Circumferential flow channel for carbon seal runner cooling

摘要

A fluid cooled seal arrangement for a gas turbine engine including a first sealing element coupled to a mechanical housing of the engine, and a second sealing element connected to a shaft rotatable within the housing. The first and second sealing elements are arranged radially adjacent to one another to form a rubbing interface therebetween. A lubrication system for delivering cooling fluid to the second sealing element through a passageway arranged along the rotating shaft. The cooling fluid is discharged through a plurality of openings formed in one end of the passageway. During normal operation of the engine the centrifugal force from the rotation of the shaft flings the oil radially outward to a channel formed on the underside of the second sealing element. The channel receives the cooling fluid therein, and allows for the escape of the cooling fluid onto the underside of the second sealing element to provide a uniform thickness of cooling fluid thereon. A uniform film of cooling fluid will result in the more uniform transfer of heat from the second sealing element.