Mechanical Sealing PDF

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Best Practices
For
Mechanical Seals and
Sealing Systems for
Centrifugal & Rotary
Pumps
Please send your comments and suggestions to the author.
This document is intended for guidance purpose and may be adopted with minor
modifications by any functional department within RIL group of companies.
Reproduction of this document or parts thereof in not allowed unless written
permission is obtained from the Approving authority.
Prepared by: Paresh Girdhar

Checked by : K Gopalakrishnan
Approved by : A Venkatraman
Group Manufacturing Services

Engineering Services Dept
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INDEX
TOPIC
1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
7.0
8.0
9.0
10.0
11.0
12.0
13.0
14.0
15.0
DESCRIPTION
Scope
Definition
Applicable Standards
Purpose
Seal Categories
Seal Types
Seal Designs
Seal Arrangements and Configurations
Seal Accessories
Seal Piping Plans
Seal Selection Procedure
Seal Maintenance and Best Practices
Seal Documentation
References
Appendix-1 Seal Types Drawings
Appendix-2 Seal Piping Plan Flowchart


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1.0 SCOPE
This document covers best practices for mechanical seals and sealing
systems installed in centrifugal and rotary pumps with an aim to achieve a
minimum of 3 years of seal life.
The scope of the document is to provide guidelines and best practices on seal
selection and maintenance.
This document is best used in conjunction with API 682.


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DEFINITION:
A mechanical seal is a device which prevents leakage of fluids along rotating

shafts. Primary seal function is at right angles to the axis of rotation between
one stationary ring and one rotating ring. The associated sealing systems are
provided for the principal purpose of cooling and lubricating the seal faces.
3.0
APPLICABLE STANDARDS:
The primary standards applicable to seals and sealing systems for pumps are;
API 610 - Centrifugal Pumps for General Refinery Service, 10th Edition
API 682 - Shaft Sealing Systems for Centrifugal and Rotary Pumps, 2nd
Ed. 2002
ISO 21049:2004 Pumps -- Shaft sealing systems for centrifugal and
rotary pumps
4.0
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this document is to detail best practices with regards to the
design, selection, operation and maintenance of mechanical seals and sealing
systems for centrifugal and rotary pumps.
The document is intended for;
1. Field Maintenance Personnel
2. CES (Functional) Engineers
3. Project Engineers
4. Planning and Materials Engineers
5.0
SEAL CATOGORIES:
A seal category is intended to cover the proposed pump, its operating

window, materials of construction, design features and documentation
requirements for the seal. API 682 has listed three categories (see Table 1)
and has provided specifications for each category.
The code has standardized on face materials of Silicon carbide (SiC) and
Carbon. However tungsten carbide maybe be an option for face material in
non-API pumps handling a service that is neither hazardous nor toxic (defined
in Section 11.0).


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TABLE 1: SEAL CATEGORIES API 682 2ND EDITION
6.0
SEAL TYPES:
(REFER APPENDIX -1 FOR IMAGES)
The code has classified the seals in three types.
Type A is a pusher seal with rotating flexible element.
Face materials:
Silicon Carbide and Carbon
Metal Components:
SS 316
Springs:
Hastalloy C-276
O-Rings:
Fuoroelastomers
Type B is a bellow seal with rotating flexible element.
Face materials:
Diaphragms:
Hastalloy C-276
Metal Components:
SS 316
O-Rings:
Fuoroelastomers / Flexible Graphite *
Note: Fluoroelastomers shall not be used at a temperature beyond 175 deg.C
and Perfluoroelastomers shall not be used in seals operating at pumping
temperatures greater than 240 deg.C
Type C is a bellow seal with stationary flexible element.

