BEARING COMPARTMENT PROTECTION SYSTEM

摘要

A buffer zone (48, 48 min ) adjacent to the inner diameter of carbon seals (40) of an enclosed bearing compartment (38) is defined by an elongated element disposed adjacent the shaft (12) of a turbine type power plant is open ended to receive pressurized, cool air bled from the compressor to apply the cooler, higher pressure air (higher than ambient) adjacent to the seal (40). One embodiment contemplates feeding the buffer zone (48, 48 min ) by pipes (60, 62) and another embodiment shrouds the bearing compartment and flows the shrouded air to the buffer zone (48, 48 min ). The buffer air with other secondary airflow cooling requirements, is utilized to cool the high pressure turbine with an overall engine performance benefit.