Brush sealing system and method for rotary machines

Abstract

A rotary machine includes a rotary component disposed inside a stationary component. A brush sealing system is disposed between the stationary component and the rotary component. The brush sealing system includes a holding device coupled to the stationary component. A plurality of carbon bristles is provided, each bristle having a first end coupled to the holding device and a second end protruding from the holding device towards the rotary component. Diameter of each bristle is in the range of 0.1 to 1 mils.

1 . A rotary machine, comprising:
 a stationary component;   a rotary component disposed inside the stationary component; and   a brush sealing system disposed between the stationary component and the rotary component, comprising:   a holding device coupled to the stationary component; and   a plurality of carbon bristles, each bristle having a first end coupled to the holding device and a second end protruding from the holding device towards the rotary component; wherein diameter of each bristle is in the range of 0.1 to 1 mils.   
     
     
         2 . The rotary machine of  claim 1 , wherein the holding device comprises a first plate and a second plate configured to hold the plurality of bristles. 
     
     
         3 . The rotary machine of  claim 2 , wherein the first and second plates comprise a metallic material, a composite material, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         4 . The rotary machine of  claim 1 , further comprising a matrix disposed between the first and second plates. 
     
     
         5 . The rotary machine of  claim 4 , wherein the first end of each bristle is coupled to the matrix disposed between the first and second plates. 
     
     
         6 . The rotary machine of  claim 1 , wherein strength of each bristle is at least 900 kilopounds per inch squared. 
     
     
         7 . The rotary machine of  claim 1 , wherein fiber modulus of each bristle is at least 19 megapounds per inch squared. 
     
     
         8 . The rotary machine of  claim 1 , wherein elongation of each bristle during operation of the rotary machine is 2 percent. 
     
     
         9 . The rotary machine of  claim 1 , wherein the second end of each bristle is configured to contact the rotary component to reduce leakage of pressurized fluid between the stationary component and the rotary component during operation of the machine. 
     
     
         10 . The rotary machine of  claim 1 , wherein the brush sealing system is coupled to a labyrinth sealing element recessed partially in the stationary component. 
     
     
         11 . The rotary machine of  claim 1 , wherein the rotary machine comprises an electric generator. 
     
     
         12 . The rotary machine of  claim 1 , wherein the rotary machine comprises a gas turbine. 
     
     
         13 . A brush sealing system, comprising:
 a holding device coupled to a stationary component; and   a plurality of carbon bristles, each bristle having a first end coupled to the holding device, a second end protruding from the holding device towards a rotary component and configured to contact the rotary component to reduce leakage of pressurized fluid between the stationary component and the rotary component;   wherein diameter of each bristle is in the range of 0.1 to 1 mils.   
     
     
         14 . The brush sealing system of  claim 13 , wherein the holding device comprises a first plate and a second plate configured to hold the plurality of bristles. 
     
     
         15 . The brush sealing system of  claim 14 , wherein the first and second plates comprise a metallic material, a composite material, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         16 . The brush sealing system of  claim 13 , further comprising a matrix disposed between the first and second plates. 
     
     
         17 . The brush sealing system of  claim 16 , wherein the first end of each bristle is coupled to the matrix disposed between the first and second plates. 
     
     
         18 . The brush sealing system of  claim 13 , wherein strength of each bristle is at least 900 kilopounds per inch squared. 
     
     
         19 . The brush sealing system of  claim 13 , wherein fiber modulus of each bristle is at least 19 megapounds per inch squared. 
     
     
         20 . The brush sealing system of  claim 13 , wherein elongation of each bristle during rotation of the rotary component is 2 percent. 
     
     
         21 . A brush sealing system, comprising:
 a holding device coupled to a stationary component; and   a plurality of carbon bristles, each bristle having a first end coupled to the holding device and a second end protruding from the holding device towards the rotary component;   wherein each carbon bristle has friction coefficient less than or equal to 0.25, thermal conductivity greater than 8 watts per meter-kelvin, and temperature capability greater than 700 degrees fahrenheit.   
     
     
         22 . The brush sealing system of  claim 21 , wherein the holding device comprises a first plate and a second plate configured to hold the plurality of bristles. 
     
     
         23 . The brush sealing system of  claim 22 , further comprising a matrix disposed between the first and second plates. 
     
     
         24 . The brush sealing system of  claim 23 , wherein the first end of each bristle is coupled to the matrix disposed between the first and second plates. 
     
     
         25 . The brush sealing system of  claim 21 , wherein diameter of each bristle is in the range of 0.1 to 1 mils. 
     
     
         26 . The brush sealing system of  claim 21 , wherein the second end of each bristle is configured to contact a rotary component to reduce leakage of pressurized fluid between the stationary component and the rotary component. 
     
     
         27 . A method of operating a rotary machine, comprising:
 rotating a rotary component disposed inside a stationary component; and   contacting a plurality of carbon bristles of a brush sealing system against the rotary component to reduce leakage of a pressurized fluid between the stationary component and the rotary component during operation of the machine; wherein diameter of each bristle is in the range of 0.1 to 1 mils.   
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 27 , further comprising biasing the brush sealing system coupled to a labyrinth sealing element against the rotary component to reduce leakage of pressurized fluid between the stationary component and the rotary component during operation of the machine. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 28 , further comprising biasing the brush sealing coupled to the labyrinth sealing element away from the rotary component during non-operating condition of the machine.