Face materials:
Diaphragms:
Inconel 718

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Metal Components:
Secondary Seals:
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SS 316
Flexible Graphite
SEAL DESIGNS:
Mechanical seals designs are typically of the wet contact seal faces
(designated as CW) type. The API code has now included two additional
seal designs and these are as follows;
8.0
Containment Seals (designated as CS): These are seals typically

used as backup seals in a dual unpressurized seal arrangement.
These operate at a pressure of 0.7 bar under normal conditions.
When the inner seal fails, this seal is designed to operate under full
pressure conditions for a minimum of eight hours.
Non Contact Seals (designated as NC): In this design of seals, the

contact face maybe profiled to achieve a hydrodynamic lift so as to
create a separation of the faces. These are typically used in dual
pressurized seal arrangements. These maybe considered for liquid
and mixed phase applications.
SEAL ARRANGEMENTS and CONFIGURATIONS:
The seal arrangement defines the number of seals in the cartridge and the
seal housing pressures. These are categorized as below;
Arrangement 1:
This is the conventional one seal per cartridge assembly.
Arrangement 2:
This is a dual seal cartridge assembly with outboard seal is at a pressure
lower than the seal housing pressure (outboard seal could be a containment
seal)
Arrangement 3:
In this arrangement, dual seals are supplied with an external barrier fluid
which is at a pressure higher than the sealing pressure.
Refer the chart below.
Nomenclature:
FB:
BB:
FF:
FX:
FL:
Face Back
Back Back
Face Face
Fixed bushing
Floating bushing


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TABLE 2: SEAL ARRANGEMENTS AND CONFIGURATIONS API 682 2ND EDITION
9.0
SEAL ACCESSORIES:
9.1
SEAL COOLERS:
Seal coolers maybe specified to increase the vapor pressure of the fluid or
improve its lubricating properties. The seal cooler sizing shall be adequate for
the required removal of heat. The following shall be ensured;
1. Buffer/Barrier fluid temperature does not reach boiling point. A margin
of 15deg.C is recommended between the maximum anticipated
temperature and the boiling point.
2. Barrier/Buffer fluid temperature should not exceed allowable limits of
the materials of construction.
3. The temperature rise of the fluid should be restricted to 20deg.C.
To meet the above conditions, it maybe necessary to ensure that the inlet
temperature to the coolers is atleast 35deg.C below its boiling point.
Additional minimum design criteria is specified as follows;
The process shall be on the tube side and the cooling media shall be on the
shell side. It should be possible to drain both the shell and tube sides.

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Shaft seal size < 2.500 inches

Minimum tube size
Minimum Tube thickness 0.065
Shaft seal size > 2.500 inches
Minimum tube size
Minimum Tube thickness 0.095
9.2
Barrier/Buffer Reservoirs:
The minimum design criteria sizes of the reservoirs have been specified in the
code. The minimum volume for these reservoirs is indicated as;
Shaft seal size < 2.500 inches
Volume: 3 gallons
Shaft seal size > 2.500 inches
Volume: 5 gallons
Reservoirs for atmospheric or low pressure buffer liquid and accumulators for
pressurized barrier liquid shall be sized for a manual refill interval time of at
least 25 days based on the seal leakage rate specified by the seal
manufacturer without compromising the specified seal life time.
9.3
Condensate Collection Reservoir:
The condensate collection reservoir is a vessel used to collect leakage from a

Plan 75 system. This reservoir collects the leakage and is a place for liquid
and gas phase leakage to separate and be piped to the appropriate recovery
system. The reservoir maybe instrumented to monitor inner seal leakage. The
standard provides details of the construction for this vessel.
9.4
Buffer / Barrier Gas Supply Panels:
Gas supply panels are used on Plan 72 and Plan 74 systems to provide a
filtered regulated inert gas to the mechanical seals. The supply panels must
have, at a minimum, a pressure regulator, coalescing filter, flow meter, low
pressure switch, pressure gauge, check valve, and isolation valve.


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SEAL PIPING PLANS:
Primary seal plans, such as 11, 13, 21, 23 and 32, shall be executed in piping
with welded or flanged connections.
The use of strainers or cyclone separators to trap sealant particulates is not
recommended. Standard seal flush plans 12, 22, 31 and 41 shall not be used.
A brief discussion on the various seal piping plans is included to aid the
selection process;
Plan 01:
Internal seal chamber flush from pump discharge
Purpose:
Heat removal from seal housing
Venting of seal housing
Reduce risk of freezing / polymerizing fluid in exposed and external
piping of Plan 11.
Application
Clean and medium fluid temperatures
Single seals
Limitation:
Flush cannot be directed over the seal faces.
Plan 02:
Dead ended seal chamber with no flush.
Purpose:
Simple, low cost
Application
Single seals
Limitations:
Flush cannot be directed over the seal faces
With higher fluid temperatures cooling water jacket is required for seal
housing.
Construction Features:
Throat bush is removed.
Plan 11:
Default seal piping plan. Seal flush from pump discharge through an orifice.
Purpose:
Venting of seal housing in horizontal pumps

