Compliant abradable sealing system and method for rotary machines

摘要

A method for operating a compliant abradable sealing system includes biasing a radially movable sealing element to contact a mating radially fixed sealing element. The radially fixed sealing element is rotated relative to the radially movable sealing element. The radially fixed sealing element is provided on a rotor. The radially movable sealing element is provided in a stator housing. The radial movement of the movable sealing element is limited by a stopping device provided between the movable sealing element and the stator housing. A plurality of permanent sealing grooves are formed in the radially movable sealing element to form a zero-clearance labyrinth seal.