Where is the labyrinth for separation gas located?

• A. On the outboard side of the seal
• B. On the inboard side of the seal
• C. In the oil reservoir
• D. In the bearing housing

Answer: (A)

The labyrinth for separation gas is placed on the outboard side of the seal. This location provides a tortuous path that restricts gas flow as it tries to move past the seal, keeping any leakage away from the bearing and oil sump. Placing it on the inboard side or inside the oil reservoir or bearing housing would defeat the purpose of isolating the bearing area from process gas and would not provide the effective purge path that the separation gas needs.