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Increases seal chamber pressure and raises vapor pressure margin

Application
Clean service and medium fluid temperatures
Single and dual seals
Limitations:
Failure mode is due to chocking of orifice. Regular field checks to
include monitoring of temperatures upstream and downstream of
orifice.
Plan 13:
In this plan, there is a recirculation from seal chamber back to pump suction
through an orifice. The orifice ensures seal chamber pressure greater than
suction pressure.
Purpose:
Venting of seal housing in vertical pumps
Application
Clean service and medium fluid temperatures
Vertical pumps
Limitations:
Failure mode is due to chocking of orifice. Regular field checks to include
monitoring of temperatures upstream and downstream of orifice.
Need a vent in piping loop for venting prior to starting in vertical pumps
Plan 14:
In this plan, there is a seal flush from pump discharge through an orifice and a
recirculation from seal chamber back to pump suction through an orifice.
Purpose:
Continuous venting of seal housing in vertical pumps
Increase seal pressure chamber and fluid vapor pressure margin
Application
Vertical pumps
Limitations:
orifice.
Need a vent in piping loop for venting prior to starting in vertical pumps
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Plan 21:
In this plan, there is a seal flush from pump discharge through an orifice and a
cooler.
Purpose:
Cooling of seal
Reduce fluid temperature to raise fluid vapor pressure margin
Reduce coking
Application
Clean and high temperature service, typically between 80 deg.C to 175
deg.C
Limitations:
orifice.
Seal coolers and piping need vents at highest elevation for venting
before start
Plan 23:
In this plan, the flush is circulated by an internal pumping device to the cooler
in a closed loop. This lowers the cooling duty of the cooler and may allow
lower flush temperatures.
Purpose:
Cooling of seal
Reduce coking
Application
Clean and high temperature service, typically between 80deg.C to
175deg.C
Limitations:
Seal coolers and piping need vents at highest elevation for venting
before start
orifice.
Seal housing requires close clearance throat bush to keep away the
process liquid
Tangential seal gland taps shall enter at bottom and exit at top

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Plan 32:
In this plan, the seal flush is provided from an external source.
Purpose:
Cooling of seal
Prevent entry of dirty, polymerizing or solid particulate matter in the
seal housing
Application
Service that maybe dirty, polymerizing, oxidizing or has particulate
matter.
High temperature service
Single seals
Limitations:
External barrier liquid has to be available and compatible with the
process liquid
Regular monitoring required to ensure supply of correct quantity of
flush at the specified pressure
Throat bushing needs to be sized to hold pressure or maintain flow
velocity
Plan 52:
In this plan, the unpressurized barrier liquid is circulated through the reservoir.
Leakage of the inner and outer seals is monitored.
Purpose:
To provide a backup seal for the primary seal
To provide seals with zero emissions, especially in applications of light
hydrocarbons
Applications where no process contamination is allowed
Application
Plan is used for dual seals in face to back arrangement
High temperature, hazardous or toxic service
Limitations:
The required instrumentation raises the cost of the plan
Piping loop needs to self vent to vapor recovery system near
atmospheric pressure
Buffer liquid to be compatible with process liquid and should preferably
have a good specific heat
Inboard and outboard seal leakages are known by increase in reservoir
pressure and reservoir level respectively
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Plan 53 - A:
In this plan, the pressurized barrier liquid is circulated through the reservoir.
Barrier liquid is circulated by pumping ring. Barrier liquid is pressurized in the
reservoir by gas which is in direct contact with a liquid.
Leakage of the inner and outer seals is monitored.
Purpose:
hydrocarbons (having high vapor pressure)
No process contamination is allowed
Application
High temperature, dirty, polymerizing, oxidizing, hazardous or toxic
service
Limitations:
Requires regular monitoring of the reservoir pressure.
Plan 53 A as pressurizing gas is in contact with the barrier liquid; gas
pressure can drop due to absorption
Gas charging arrangement is required
Inboard and outboard seal leakages are known by reservoir level
alone.
Plan 53 - B:
Barrier liquid is circulated by pumping ring. A bladder in the reservoir
separates the gas from the barrier liquid. Leakage of the inner and outer seals
is monitored.
Purpose:
No process contamination
Need higher pressure than in Plan 53A
Application
Plan is used for dual seals in face to back arrangement where charge
gas in reservoir can be absorbed by the buffer liquid.

