Contamination Elimination With Magnetic Seals

Dresser-Rand steam turbines are highly regarded for the dependability they have displayed throughout their
operating lives. It is not uncommon to find units which have been in operation for over 30 years. However,
one factor that can reduce the life of the very best steam turbine equipment is contamination of lubricating
oil.
Steam turbines tend to be most susceptible to ingest contamination during slow roll or shutdown, because
normal pressures and shaft dynamics of the internals become inoperative. Steam turbines that tend to be
most susceptible to contamination are typically located in dirty environments, inside or outside, where
maintaining cleanliness is an issue. A barrier between the shaft to casing clearance would be a desired
solution in order to inhibit or completely stop the invasion of water or dirt into the lubrication oil. This is the
point where the shaft protrudes from the bearing housing.
To achieve this solution, Dresser-Rand has utilized the superior magnetic qualities of Alnico V magnetic seat
and a carbon graphite ring to create a magnetic seal that maintains a sliding contact barrier between the
shaft and case to isolate the lubrication from the contamination. The magnet utilizes axial force for sealing
and a central radial force to maintain stability for the magnetic ring. Sealing elements for this component are
a carbon rotary face and a hard steel stationary face.
Magnetic Seal Configuration

A magnetic seal has several advantages over a mechanical spring loaded face seal, which could be another
option to consider in preventing contaminated lube oil. Magnetic forces are less susceptible to damage and
dont relax with time or distance like a mechanical spring might. Magnetic forces are also better able to
retain force under motion. These benefits help minimize contamination or leakage at either slow roll or
shutdown, avoiding wear that might occur in elastomers or mechanical springs.
The magnetic seal is comprised of several additional components that include a rotary seal case, o-rings,
rotary and stationary faces and a housing adaptor. These components have been packaged to enable each
material to function without overtaxing each one's respective limitations.

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If you are interested in the benefits of magnetic seals and would like more information relating to your
equipment, please contact your local sales representative or call us at 1-800-275-3773.
It would help us process the information faster at the time of your request if you could have the following
information ready for us:
What is the model and serial number of your steam turbine?
What is the application and environment?
What is the duty, standby or slow roll?
Form SSL-007A
Copyright 1999 Dresser-Rand
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