Patent attributes
In accordance with embodiments of this invention, a pressure actuated leaf seal assembly is provided that includes film riding, hydrodynamic/hydrostatic runners under seal member leaf ends. Leaf seal assemblies according to embodiments of this invention maintain the runner away from a rotating body until adequate rotating speed is present to generate lift required to allow the runner to float on a thin film of operating fluid on the rotating body, so that the runner does not rub the rotating body. In addition, runners are attached, or added, to leaf seal members such that the runners move in a radial direction, while remaining parallel to the rotating body. In one embodiment, a runner can comprise a separate structure coupled to a leaf seal member, and in another embodiment, a runner can comprise a wear-resistant pad on a distal end of a leaf seal member.