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service
Limitations:
Requires regular monitoring of the reservoir pressure.
Gas charging arrangement is required
alone.
Plan 53 - C:
Barrier liquid is circulated by pumping ring. The reservoir has a piston
accumulator. The barrier liquid is pressurized by the process liquid from the
pump discharge. Leakage of the inner and outer seals is monitored.
Purpose:
No process contamination
Need higher pressure than in Plan 53A
Dynamic tracking of system pressure
Application
service
Limitations:
Reference line can get chocked.
alone.
Plan 54:
In this plan, external pressurized barrier liquid is provided for dual seals in
back to back or face to face arrangements.
Purpose:

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Isolate the process liquid
Application
Plan is used for dual seals in back to back or face to face arrangement
service
Seal cannot induce circulation
Limitations:
Availability of reliable source of compatible barrier liquid at the required
pressure
Circulating system must be pressurized and energized at all times
Inboard and outboard seal leakages are known by circulating system
level gauge.
Plan 62:
This plan provides external quench on the process side of the seal.
Purpose:
Prevent solid build up or icing on atmospheric side of the seal.
This prevents seal hang-up situations
Application
Used typically in single seal arrangements with self flush
Service that can cause polymerizing, oxidizing, coking, icing,
crystallizing in atmospheric conditions
Limitations:
Need continuous supply and drain of quench media
Needs monitoring of choking of supply or drain connections of
quench media
Quench side pressure to be limited to 0.3 bar (2 psi)
Plan 65:
This plan is designed to detect seal failures by directing atmospheric leakage
to a small collection vessel.
Purpose:
Detect seal leakage and prevent leakage of seal to atmosphere
Application
Maybe used in single and back to face seal arrangements
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Limitations:
Need periodic checking of the drain line for choking
Requirement of close clearance throttle bushing may require
extended gland
Requires a close clearance throttle bushing to aid directing leakage
to the collection vessel
Plan 71:
This plan provides supply of gas buffer for dual gas seals and containment
seals.
Purpose:
Provide for low pressure containment seal with gas buffer as backup
for primary seal.
Application
Typical application is in face to back seal arrangement where outboard
seal is a containment seal in dead ended seal cavity.
Limitations:
Gas buffer supply pressure to monitored on a regular basis
With containment seals gas buffer pressure is limited to 0.7 bar (10 psi)
Plan 72:
This plan provides supply of gas buffer for dual gas seals and containment
seals. This is selected when it is beneficial to sweep the containment seal
cavity with an inert gas.
Purpose:
Provide back up for primary seal using a low pressure containment
seal with gas buffer
Application
Typical application is in face to back seal arrangement where outboard
seal is a containment seal.
Limitations:
Gas buffer supply pressure to monitored on a regular basis
Used in conjunction with Plan 75 or Plan 76 where sweep of buffer gas
and seal leakage is led to a closed collection vessel


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With containment seals gas buffer pressure is limited to 0.7 bar (10 psi)
Plan 74:
This plan provides supply of pressurized barrier gas for dual gas seals.
Purpose:
Isolate the process liquid
Application
Where liquid barrier for seals cannot be used
Plan is used for dual seals in back to back or face to face arrangement
service
Moderate temperatures
Limitations:
Clean and reliable supply of barrier gas supply is required.
Construction:
Barrier gas supply is typically 1.75 bar above the seal chamber
pressure
Gas flow meters indicate leakages of the inner and outer seals
Bottled gas supply system maybe required as an emergency backup
system
Plan 75:
This plan provides for collection of drain from containment seal cavity. The
drain may then be led to a liquid collection system and/ or for vapor recovery.
Purpose:
Leakage collection for zero/low process emissions
Safety indicator for primary seal
Application
Used alone or with Plan 72
Fluids that may condense in ambient conditions
Service that maybe hazardous or toxic or with high vapor pressure
Clean, non-polymerizing, non-oxidizing fluids
Limitations:
Regularly monitor liquid level, valve settings and low vent pressure.
Collection reservoir is located below seal drain and downward sloped
piping

