Compressor discharge brush seal for gas turbine model 7EA

Single-shaft, heavy-duty industrial gas turbines are extremely sensitive to compressed air bypassing at compressor discharge plane. This plane represents the highest pressure location in entire gas turbine unit (GTU). Standard method to minimize compressed air leakage is labyrinth seal that is integral part of the cylindrical element here called "inner barrel." The inner barrel is also the part of compressor discharge diffuser. This paper describes the efforts related to conversion of standard labyrinth seal into the hybrid seal that is combination of labyrinth and brush seals.