GB1410781A - Rotary regenerative heat exchanger - Google Patents

Abstract

1410781 Thermal regenerators R N PENNY 8 Jan 1973 [8 Jan 1972] 962/72 Heading F4K In a thermal regenerator with a rotary, discshaped matrix for the heating of compressed air by turbine exhaust gases flowing in counterflow so that one end face of the matrix is colder than the other, and wherein some axial movement of the matrix is permitted, sealing is effected by biasing means (e.g. pads 19 pressed upon by springs 20, Fig. 3) located at the "cold" end face of the matrix and engaging axially movable seals 14, 15, 16 at that face, the sealing pressure being transmitted through the axially movable matrix to axially fixed seals (Fig. 9) at the "hot" end face of the matrix, and the forces acting on the matrix due to the air and gas streams being substantially in balance so that only a relatively light sealing pressure needs to be applied by the biasing means 19, 20. The substantial balance of the forces exerted on the matrix by the air and gas pressures is effected by the appropriate dimensioning and positioning laterally of a longitudinal groove 17 in the face of each sealing pad 16, this groove being in communication with the area bounded by the seal via transverse grooves 18. The seal pads 16 (or 26, Fig. 9) are mounted in backing members 14, 15 (or 14A, Fig. 8, or 25, Fig. 9). The seal pads may be of sintered material (e.g. nickel oxide) or of steel coated with such material. The backing members may be coated with a sintered material. The sealing arrangement is such that the matrix area lying outside the areas enclosed by the seals, is under the hot gas exhaust duct pressure, Fig. 1.