API 682 FAQ

API 682 / ISO 21049 FAQs

FAQ Sections
Codes
Data Requirements
Engineered Seals
Gas Seals
Materials
Modifications to API 682 / ISO 21049
Products
Pump Types
Pumping Rings
Purchasing API 682
Scope, Origins, History and Background of API 682 / ISO 21049
Systems
Testing

FAQ Key Words

1648
acronyms
advantages
ANSI
API 610
API 682
barrier fluid pressure
BSTFL
buy
clearance

compressors
containment seals
dictionary
disadvantages
face materials
heat generation
hydrotest
ISO 21049
leakage
MAWP

mixers
metric
retrofit
rotary
SharePoint
Type 1
Type 9
wedge

API 682 FAQ

FAQ Questions by Section

1. Codes
1.1. Have the codes changed?
1.2. What is the equivalent API 682 code to API 610 code BSTFL?

2. Data Requirements
2.1. The pump company is requesting that John Crane specify the seal leakage rate on
the drawing. Are we required to comply?
2.2. What is the requirement on pumping ring head versus flow curves?
2.3. What are the data requirements for reporting containment seal tests?

3. Engineered Seals
3.1. What is an Engineered Seal (ES)?
3.2. Do Engineered Seals require qualification testing?

4. Gas Seals
4.1. Are gas seals included in API 682?
4.2. Can a customer purchase Type 2800 seals per API 682?
4.3. What about gas seals for compressors?

5. Materials
5.1. Are special materials necessary for API 682 seals?
5.2. Does it matter what face materials are used for API 682 Test Qualified seals?
5.3. How do we specify materials for API 682 seals?

6. Modifications to API 682 / ISO 21049

6.1. Can the purchaser modify or make additions to API 682?
6.2. How do we retrofit API 682 seals into older API pumps?

7. Products
7.1. Are there special products for API 682?
7.2. Can any seal be an API 682 seal?

8. Pump Types
8.1. What if a customer orders seals per API 682 but pumps are per ANSI or other
non-API specification?
8.2. The standard is written to cover seals for both centrifugal and rotary pumps, are
there special considerations for rotary pumps?

API 682 FAQ

9. Pumping Rings
9.1. Does adding a pumping ring to a qualified seal such as a 1648 keep it from using
the 1648 designation?
9.2. Have pumping ring clearances changed?

10. Purchasing API 682

10.1.

How do I get a copy for me and my customers?

11. Scope, Origins, History and Background of API 682 / ISO 21049
11.1. What is API 682?
11.2. Who wrote API 682?
11.3. Who must use API 682?
11.4. Who can use API 682?
11.5. When does API 682 take effect?
11.6. What are the advantages of using API 682?
11.7. What are the disadvantages of using API 682?
11.8. Where can I find John Crane interpretation of terms and acronyms used in this
standard?
11.9. Is API 682 a metric standard?
11.10. What if a customer orders seals per API 682 but pumps are per ANSI or other
non-API specification?

12. Systems
12.1. What is John Cranes interpretation of Clause 8.1.4 (ISO 21049: 2011) which
states that the piping and components shall have a pressure-temperature rating
at least equal to the maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP) and
temperature of the pressure casing?
12.2. The standard states that Category 2 & 3 seals are limited to seal chamber
gauge pressures up to 40 bar or 600 psi. What is the maximum barrier pressure
limit?
12.3. Is John Crane obligated to providing heat generation figures if the auxiliary
system is being supplied by another vendor?
12.4. Does API require the barrier pressure for dual pressurized seals be constantly
controlled versus the seal chamber pressure?

13. Testing
13.1. What testing is involved with API 682?
13.2. Does API 682 require that a seal be qualified on all test liquids before it can be
marketed as an API 682 Seal?
13.3. Does it matter what face materials are used for API 682 Test Qualified seals?
13.4. What seals and materials have we qualified for the different fluid groups?

API 682 FAQ

FAQ Answers by Section

Unless noted otherwise, all references are to API 682 4th edition requirements and clauses.

1. Codes
1.1.

1.2.

