Fluid transfer seal assemblies for transferring process fluid between a stationary component and a rotating component, fluid transfer systems, and methods for transferring process fluid between the stationary and rotating components via a fluid transfer assembly are provided. A rotatable component includes a sealing surface. The fluid transfer seal assembly comprises a face seal ring having at least one segment of a fluid passageway and a sealing face configured to be disposed opposite of the sealing surface. The sealing face or the opposed sealing surface includes a geometric feature for forming a hydrodynamic seal therebetween. A secondary seal is configured to be disposed between and contacting the face seal ring and the stationary component.

Fluid transfer seal assemblies for transferring process fluid between a stationary component and a rotating component, fluid transfer systems, and methods for transferring process fluid between the stationary and rotating components via a fluid transfer assembly are provided. A rotatable component includes a sealing surface. The fluid transfer seal assembly comprises a face seal ring having at least one segment of a fluid passageway and a sealing face configured to be disposed opposite of the sealing surface. The sealing face or the opposed sealing surface includes a geometric feature for forming a hydrodynamic seal therebetween. A secondary seal is configured to be disposed between and contacting the face seal ring and the stationary component.

A gas turbine airfoil is provided that is superior in the cooling performance of an end wall and in the thermal efficiency of a gas turbine. A gas turbine airfoil includes an airfoil portion having a cooling passage therein; and an end wall portion located at an inner band end portion of the airfoil portion in the turbine-radial direction. Cooling holes are disposed in the leading edge side hook portion of the end wall portion. The plurality of cooling holes are arranged at different distance of intervals in the circumferential direction of the gas turbine. Cooling air that has flowed in the cooling passage is configured to flow from the cooling holes toward the leading edge of the end wall portion.

A gas turbine airfoil is provided that is superior in the cooling performance of an end wall and in the thermal efficiency of a gas turbine. A gas turbine airfoil includes an airfoil portion having a cooling passage therein; and an end wall portion located at an inner band end portion of the airfoil portion in the turbine-radial direction. Cooling holes are disposed in the leading edge side hook portion of the end wall portion. The plurality of cooling holes are arranged at different distance of intervals in the circumferential direction of the gas turbine. Cooling air that has flowed in the cooling passage is configured to flow from the cooling holes toward the leading edge of the end wall portion.

A method of designing a gas turbine engine includes locating purge openings in fluid communication with a first stage cavity. At least one of a cover plate or a rotor disk is positioned adjacent the first stage cavity and radially inward from the purge openings. A portion of a rotor blade is positioned radially outward from the purge openings. A mass flow rate of cooling air through the purge openings is selected based on a radial location of the purge openings to create an air barrier between a radially inner side of the purge openings and a radially outer side of the purge openings.

Aspects of the disclosure are directed to a system associated with an engine of an aircraft, the system comprising: a fluid source that is configured to provide a fluid at a first pressure value, a carbon seal, a seal plate that includes at least one lift-off feature that interfaces to the carbon seal, and a pressure boosting mechanism configured to obtain the fluid from the fluid source, increase the pressure of the fluid to a second pressure value, and provide the fluid at the second pressure value to the at least one lift-off feature.

The present disclosure relates to a mechanical assembly of two mechanical parts rotatable relative to each other and enabling a self-centering fluid bearing to be obtained; it comprises a first part provided with a cylindrical cavity, a second part (34) having at least one cylindrical portion engaged in the cylindrical cavity of the first part, a gap separating the cylindrical portion and the wall of the cylindrical cavity so as to allow relative movement in rotation between the first part and the second part (34), and a lubricant distribution network (37, 38) configured for feeding said gap with a fluid lubricant so as to form a fluid bearing; a first surface (34s) selected from the inside surface of the cylindrical cavity of the first part and the outside surface of the cylindrical portion of the second part is provided with at least two lubricant admission orifices (39a, 39b) that are spaced apart from each other by not less than 120° about the main axis (F) of the first surface (34s), and the first surface (34s) also presents at least one circumferential groove (40a) extending circumferentially from the vicinity of a first lubricant admission orifice (39a) over at least 100° and in the direction of rotation of the second of said surfaces relative to the first surface (34s).

The present disclosure relates to a mechanical assembly of two mechanical parts rotatable relative to each other and enabling a self-centering fluid bearing to be obtained; it comprises a first part provided with a cylindrical cavity, a second part (34) having at least one cylindrical portion engaged in the cylindrical cavity of the first part, a gap separating the cylindrical portion and the wall of the cylindrical cavity so as to allow relative movement in rotation between the first part and the second part (34), and a lubricant distribution network (37, 38) configured for feeding said gap with a fluid lubricant so as to form a fluid bearing; a first surface (34s) selected from the inside surface of the cylindrical cavity of the first part and the outside surface of the cylindrical portion of the second part is provided with at least two lubricant admission orifices (39a, 39b) that are spaced apart from each other by not less than 120° about the main axis (F) of the first surface (34s), and the first surface (34s) also presents at least one circumferential groove (40a) extending circumferentially from the vicinity of a first lubricant admission orifice (39a) over at least 100° and in the direction of rotation of the second of said surfaces relative to the first surface (34s).

A sealing device for a turbine has a sealing member provided in a gap between a rotor and a stator arranged to surround the rotor, and a fluid path provided within the stator, to introduce, into the stator, a cooling medium used to cool stationary blades extending radially inward from the stator, and to flow the cooling medium at least to an upstream side of the sealing member.

Method for operating a solar installation. The solar installation includes a solar field with direct evaporation accompanied by the generation of superheated live steam, a turbine for expanding the live steam, and a generator driven by the turbine for generating electrical energy. At least one valve is associated with the turbine by which the amount of live steam fed to the turbine is adjusted. The valve, or each valve, through which the amount of live steam fed to the turbine is adjusted such that an actual value of a live steam pressure occurring upstream of the turbine follows a reference value determined depending on a live steam temperature of the live steam upstream of the turbine.