William Charles Below

US Patent:

20070292258, Dec 20, 2007

Filed:

Jun 19, 2006

Appl. No.:

11/454836

Inventors:

Darrin Glen Kirchhof - Schenectady NY, US
William Charles Below - Clifton Park NY, US
Mark Edward Burnett - Barton NY, US
Frederick George Baily - Ballston Spa NY, US
Shorya Awtar - Clifton Park NY, US
Norman Arnold Turnquist - Sloansville NY, US

Assignee:

General Electric Company - Schenectady NY

International Classification:

F04D 27/02

US Classification:

415 1

Abstract:

An actuation pressure control system effects actuation of adjustable seal segments between stationary and rotating turbomachinery members. At least one actuator is coupled with each of the adjustable seal segments and controls a position of the seal segments, respectively. A pressure system is disposed within the turbomachinery that measures or estimates ambient pressure representing an actuator back pressure acting against the actuator. A pressure regulator via a controller pressurizes the actuator to a level sufficient for a desired seal operation and controls actuator pressure based on the actuator back pressure.