This study analyzed the influence of configuration and clearance on the leakage behavior of labyrinth seals. Both computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and an analytical tool were used to predict the leakage flow of two different (straight and stepped) seal configurations with various clearances. The predicted results were compared with experimental data. The CFD gives a better agreement with the experimental result than the analytical model on average. In the straight seal, the dependence of the discharge coefficient on the clearance is considerable, while it is much smaller in the stepped seal. The CFD captures the entire behavior sufficiently well, but the analytical model overpredicts the clearance dependence in the stepped seal. The CFD also predicts well the influence of the flow direction on the leakage flow. The advantage of the stepped seal over the straight seal becomes more evident as the clearance gets larger. As the clearance becomes sufficiently small, the advantage of the stepped seal reduces.

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-The LNG liquefaction plant which have a higher value-added business in the LNG value chain takes about 35% of total cost. Liquefaction process is core technology of liquefaction plant. Almost all of cost which was consumed from the liquefaction plant, using for operation energy of liquefaction process. The cost can be reduced by increasing efficiency of liquefaction cycle. C3MR(propane pre-cooled, mixed refrigerant cycle) which liquefies NG using propane and MR cycle has the high efficiency, so C3MR is mostly used liquefaction process in LNG industry. In this study, process simulation and analysis were performed for C3MR process. C3MR process variables were found through this simulation and analysis, and then the process optimization was performed. It is considered that the results of process analysis, process variables and process optimization study can be utilized to develope new liquefaction process.