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Hook up vent collection reservoir to low pressure vapour recovery

system or flare system
Primary seal leakage is indicated by increase in level / increase in vent
pressure
Plan 76:
This plan provides for vent from seal cavity of containment seal to vapor
recovery.
Purpose:
Leakage collection for zero/low process emissions
Safety indicator for primary seal
Application
Used alone or with Plan 72
Fluids that do not condense in ambient conditions
Service that maybe hazardous or toxic or with high vapor pressure
Clean, non-polymerizing, non-oxidizing fluids
Limitations:
Regularly monitor liquid level, valve settings and low vent pressure.
Construction:
Collection reservoir is located below seal drain and downward sloped
piping
Hook up vent collection reservoir to low pressure vapour recovery
system or flare system
Primary seal leakage is indicated by increase in level / increase in vent
pressure


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SEAL SELECTION PROCEDURE:
The following criteria maybe be considered for seal selection;

Dual seals shall be applied in the following services:
Hazardous services
Hazardous services shall be defined on the following basis
o Category 1:
Liquids containing hydrogen sulphide in concentrations
above 600 mg/kg.
Liquids consisting of or containing lethal substances as
indicated in the data/requisition sheet.
Examples of lethal substances include but are not limited to: HF acid,
phenol, concentrated sulphuric or nitric acid.
o Category 2:
Liquids consisting of or containing very toxic substances
These are substances with TLV-TWA rating of 5
ppmv and lesser
The value maybe extended to TLV-TWA rating of
20 ppmv if the location / site of the pump is
frequently visited by personnel
Liquids that are known to be proven carcinogens
and or have been to known to be causing cancer
in animal experiments.
Hydrocarbon liquids at an operating temperature above
their auto-ignition temperature.
o Category 3:
Hydrocarbon liquids with a seal chamber vapour
pressure higher than 5 bar (abs).
Hydrocarbon services of butane (C4) or lighter.
Services in which the required three year operation cannot be ensured

with a single seal application due to the physical or chemical properties
of the liquid to be sealed.
Services in which it is not permitted for the pumped liquid to enter the
flare or atmosphere. In this case, dual pressurized seals shall be
applied.
Seals and seal arrangements and seal harnesses shall be selected in

accordance with Seal Piping Plans as described in 10.0
The following applications need the specific approval of the Principal:

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Plan 54 for dual seals in Category 1 liquid services

Dual unpressurized face to back seals with Plan 52 in Category 2
services
Single seals with Auxiliary seals, other than dry gas seal types
A wet contact seal with containment seal may be considered only for
liquids specified under Category 3 and are not classified as hazardous
or toxic as per the definitions in Category 1 and 2.
Dual pressurized non-contact (NC) (dry gas) seal arrangements with a

pressurized nitrogen barrier are recommended for liquids that are not
classified as hazardous and have a maximum vapor pressure at pumping
temperature of 1.05 bar (abs). Careful attention shall be paid in this
application to ensure a reliable nitrogen supply system.
Non-contacting primary seal with containment seals in a face to back
configuration maybe considered for fluids in supercritical state or vaporizing
liquids after validating that the design ensures vaporization of liquid before it
enters the seal faces and also that it does not condense or cause icing as it
expands to a lower pressure.
12.0
12.1
SEAL MAINTENANCE and BEST PRACTICES:

Observation Maintenance:
Temperature monitoring of seals and sealing systems is most effective.
Use of IR thermometers should be encouraged to record temperature
of seal housing of pumps and ensure these are same or lower than the
pump inlet or suction casing.
It is a good practice to record differences in temperature on seal flush
lines that are installed with orifices. This is applicable for seal piping
plan 11, 13, 14 and 21. Difference in temperature can detect clogged
orifices which is the most common failure mode.
Temperature measurement of flush lines downstream of cooler in Plan
21, 23, 52, 53 will highlight the condition of the coolers.
Vibration and noise due to cavitation or bearing damage are indications
of causes that can affect seal life and need immediate reporting and
action.
Regular level monitoring of reservoirs of Plan 52, 53, 75 and 76
can provide early information of seal failures.


