Patent ID: 7963525
Filing Date: 2011-06-21
Classification: F01D,F16J

Abstract:
1. A circumferential seal system sealing a high pressure region from a low pressure region separated by a runner with an outer circumferential surface and a seal ring including a plurality of ring segments disposed about said outer circumferential surface comprising: a plurality of groove sets separately disposed along said outer circumferential surface and diagonal to rotation of said runner, each said groove set including at least two grooves, each said groove having a first end and a second end with said first end closer to said high pressure region, said first ends within each said groove set at different distances from said high pressure region, at least one said first end within each said groove set communicates with said high pressure region so that a fluid from said high pressure region enters at least one said groove, said second ends within each said groove set located at different distances from said high pressure region, said second end of at least one said groove within each said groove set communicates said fluid onto said seal ring as said runner translates with respect to said seal ring, said fluid produces a lift force between said seal ring and said runner.