Arrangement for maintaining optimum minimum operating clearance between rotor and stator components of fluid-flow machines and the like

摘要

Between the rotor and stator components of turbomachines, compressors, pressure wave machines and the like, the clearance space is partially filled out by an abradable element which is capable of "growing" when subjected to an elevated temperature and/or to the influence of the particular atmosphere in which the machine operates. As the element grows, it compensates for corrosion and erosion factors which take place in the machine and which otherwise tend to increase the clearance. Suitable materials which will "grow" under these operating conditions are gray cast iron and a sintered graphite-metal.