Labyrinth seals are used on rotating steam...

Labyrinth seals are used on rotating steam...

Question 1 of 270705eccefa0bacbc34ba4d4712a

Labyrinth seals are used on rotating steam turbine shafts to reduce external leakage. How is this accomplished?

Question 1 of 27070

Q

Labyrinth seals are used on rotating steam turbine shafts to reduce external leakage. How is this accomplished?

🔍 Key Concepts

• Labyrinth seal design – non-contact, close-clearance teeth and chambers on rotating shafts • Pressure vs. temperature effects on steam flow through small clearances • How multiple seal stages change steam conditions step-by-step

💭 Think About

• Think about what happens to steam pressure and velocity each time it passes a tooth and enters a chamber in a labyrinth seal. • Which variable (pressure, temperature, turbulence) is intentionally controlled to keep steam from leaking out too fast? • In a properly working labyrinth seal, does the steam end up at a higher or lower pressure as it passes through the stages?

✅ Before You Answer

• Identify whether labyrinth seals rely mainly on pressure changes or temperature changes to limit leakage. • Consider whether the clearances typically get smaller, larger, or stay small as you go through the stages. • Ask: Over multiple stages, is the steam being made harder or easier to escape past the seal? That will tell you if pressure is increasing or dropping.