Patent ID: 6173958
Filing Date: 2001-01-16
Classification: F01D,F05D,F16J

Abstract:
In a rotary machine having a rotatable component and a component fixed against rotation, said components lying about a common axis, and a labyrinth seal between said components including a plurality of generally circumferentially extending teeth carried by one of said components and projecting generally radially toward the other of said components to effect a seal therebetween, a method of forming a combination labyrinth and brush seal between said components, comprising the steps of retrofitting a circumferential array of discrete bristles on said labyrinth seal of said one component axially adjacent one of said teeth by securing said array to said one component with the bristles lying in a plane generally normal to said axis and with the distal ends thereof projecting toward said other component beyond the radial extent of said one tooth for substantial sealing engagement with said other component.