Calculations of labyrinth seals with and without diagnostic extraction in fluid-flow machines

Labyrinth seals are essential components of steam turbine unit constructions. Two types of labyrinth seals can be named, the first of which is the seal without diagnostic steam extraction, and the second – with extraction. The distribution of flow parameters along the packing is affected remarkably by the average seal clearance. The presence of diagnostic extraction leads to the equation system which is determinable and can be inversed to calculate the average seal clearance Si. Analysing the obtained results leads to the conclusion that the information about this parameter provides opportunities to monitor the current state of the packing in real time. The applied calculation procedure bases on the de Saint - Venant equation. The article also includes a brief description of both types of seals.