Abstract
In high-pressure centrifugal compressors, honeycomb seals are often used as replacements for labyrinth seals to enhance dynamic stability. A concern exists with the loss of this enhanced stability if the honeycomb cavities become clogged with debris over time. So, static and dynamic tests were conducted on a constant-clearance honeycomb and a constant-clearance smooth-bore seal under three inlet preswirl conditions, with the smooth-bore seal representing the honeycomb seal with completely clogged cells. Comparing results for the two seals shows increased leakage flowrate and decreased stiffness and dynamic stability for the honeycomb seal with clogged cells. Also, results for the honeycomb seal under the influence of preswirl were used to evaluate a two-control-volume theory by Kleynhans and Childs.
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