Flow Simulation in a Labyrinth Seal

Abstract

The paper studies the labyrinth seals of centrifugal compressor profit-proved stages using modern methods of numerical and physical modeling of the centrifugal compressor stages. A series of studies of the effect of operational and geometrical parameters on the maze, namely the quantities of the packed differential pressure, speed, fluid, geometric parameters of the seal, the magnitude of the eccentricity and radial clearance swirl flow at the inlet of a seal, etc. The technique of physical modeling seal has been specified. Research was conducted in two phases: numerical simulation using complex software Flow Vision and receiving data on a universal test bench to study the labyrinth seals.. A three-dimensional model of the labyrinth seal has been created, its verification by "known data has been held.. Integral characteristics in the form of distribution of flow velocities and pressures, flow visualization were obtained. Results of studies made ​​it possible to refine the workflow and introduce amendments to the known calculation formula for a more accurate calculation of leakage through the seal, subject to a number of additional factors that were not previously taken into account