Where are carbon seals typically used in gas turbine systems?

Carbon seals are an essential component in gas turbine systems, primarily used to prevent oil from leaking past the drive shafts. In high-speed rotating machinery, such as gas turbines, maintaining the integrity of the lubrication system is critical for ensuring efficient operation and reliability. The carbon seal creates a barrier that effectively contains oil within the bearing housing, preventing it from escaping into the turbine's combustion area or other unwanted locations.

These seals are specifically designed to handle the high temperatures and pressures present in gas turbine environments, making them well-suited for this purpose. They work on the principle of a sliding contact between the carbon seal and the rotating component, where the smooth surface of the carbon minimizes wear and creates a low-friction environment while still providing an effective seal against oil leakage.

The other options don't accurately reflect the primary application of carbon seals. While seals can serve a variety of functions in mechanical systems, the role of preventing oil leakage from drive shafts is their most critical function in the context of gas turbine systems.