Environmental and customer-driven seal requirements

Abstract

Public awareness of environmental hazards, well-publicized effects of hazardous leakages (Three Mile Island, Challenger), and a general concern for planet earth have precipitated emission limits that drive the design requirements for seals applications. Types of seals, barrier fluids, and the necessity of thin lubricating films and stable turbomachine operation to minimize leakage and material losses generated by rubbing contact are discussed.