• Korean Journal of Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Engineering
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.134-143
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• 2001

This paper presents the characteristics of flank and tip seal leakage in a scroll compressor for air-conditioners with R-22 under actual operating conditions. It is well known that the leakage has significant effect on the performance of the scroll compressor. Experiments were performed by using indirect method for measuring mass flow rate passing through flank and tip seal under actual operating conditions, In addition, an analytical model for tip seal leakage was developed to investigate tangential and radial leakage observed at grooves and contact points of tip seals. For low oil concentration, theoretical results were compared with experimental data to verify the analytical model. As a result, leakages through flank and tip seal parts were evaluated as afunction of pressure ratio, orbiting angle, discharge pressure, tip clearance, and leakage point. It was also found that the tip seal leakage was considerable even though the tip seal provided adequate sealing effect.