This investigation aims at experimentally characterizing the dynamic performance of labyrinth seals and benchmarking numerical predictions. Labyrinth seals are used as interstage or end seals in many turbomachinery applications.

Electric Submersible Pumps (ESPs) increase head of process fluid in oil production from within the well. ESP mechanical failure most commonly results from severe vibrations in the pump section that increase in magnitude as interstage seal clearances increase. Interstage seals wear from the gas, liquid, and abrasives pumped through them. I studied the impact of […]