Patent ID: 8403630

Claim:
A fluid flow machine comprising: a main flow path, including a portion in which energy is transferred to the fluid and in which at least one row of blades having a shroud is arranged, with the shroud positioned in a cavity of a component, with the component and the blades being in relative rotational movement to each other, wherein, the shroud includes at least one internal chamber, the at least one internal chamber is supplied with fluid from a source, the at least one internal chamber is connected to at least one chosen from the main flow path surrounding the blades and the cavity surrounding the shroud via at least one outlet, the at least one outlet is positioned on one side of the shroud, and a shape of the outlet and a shape of the outlet opening are configured such that a fluid barrier jet is generated at the outlet, which stops recirculation of fluid through the shroud cavity, the outlet positioned such that the fluid barrier jet is released downstream of any seal between the shroud and the cavity; the component including a flow ramp positioned in an area of the outlet opening for guiding the fluid barrier jet into the main flow path, with a trajectory of at least one chosen from the outlet and the fluid barrier jet impinging on the flow ramp; wherein the at least one internal chamber is supplied with fluid via at least one chosen from at least one blade and at least one additional line, from a source having a pressure higher than a static pressure at a side of the shroud facing the main flow path.