Have the codes changed? Yes, the API 682 codes have changed again. Codes
used in 2nd and 3rd edition are different from 1st edition. Codes used in 4th
edition are different from 2nd and 3rd edition.
What is the equivalent API 682 code to API 610 code BSTFL? There is no exact
equivalent. That API 610 code describes a balanced single seal (pusher or
bellows) with a fixed throttle bushing using Viton secondary sealing elements;
seal faces are carbon vs cobalt bound tungsten carbide. In API 682 4th edition, a
somewhat similar code might be 21A-FFM-050-11 which indicates Category 2,
Arrangement 1, Pusher, Fixed throttle bushing, Viton, carbon vs nickel bound
tungsten carbide, 50mm shaft size, Plan 11 flush.

2. Data Requirements
2.1.

2.2

2.3

The pump company is requesting that John Crane specify the seal leakage rate
on the drawing. Are we required to comply? Although this is not required by
API 682, it may be a customer specific requirement. See TB-117.
What is the requirement on pumping ring head versus flow curves? Pumping
ring performance curves must be provided for Category 3 or if specified by the
purchaser. The performance curve should be for the size, shaft speed, fluid and
general configuration that is being sold. Usually at least one of these
parameters is not identical to the qualification test parameters and therefore
the performance curve that is to be provided will be a calculated curve based on
the qualification test and/or additional independent pumping ring tests. Also
see clearances.
What are the data requirements for reporting containment seal tests?
Containment seal test results are to be reported using a form similar to API 682
Figure I.10 for the tests specified under clause I.4.5. This allows the
containment seal to be considered as a seal type for purposes of transferring
qualification. A complete test of the containment seal includes procedures per
I.3.13; those tests are to be reported using a form similar to Figure I.9. See TB117. Also see Testing.

3. Engineered Seals
3.1

3.2

What is an Engineered Seal (ES)? An Engineered Seal is a seal that is outside the
scope of the standard. Clause A.1.2 in Annex A of the standard outlines various
service conditions that define what is outside the scope of the standard.
Do Engineered Seals require qualification testing ? Per the standard Engineered
Seals are not required to meet any of the design or testing of the standard.
Customer testing may be done on demand, but at a price as defined by the
testing requirements. Contact PLM to get pricing information. Also see Testing.

API 682 FAQ

4.0 Gas Seals
4.1
4.2
4.3

Are gas seals included in API 682? Yes, API 682 has been expanded to include
dry gas seals for pumps.
Can a customer purchase Type 2800 seals per API 682? Yes, Type 2800 seals
are API 682 Type A seals in Arrangement 3 with configuration code 3NC-BB.
What about gas seals for compressors? A new spec, API 692, is being
developed for compressor seals.

5.0 Materials
5.1
5.2

5.3

Are special materials necessary for API 682 seals? Yes, there is a well-defined
set of default and optional materials for API 682. Also see Testing.
Does it matter what face materials are used for API 682 seals? In order to fully
comply with API 682, the seal that is being sold must be fitted with the same
face material pair that was used during the qualification test. Therefore, to be
in compliance with the standard, we cannot substitute materials. If we change a
material due to specific service conditions or even at a customers request, we
should point out to the purchaser what materials have changed from those used
in the qualification test. Also see Testing.
How do we specify materials for API 682 seals? The default or standard
material of construction for a seal is completely defined in API 682. For example,
the API 682 Type A seal ( our 1648) has reaction bonded silicon carbide mating
ring, premium grade carbon primary ring, Fluoroelastomer O-ring, Hastelloy C
springs, and 316SS hardware. Any variations are specified as special features,
such as Perfluoroelastomer for elevated temperatures or as purchaser specified
item on the API 682 seal data sheet.

6.0 Modifications to API 682 / ISO 21049

6.1
Can the purchaser modify or make additions to API 682? Yes, as the use

6.2

of API 682 is completely voluntary, the purchase may choose to remove certain
requirements or add additional ones. It is very common for major companies to
write their own specification that follows or interprets API 682. In many cases,
the actual differences are minor but as API 682 does allow purchaser selected
options, the purchaser written specification should be reviewed carefully.
How do we retrofit API 682 seals into older API pumps? API is written for seals
applied to API 610 Seventh Edition, or more recent, pumps. If any other pump
has a stuffing box similar to the seventh or eighth edition pumps, then our
standard API 682 products should fit. For older pumps, the stuffing boxes are
smaller and there are no standard dimensions. In many cases, API 682 products
can be engineered to fit the older pumps but usually exceptions to API 682 are
required. Examples of exceptions include minimum sleeve thickness or certain
clearances. When discussing the retrofit of seals to older pumps it is best not to
imply complete compliance with API 682 but rather in the spirit of API 682 or
in general compliance. In some cases, it will not be possible to fit API 682 like
products into older pumps.

