Patent ID: 8882445
Filing Date: 2014-11-11
Classification: F03B,F05B,Y02E

Abstract:
1. A hydraulic machine, comprising: a wheel mounted to move in rotation relative to a stationary structure and about a stationary axis of rotation, the wheel being designed to pass a forced flow of water there through; a plurality of leak limiter devices for limiting water leaks disposed between the wheel and the stationary structure, each leak limiter device defining an operating clearance and between the wheel and the stationary structure, having at least one deformable or movable member that is deformable or movable in a radial direction relative to the axis of rotation, while the wheel is rotating, wherein the deformable or movable member is deformable or mobile in a radial direction between a first configuration corresponding to a first value of an operating clearance and a second value corresponding to a second value of the operating clearance; and control means to control movement of the deformable or movable member between its first configuration and the second configuration depending on the operating rotational speed of the wheel, wherein a deformable or movable member of at least one of the plurality of leak limiter devices has a stepped surface including adjacent portions of different diameters.