratio, and the bristle bed structural loss (damping) coefficient. The results show that the film clearance and supply to discharge pressure ratio do not affect the shoed-brush seal force coefficients. On the other hand, the direct stiffness drops rapidly as the operating speed increases. The shoed-brush seal offers whirl frequency ratios much lower than 0.50 due to the (structural) damping arising from friction among the brush seal bristles.


Author(s):  
Philip D. Brown ◽  
Dara W. Childs

Test results are presented for rotordynamic coefficients of a hole-pattern annular gas seals at supply pressures to 84 bar and running speeds to 20,200 RPM. The principal test variable of interest was negative preswirl. Preswirl signifies the circumferential fluid flow entering a seal, and negative preswirl indicates a fluid swirl in a direction opposite to rotor rotation. The influences of pressure ratio and rotor speed were also investigated. Measured results produce direct and cross-coupled stiffness and damping coefficients that are a function of excitation frequency Ω. Changes in pressure ratio had only small effects on most rotordynamic coefficients. Cross-coupled stiffness showed slightly different profiles through the mid-range of Ω values. Increasing rotor speed significantly increased cross-coupled stiffness and cross-coupled damping. At 10,200 RPM, high negative inlet preswirl produced negative cross-coupled stiffness over an excitation frequency range of 200–250 Hz. Negative preswirl did not affect direct stiffness and damping coefficients. Effective damping combines the stabilizing effect of direct damping and the destabilizing effect of cross-coupled stiffness. The cross-over frequency is the precession frequency where effective damping transitions from a negative value to a positive value with increasing frequency. At 20,200 RPM with a pressure ratio of 50%, peak effective damping was increased by 50%, and the cross-over frequency was reduced by 50% for high-negative preswirl versus zero preswirl. Hence, reverse swirl can greatly enhance the stabilizing capacity of hole-pattern balance-piston or division-wall seals for compressors. A two-control-volume model that uses the ideal gas law at constant temperature was used to predict rotordynamic coefficients. The model predicted direct rotordynamic coefficients well, but substantially under predicted cross-coupled rotordynamic coefficients especially at high negative preswirls.


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