API 682 FAQ

7.0 Products
7.1

7.2

Are there special products for API 682? Yes, in order to maximize compliance
with API 682, we have designed and designated certain products to be our API
682 product line. Also see Testing.
Can any seal be an API 682 seal? No, because API 682 does not recognize all
seal types. For example, API 682 does not include wedge or U-cup designs,
elastomeric bellows, outside mounted seals, etc. Further, a seal is not fully per
API 682 unless it has been qualification tested. Also see Testing.

8.0 Pump Types

8.1

8.2

What if a customer orders seals per API 682 but pumps are per ANSI or other
non-API specification? Beginning with 2nd edition, API 682 includes large bore
ANSI pumps. This inclusion is largely based on Category 1 seals. For other nonAPI pumps, API 682 seals may not fit or may not perform as expected; however,
we should make every effort to provide API 682 seals while noting exceptions
in writing.
The standard is written to cover seals for both centrifugal and rotary pumps;
are there special considerations for rotary pumps? While the standards title
implies both centrifugal and rotary pumps, the seal chamber dimensions in API
682 apply only to centrifugal pumps meeting API 610 7th and more recent
editions or ASME B73.1 and B73.2. The typical rotary pump, unless designed
with special seal chambers, does not conform to these dimensions; therefore
API 682 seals will not normally fit into typical rotary pumps without
considerable modifications. At best seals could be supplied in general
compliance but a specific list of exceptions should be given to the customer.
Contact your regional engineering center for assistance.

9.0 Pumping Rings

9.1

9.2

Does adding a pumping ring to a qualified seal such as a 1648 keep it from
using the 1648 designation? No, the qualification test procedure does not
require seals to be tested with a variety of different piping plans such as Plan 23.
Also see Testing.
Have pumping ring clearances changed? Yes, pumping ring minimum
clearances are different in 1st, 2nd/3rd, and 4th editions of API 682. However, API
standards are not retroactive. For example, if a seal was provided per 1 st
edition, it should be repaired per 1st edition requirements unless the customer
requests updating to a different edition.

10.0 Purchasing API 682

10.1

How do I get a copy for me and my customers? API no longer sells their
standards directly. The most straightforward way to purchase API 682 is to buy
it from IHS.com or TechStreet.com. The API website, API.org, will direct you to
to TechStreet.com.

API 682 FAQ

11.0 Scope, Origins, History and Background of API 682 / ISO 21049
11.1

What is API 682? API 682 is a standard governing mechanical seals for
centrifugal and rotary pumps. It was first published in October, 1994 by the
American Petroleum Institute and is now in edition four. The ISO version is ISO
21049:2012. By default, the latest version of the standard is always used unless
an older version is specifically referenced.
11.2 Who wrote API 682? API standards are written primarily by the end user
members of the American Petroleum Institute. Equipment manufacturers are
generally requested to act as advisors and reviewers of the specifications. The
first draft of API 682 was prepared by a committee of ten end user members
that were advised by four representatives from seal manufacturers. Drafts are
reviewed by API committees. Since 3rd edition, API 682 has been identical with
ISO 21049 and has been reviewed and approved around the world.
11.3 Who must use API 682? API standards are non-compulsory. However, many
companies in the oil refining and chemical processing industries use API or ISO
standards.
11.4 Who can use API 682? Anyone
11.5 When does API 682 take effect? After publication, the standard can be applied
whenever an end user chooses to use it.
11.6 What are the advantages of using API 682? Consistency of approach in seal
selection and application is one of the main advantages. Also, designs for API
682 must be tested in representative fluids with various specified operating
conditions. The seal manufacturer is to make the qualification test results
available to the purchaser for evaluation. Additionally each seal must pass an
air integrity test prior to shipment. The overall objective of API 682 is for seals to
have a high degree of probability of providing three years of uninterrupted
service while complying with emission regulations. Also see Testing.
11.7 What are the disadvantages of using API 682? Seals and support systems
meeting API 682 are considered to be heavy duty. Therefore, some features
may be included that can result in a higher expense to the purchaser than seals
and systems previously used.
11.8 Where can I find John Crane interpretation of terms and acronyms used in this
standard? The data dictionary. URL:
http://jcglobalintranet/Engineering/EDD/Dictionary_Pages/buffer%20fluid.aspx
11.9 Is API 682 a metric standard? Strictly speaking, yes. API 682 was the first of
the API standards to be issued as a metric standard. Metric units govern
throughout the standard. US customary units are soft conversions and are
shown for reference only.
11.10 What if a customer specifies API 682 for equipment other than pumps? API
682 is essentially the only available seal specification. Your customer may be
looking for seals that follow the general guidelines of API 682 and not complete
compliance.

