Patent ID: 6648601
Filing Date: 2003-11-18
Classification: F01D,F04D,F05D

Abstract:
A rotating fan made of a first material having a hub through which a gas containing solid particles is drawn, the gas and solid particles being projected out the circumference of the fan along channels formed by fan blades and fan sides, the channels being lined with a labyrinth seal comprised of:a.) a layer of plates secured to at least a face of each fan blade wherein said plates are comprised of a second material harder than the first material; and b.) a second layer comprised of tiles of the second material secured along the length of at least one joint of the channel, the tiles being arranged with respect to each other to create irregular seams that cause turbulence and slow the rate at which the gas and solid particles are projected through the channels; the plates and tiles being capable of flexible movement in relation to other plates and tiles, such that the plates and tiles can withstand torque experienced with movement of the fan without cracking or fracturing.