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All pumps provided with quench should be checked for proper

supply and drain of quench media.
12.2
Preventive Maintenance:
The following activities are suggested during the normal PM schedules
of the pump.
Opening and cleaning of sealant lines, orifices, vents and drains
especially for unclean services
Back flush or cleaning of seal coolers. Ensuring adequate
cooling water supply and return
Calibration of instrumentation for Plan 32, 52, 53, 72, 74, 75, 76
12.3
Corrective Maintenance:
The recommended practice is the use of seal cartridges in all
applications. These cartridges maybe be restored and tested in-house
or by the seal vendor. In any case, the following shall be the guidelines
for repair as a minimum.
1.
Surface Finish:
The seal faces shall be lapped and finished to a maximum
tolerance of 3 light bands or 0.87 microns
The surface finish of the sleeve shall be a minimum of 0.8
microns Ra
Surface finish of the seal housing face shall be 1.6 microns Ra
The seal housing bore shall be machined to a finish of 3.2
microns Ra
2. Geometric Tolerances:
3.
Shaft/sleeve runout at seal face area should be within 0.05 mm

Radial shaft deflection at seal face area should be within 0.05
mm
Squareness of the seal housing (dial base on shaft and pointer
in axial direction on face of seal housing) shall be within 0.05
mm
Concentricity of the bore of seal housing (dial base on shaft and
pointer in radial direction on bore of seal housing) with shaft
shall be limited to 0.07 mm
Seal Testing:
All wet contact seals shall be subjected to a hydrostatic test. The
test pressure shall be the higher of the pressures the seal


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maybe subjected to during static (shutdown) and dynamic

(operating) conditions of the pump.
12.4
Spare parts Management:

1. A master list of all installed seals shall be maintained indicating their
interchangeability
2. Seal cartridges or spares maybe categorized as consumable or
durable spares Their reorder level and reorder quantity shall be
determined accordingly. Ordering information on slow or nonmoving seal spares shall be reviewed annually.
3. All seal components shall have the information about their shelf life
and storage instructions. It is recommended to store all elastomers
in low temperature and humidity free environments
4. There shall be annual inspection of the condition of the stocked seal
parts.
13.0
DOCUMENTATION AND RECORDS:

For effective maintenance and troubleshooting, it is essential to have
the following documentation for mechanical seals and sealing systems;
Original seal specification document

Seal cross-section drawing with dimensions and tolerances. It
should also include bill of materials indicating MOC, installed
quantity and OEM part number
Seal piping plan details, documents and drawings
Seal and seal plan manufacturing and testing records
Repair / refurbishing procedures and check sheets with protocol
values.


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REFERENCES:
API 610 - Centrifugal Pumps for General Refinery Service, 10th Edition
API 682 - Shaft Sealing Systems for Centrifugal and Rotary Pumps, 2nd
Ed. 2002
Shell DEP - Shaft Sealing Systems For Centrifugal And Rotary Pumps:
DEP 31.29.00.33-Gen. - July 1998
Overview of API 682 and ISO 21049 Michael B Huebner Proceedings
of 21st International Pump Users Symposium 2004
Overview of API 682 Second Edition - Michael B Huebner Proceedings
of 20th International Pump Users Symposium 2003
Advances in Mechanical Sealing An introduction to API 682 Second
Edition M.B.Huebner, J.M.Thorp, G.S.Buck, C.L.Fernandez Proceedings of 19th International Pump Users Symposium 2002
Containment Seals for API 682 Second Edition P.E.Bowden, C.J.Fone Proceedings of 19th International Pump Users Symposium 2002
Use of Non-Contacting Seals in Volatile Services B.Goodenberger,
D.E.Barron, J.Marquardt - Proceedings of 20th International Pump Users
Symposium 2003
Understand Mechanical Seals A.S.Godse Hydrocarbon processing
April 1995
Mechanical Seal Piping Plans Flowserve Document FTA160 Rev
12/03 Flowserve Solutions Division
Advanced Gas Sealing Systems for Hydrofluoric Acid Alkylation and Other
Extremely Hazardous Duties D. Kozlowski, E.Jahromi. J.R.WasserProceedings of 20th International Pump Users Symposium 2003
Burgmann Mechanical Seals Catalogue


