Vane compressor - axial sealing

Hello, i am interesed in finding out how does the vane compressors seal in axial direction.

I know that this type of compressors do not have a very good axial sealing and is important that the leakage from the area under pressure towards the intake to be kept at minimum.

But how big is that gap usually? Let's say i have a 50 mm (~2 inch) vane (axial length). What is the distance between the 2 elem sealing the chamber?

Is it the size of ~ 50 +1mm or 50 +0.001mm?

Thank You,

I would guess 0.1 to 0.15 mm to allow for expansion and oil to seal end faces .

The gap shouldn't be smaller than the thickness of the oil used otherwise it will get scraped off.

The axial seal on the shaft is probably a mechanical seal and the vanes are sealed by oil at discharge pressure.

Basic picture here...

http://www.mistermatic.co.uk/aircon/systems.htm