romac

University of Virginia

Rotating Machinery and Controls Laboratory

P.O. Box 400746

122 Engineer’s Way

Charlottesville, VA 22904

(434)924-3292

(434)982-2246(fax)

Rotating Machinery and Controls Laboratory

COMPRESSOR SEAL TEST RIG

 

 

Student:       Josh Keely

Advisors:     Chris Goyne, Paul Allaire, Jim McDanial
Funding:     ROMAC

Start Date:    September 2005

 

Of particular interest to the air compressor industry is the coupling between the fluid mechanics and rotor dynamics of high pressure aerodynamic seals.  Unfortunately the coupling is poorly understood and poorly modeled and this results in poor prediction of compressor performance and failure limits.  There is thus a need for experimental investigation of the phenomenon.  In order to fully understand the physics involved, not only are surface measurements needed, such as wall pressure and temperature, but also instream measurements of the flow properties.  Of particular interest to fluid modelers are the velocity fields within the seal, both temporally averaged and instantaneous.  With velocity databases in hand for various seal geometries at typical compressor operating conditions, seal modelers will be in a position to significantly improve the prediction accuracy of seal performance and fluid-rotor coupling.

This project will involve the development of a test rig to perform these measurements on honeycomb, hole pattern, and labyrinth type seals.  Current existing rigs of this type are limited to pressures of approximately 1000 psi, while industrial pressures are often found near 3000 psi.  Of primary importance for this new rig is the ability to achieve actual seal pressures for better comparison to industrial conditions.  Data will then be collected and used to validate and improve upon current seal CFD codes.

 

Current work on the project includes specification of the diagnostic requirements and conceptual design of the rig in order to begin the laboratory setup.  By Summer 2006, it is planned to have the diagnostics online, and a conceptual design of the test rig finalized.  Any companies with particular interest in this project are encouraged to contact ROMAC, or Joshua Keely directly at jmk4h@virginia.edu.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seal Test Rig Conceptual Design: Roller bearings to be interchangeable with magnetic bearings so rig can be used for dynamic as well as fluid testing