DOC. No: GMS/RP/26
Page: 23 of 25
Date: 9-Mar-07
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Appendix 1.0
Seal Type A and its Alternative
Seal Type B and its Alternative
Seal Type C and its Alternative


DOC. No: GMS/RP/26
Page: 24 of 25
Date: 9-Mar-07
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Appendix 2.0
MECHANICAL SEAL PIPING PLANS

Multiple Seals Seals
Single Seals
A
Optional Fluid
Quench
Back to Back (BB) / Face to Face (FF)
Face to Back (FB)

Flush Type ?
Plan 62
External flush
Wet Contact Seals
Non Contact Seals
Wet Contact Seals
External Pressurized
Barrier Gas
Barrier liquid
Plan 74
Plan 54
Wet / Non Contact + Containment Seal
Self Flush
Plan 32
Positive Pressure Difference
Dead Ended
Inboard Seal - Wet
Inboard Seal
Outboard Seal
Plan 02
Inboard Seal - NC
Sealant is dirty/solids/
polymerizing ?
Yes
No
Plan 54
Normal
Barrier liquid
External Unpressurized
Buffer liquid
Induced Circulation
Induced Circulation
Plan 74
Product Temperature ?
Outboard Seal
Pressurized
Barrier Gas
Unperssurized
Buffer Gas
Plan 52
Plan 01
High
Plan 11
Sealant Cooler
Plan 21
Induced Circulation
Vertical Pump?
Needs venting ?
Dead Ended
Possibility of
Gas absorption?
No
Plan 23
Plan 71
Yes
Gas Supply System

Plan 72
Drain-Mixed Phase
Plan 53-A
Plan 75
Need dynamic tracking
of system pressure?
Plan 13
Drain-Completely Dry
Plan 76
No
Plan 14
Plan 53-B
Yes
Plan 53-C


DOC. No: GMS/RP/26
Page: 25 of 25
Date: 9-Mar-07
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Reliance Industries Limited

Prepared by: Paresh Girdhar

Group Manufacturing Services

DOC. No: GMS/RP/26

Reliance Industries Limited

Prepared by: Paresh Girdhar

Group Manufacturing Services

DOC. No: GMS/RP/26

Reliance Industries Limited

Prepared by: Paresh Girdhar

Group Manufacturing Services

DOC. No: GMS/RP/26

Reliance Industries Limited

A mechanical seal is a device which prevents leakage of fluids along rotating

A seal category is intended to cover the proposed pump, its operating

Prepared by: Paresh Girdhar

Group Manufacturing Services

DOC. No: GMS/RP/26

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TABLE 1: SEAL CATEGORIES API 682 2ND EDITION

Type C is a bellow seal with stationary flexible element.

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DOC. No: GMS/RP/26

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Containment Seals (designated as CS): These are seals typically

Non Contact Seals (designated as NC): In this design of seals, the

SEAL ARRANGEMENTS and CONFIGURATIONS:

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DOC. No: GMS/RP/26

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TABLE 2: SEAL ARRANGEMENTS AND CONFIGURATIONS API 682 2ND EDITION

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DOC. No: GMS/RP/26

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Shaft seal size < 2.500 inches

Condensate Collection Reservoir:

The condensate collection reservoir is a vessel used to collect leakage from a

Buffer / Barrier Gas Supply Panels:

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DOC. No: GMS/RP/26

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SEAL PIPING PLANS:

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DOC. No: GMS/RP/26

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Increases seal chamber pressure and raises vapor pressure margin

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DOC. No: GMS/RP/26

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DOC. No: GMS/RP/26

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High temperature, dirty, polymerizing, oxidizing, hazardous or toxic

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DOC. No: GMS/RP/26

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To provide seals with zero emissions, especially in applications of light

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