Abradable seals can run with tighter clearance than traditional stationary aluminum labyrinth seals. The tighter clearance results in higher compressor efficiency. For most compressor makes and models using abradable seals, rotating labyrinths are installed at the impeller eyes and between impellers. A soft “abradable” material—usually Fluorosint or Nickel Graphite—is used for the stationary wear component. During transient conditions such as passing through a critical speed at start up, the rotating labyrinths will simply cut a channel into the abradable material, avoiding damage to the labyrinths and allowing the compressor to continue operation with tight clearance and high efficiency.

Our team at GCBS has decades of experience manufacturing abradable seals in Fluorosint and Nickel Graphite. Fluorosint is generally used in lower temperature applications with Nickel Graphite applied where higher temperature capability is needed.