API 682 FAQ

12.0 Systems
12.1

What is John Cranes interpretation of Clause 8.1.4 (ISO 21049: 2011) which
states that the piping and components shall have a pressure-temperature
rating at least equal to the maximum allowable working pressure (MAWP) and
temperature of the pressure casing? The emphasis is on MAWP and MAWP

is defined as being based on specified maximum operating temperature.

12.2

12.3

12.4

The standard states that Category 2 & 3 seals are limited to seal chamber
gauge pressures up to 40 bar or 600 psi. What is the maximum barrier
pressure limit? There is no defined limit for the maximum barrier pressure in
the standard. The notes for ISO 21049: 2011 Clause 8.1.4 state that for high
discharge pressure pumps where the seal chamber pressure can get higher than
the MAWP of the seal the purchasers may want to consider installation of a
pressure relief valve. In 8.1.5 it also states that a pressurization system shall
not exceed the dynamic pressure rating of the seal and the MAWP of the seal
auxiliary system.
Is John Crane obligated to providing heat generation figures if the auxiliary
system is being supplied by another vendor? Yes, and other seal
manufacturers are obligated to provide heat generation figures to John Crane
Systems if the purchaser so specifies. The standard does state that if specified
the arrangement of the auxiliary system shall be developed jointly by the
purchaser and the vendor. It does not require that the auxiliary system be
purchased through the seal vendor.
Does API require the barrier pressure for dual pressurized seals be constantly
controlled versus the seal chamber pressure? No, there is no requirement for
a constant pressure differential or constant pressure ratio. A note (not a
specification) to clause 7.3.1.1 states that barrier fluid pressure is usually 20 to
60 psi above seal chamber pressure. Clause 8.3.5.1.10 states that the barrier
fluid pressure must be at least 20 psi higher than the maximum seal chamber
pressure.

API 682 FAQ

13.0 Testing
13.1

What testing is involved with API 682? First, a seal must be qualified in one of 5
fluid groups (water, propane, caustic, cold oil, or hot oil). A seal is qualified by
testing a small seal (usually about 2 inch (50 mm)) and a large seal (usually
about 4 inch (100 mm)). Both the large and small seal must perform
satisfactorily in the test. The qualification test is specific to seal type, face
materials, seal arrangement and the fluid group. Also see Materials.
Secondly, there are integrity test such as hydrotesting of the glands, reservoirs,
heat exchangers. Per API these are to be hydrotested at minimum of 1.5 times
the rated pump working pressure for at least 1/2 hour. It should be noted that
we discourage the hydrotesting of the glands since the glands are manufactured
from bar stock . The real intent of API 682 is to require a hydrotest be
performed on all pressure containing castings or welds in pressure containing
parts. Neither of these requirements apply to our glands. Hydrotesting of glands
will add cost to the purchaser and most will waive the requirement.
Thirdly, there is an integrity test requirement of air test on the assembled
cartridge seals to determine that the assembly was done properly. Air testing is
already a standard at most locations within John Crane.
Finally, there are several scenarios of pump performance testing by the OEM
that can have an impact on the seal. Unless otherwise specified, the job seal is
installed for the pump performance.

13.2

13.3

13.4

Does API 682 require that a seal be qualified on all test liquids before it can be
marketed as an API 682 Seal? No. Clause 10.3.1.2.2 states that the seal must
be tested in the appropriate test fluid as given in Table I.2. A note to this clause
states: It is not necessary to test a commercial product in all qualification test
fluids.
Does it matter what face materials are used for API 682 Test Qualified seals?
Yes, the seal is qualified only with the face materials that were used in the test.
API 682 does not recognize families of seal face materials. This means that
many tests are required. Also see Materials.
What seals and materials have we qualified for the different fluid groups?
There are 2 document libraries on the Engineering SharePoint site: API
Certifications and API Forms. At the top of each site there are instructions on
how use the page to find the correct documents. Each site has a MAIN view
and an ALL Documents view. The Main view is an abbreviated listing while the
ALL Documents view contains more detailed information. Also see Materials.