Development of a labyrinth seal design methodology for rotating equipment

• Grant number: 22/13299-3
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: November 01, 2023
• End date: July 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Mechanical Engineering Design
• Principal Investigator: Shahin Ranjbarzadeh
• Grantee: Shahin Ranjbarzadeh
• Company: Falcao Hightec Solution Ltda
• CNAE: Fabricação de produtos diversos não especificados anteriormente ; Desenvolvimento e licenciamento de programas de computador não-customizáveis ; Pesquisa e desenvolvimento experimental em ciências físicas e naturais
• City: São Paulo
• Associated scholarship(s): 23/17030-1 - Development methodology for the design of labyrinth seals for rotating equipment, BP.PIPE

Abstract

Uncontrolled greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions can have a significant influence on climate impacts. Emission occurs in a variety of ways, such as leakage from mechanical seals of compressors and turbines and also from pneumatic devices, which are designed to prevent gas discharge during operation. In the quest to reduce the climate effects caused by GHG emissions (CH4 and CO2), the improvement of the labyrinth seal (SL) in multi-stage pumps and compressors used for the transport and injection of GHG (CH4 and CO2) becomes a necessity. Project here will support Brazil in reducing GHG emissions through designing labyrinth seals for pneumatic machines such as pumps, compressors and turbines and in carrying out the CND (National Determined Contribution, assumed during COP-21 in Paris) on climate change. SLs are a series of extended surfaces forming chambers between a shaft and a fixed bearing, widely used in gas and pneumatic turbines, and which are an excellent solution for sealing in rotating parts subjected to high temperatures. SLs are currently based on traditional geometries. However, in order to meet stricter environmental needs and regulations, SL projects must be improved. Ideally, seals should be designed with minimal leakage in mind. To achieve the least possible leakage, in addition to topological optimization, we will introduce the concept of Intelligent Materials (IMs) in SL projects. In our research group specializing in topological optimization (OT) and additive manufacturing by the Multiphase Systems Optimization Laboratory (MSOL) these computational methods have been applied in various industrial projects in various Brazilian segments of medicine, oil, gas and civil engineering, and we have collaborations with major research groups in Europe, Asia and North America in this area of expertise. Our group has in-depth knowledge of SL design and rotating machines, carrying out research in the areas of compressors and SL in partnership with SHELL and FAPESP in the last five years. We believe that a B2B business model can provide this service in a more efficient way than what is being done by the University, which is normally limited to research projects restricted to the interest of the department, and also has limitations in terms of resource management, deadlines and contracting. Of qualified labor. In this project, we focus on (AU)