Kaplan turbine blade seals

With over 30 years of experience in the field of hydroelectricity, PXL SEALS has developed sealing solutions suitable for both vertical and horizontal Kaplan turbine blades (bulb units).

1. Specific features of blade seals

On Kaplan turbines, blade seals are subject to alternating rotational movements that vary in frequency depending on how the machine is used.
These critical areas require sealing systems that can ensure a perfect seal while maintaining their flexibility and resistance over time.
A failure at this level can cause an immediate shutdown of electricity production.
PXL SEALS blade seals guarantee operational safety and contribute to significantly extending the service life of equipment.

2. Available sealing solutions

Unique expertise and an exclusive process for your blade seals.
PXL SEALS sealing solutions are monobloc, fully molded, and feature consistent and uniform mechanical characteristics as well as tight dimensional variations around the entire circumference of the seals.

The system is designed to be installed both as original equipment (OEM) and for maintenance (MRO), most often without the need for reworking or re-machining the housings.

The U150-XI DE standard blade seal?

U150-XI DE double-acting 4-lip seal mounted with one or more compensation rings.

Developed to meet increasingly stringent operating conditions, particularly in terms of section variation, these Hydro seals are equally suitable for original equipment on new turbines and refurbished turbines.

This double-acting, single-piece seal is easier to install and adapts to a wide range of housing dimensions. It also offers excellent stability in the housing. It is generally supplied with compensation rings.

3. Key benefits of PXL SEALS blade seals

a. A solution that extends the service life of your Kaplan turbines

U150-XI DE double-acting 4-lip seal mounted with one or more compensation rings.

Developed to meet increasingly stringent operating conditions, particularly in terms of section variation, these Hydro seals are equally suitable for original equipment on new turbines and refurbished turbines.

This double-acting, single-piece seal is easier to install and adapts to a wide range of housing dimensions. It also offers excellent stability in the housing. It is generally supplied with compensation rings.

=> Read article Extend the life of your Kaplan blade turbines with PXL SEALS blade seals

b. A seal specifically designed for Kaplan blades

Specially developed to meet the constraints of the blades, this seal provides double-acting operation, ensuring sealing in both directions—oil/water and water/oil.
Thanks to a patented on-site molding technique, replacement or maintenance of the seals is easy in the event of damage.

Key advantages:

• Single-piece seal
• Quick and easy installation
• Excellent positioning in the housing
• Long-term preservation of the housing condition
• Can be molded on site with our MD WAY® solution

4. Additional informations

Download the U150XIDE / XEDE technical data sheet