Thermally-activated control gap brush seal

摘要

A brush seal (30) for use with a housing (20) and sealing a high pressure area from a low pressure area is provided. In an embodiment, the brush seal (30) includes a retainer (40) and a plurality of bristles (50). The retainer (40) is comprised of a thermally-sensitive material having a thermal expansion rate. The bristles (50) are connected to and extend from the retainer (40). In an embodiment, the retainer (40) is not fixedly connected to the housing (20), and the thermal expansion rate of the retainer (40) is greater than the thermal expansion rare of a portion of the housing (20) adjacent the retainer (40). In another embodiment, a joint (130) associated with a plurality of bristles (50) is permitted to move into a bsadspace (G) provided above the joint (130). A method for making a control-gap brush seal assembly (10) for use in connection with a shaft (60) is also disclosed. '