In compression stations, the efficiency of gas transport system is strongly dependant on the operating quality of the gas pumping unit (GPU). Since labyrinth seal is an important element used to reduce leakages in the GPU, it is believed that the optimization of the seal geometrical parameters and operational factors do enhance the unit efficiency. The impact can be assessed by the flow pressure drop and velocity gradient throughout the seal.

A parametric computer model for labyrinth seals in a finite element analysis system is created. The application of a modeling parameters method developed by the authors allowed the study of the labyrinths function by flow behavior in different GPU operating modes and different wear degree of labyrinths peaks and ridges on the shaft. Consequently, the geometrical parameters needed for the optimization of the main labyrinth seal structure were defined. The Gauss-Seidel optimization method was used to determine the leakage at the end of the labyrinth and to find mathematical models which describe the dependency of the leakage with the geometrical parameters.

Key words: gas-pumping unit, labyrinth seal, geometrical parameters, pressure, efficiency.