Experimental Investigation on the Characteristics of Honeycomb Seals and Its Application to Steam Turbine

The contrast tests of honeycomb seals have demonstrated the inner surface of the honeycomb seal is characterized by a high roughness, which aggravates the air flow disturbance and induces a multi-peak spectrum, contributing to energy dissipation and achieving the goal of suppressing seal gas flow excitation. The test results have demonstrated that the honeycomb seal, which has a special ratio of cell size to depth, provides the best leakage performance. A new kind of honeycomb seals has been designed and used as shaft end seals and stage seals in steam turbines. By utilizing honeycomb seals, the steam leakage is reduced evidently and vacuum degree is raised. At the same time, not only the problem of the water component mixed in the lubrication oil is solved, but also the efficiency and stability of steam turbines are improved.