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Tip Seals and J-Strips

Steam Turbine Seal Upgrades
About 50% of efficiency losses in large steam turbines come from excessive seal clearances at packing and tip seals. EthosEnergy can minimize tip-seal losses, reduce tip-seal damage, and control excessive erosion with improved tip seal parts custom designed to fit your turbine.
Cutting Tip-Seal Clearance to Improve Efficiency
The loss of efficiency from excessive Tip Seal clearance can be substantial. There are several ways to prevent blade-tip seal losses:
1) Upgrade to EthosEnergy Premier Seal Brush Tip Seals
Brush Tip Seals replace conventional Blade Tip Seals to reduce clearances from a typical .050-.080″ to a nominal .010″, a substantial improvement over design. This flexible rub-tolerant seal can boost turbine performance above original design.
2) Tooth Design
In some instances a single tooth provides a better barrier to flow than a two tooth design. EthosEnergy will evaluate this for your turbine specifically.
3) Upgrade Material
Bronze base material originally used by OEMs is subject to excessive erosion wear particularly in the harsh environment above the blade cover where the tip seal is located. In certain applications EthosEnergy can upgrade bronze tip seals to a steel alloy that lasts longer.
What can we do to help?
EthosEnergy manufactures and installs Blade Tip Seals, HELPR™ Seals and J-strips for all OEM machines—boosting efficiency and reliability. In most cases, turbine “J” Strips can be rolled to the required diameter and shipped within 24 hours. Replacing Blade Tip Seals is a cost effective, performance enhancing part of a turbine overhaul. EthosEnergy also offers upgrades to certain Blade Tip Seal configurations, including solid particle erosion-resistant coatings, material changes and clearance enhancements to maximize turbine efficiency. Contact EthosEnergy for solutions to tip-seal problems.
Why choose EthosEnergy Tip Seals, HELPRTM Seals and J-Strips?
EthosEnergy designs all types of tip seals, spill strips, and J-strips to fit various OEM configurations. We use upgraded materials and erosion-resistant coatings in the process. Our patented HELPR™ seals are perfect for high-particulate applications. All of our tip seals, spill strips, and J-strips can be custom-fit installed to ensure a round bore even in an out-of-round casing.
Key Customer Benefits:
- Tip seals are designed, manufactured & custom-fit for your turbine, your operating conditions & your efficiency requirements, maximizing turbine efficiency
- Upgrades allow a tighter design clearance than the OEM to increase performance & efficiency
- Coatings & upgrades extend seal life
- You choose exactly the features you need, nothing more, nothing less
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Get in touch today and discover how we can help your steam turbine needs!