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Vol. 19, No. 3-4, March - April 2020

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Learnings & selection guidelines of mechanical seal flush
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2 Manufacturing Technology Today, Vol. 19, No. 3-4, Mar-Apr 2020

 Technical Paper

Learnings & selection guidelines of mechanical seal flush plan for

pumps in a typical plant
Satinder Pal Singh1*, Neel Kanth Grover2, H. S. Bains3
Department of Mechanical Engineering, I. K. Gujral Punjab Technical University, Punjab, India.
1,2

3
P.U. Swami Sarvanand Giri Regional Centre, Punjab, India.

Presented in International Conference on Advancements and Futuristic Trends in Mechanical and Materials Engineering
held at Indian Institute of Technology Ropar (IITR), Rupnagar, during December 5-7, 2019.

ABSTRAC T
KE Y W O R D S Pump mechanical seal failure incidents out number any other rotating
component of a pump in a typical OG & C Plant. This is also well-known fact
Mechanical Seal,
that up to 70% of pump maintenance expenditure is responsible for seal
Seal Flush Plan,
repair/maintenance or replacements. This arises the need for accurate
Selection Guideline,
selection of mechanical seal for given pump & particular service conditions.
Pump/Seal Vendor,
OG & C Plant, As a standard industry practice, Pump Buyer usually follows Pump/Seal Vendor
Work Process Diagram, recommendation for final selection of Seal Plan. Although the onus of deciding
Plant Owner, the seal plan and material selection is fairly & squarely on the Pump/Seal
API 682. Vendor, however it is recommended that Buyer shall also validate/verify
the seal selection during bid evaluation stage himself (based on seal
selection guidelines). This will help in avoiding changes in seal plan during
detailed engineering (after award) which otherwise led to cost/schedule
impact. Before selecting the seal material, type of seal the designer or pump
manufacturer either needs to go through exhaustively complete scope of API
682 and their field experience (operational experience of using Seal Type X in Pump
Type Y with process parameters Z).
This paper will illustrate the selection guidelines based on seal vendor
recommendations, feedback from Plant Owner (Plant O&M personals) and
in-house lesson learnt. This paper will also discuss the work process diagram for
the mechanical seal selection/coordination for OG&C plant along with brief
information on various Seal types for Pumps per API 682.
The recommendations in this paper are based on the “typical cases” of a seal
for centrifugal pumps. Other types of machine, installation conditions, modes
of operation, designer’s, manufacturer’s andoperator’s specifications, local
regulations and so on can result in a different choice of mechanical seal. For
complex sealing duties it is always advisable for the user to consult with the
specialist engineer/Operator/Consultant/Seal Manufacturer.
A sealing system for hydrocarbons must often make allowance for partial dry
running due to their low boiling points. However, with the right design features
and face materials, it is possible to guarantee fail safe operation of the
mechanical seal.
There is no doubt that the marginally higher cost for the better-quality seals will
probably be recovered during the first year of operation of pumps itself.
Although this seal selection guideline is applicable for new installations
/Procurement of Pumps, however this may be extended for upgrading seals
of Pumps in existing OG&C installations where frequent maintenance is
encountered.

*Corresponding author,
E-mail: nitcsp@gmail.com

Manufacturing Technology Today, Vol. 19, No. 3-4, Mar-Apr 2020 35

Technical Paper
Definitions:
Pumps: refers to Centrifugal and Rotary pumps.
VOC: volatile organic compound as defined in the
CAAA.
In VOC Service: means that the piece of
equipment contains a process fluid (light liquid,
heavy liquid or gas/vapor) that is at least 5%
VOC by weight.
Light Liquid: liquid organic compound with a vapor
pressure≥ 0.044 Psia @ 70 degF.
Heavy Liquid: liquid organic compound with a
vapor pressure < 0.044 Psia @ 70 degF.
HAP: Hazardous Air Pollutant.
Buffer Fluid: A fluid used as a lubricant or buffer
between dual mechanical seals. The fluid is always
at a pressure lower than the pump process
pressure being sealed.
Barrier Fluid: A fluid which is introduced between
dual mechanical seals to completely isolate the
pump process liquid from the environment.
Pressure of the barrier fluid is always higher than
the process pressure being sealed
P & ID: Process & Instrumentation diagram.
O & M: Operation & Maintenance
OEM: Original Equipment Manufacturer
OG & C: Oil Gas & Chemical
LNG: Liquefied Natural Gas
API: American Petroleum Institute
1. Introduction
Mechanical Seal is a device used to seal the
interface between a rotating shaft and stationary
housing Mechanical seals are used throughout
industry to minimize or eliminate leakage in the
Pumps, Mixers and other rotating equipment’s.
The ability of mechanical seal to meet its
performance objectives depends upon wide
Table D.1
Example of an arrangement 1 mechanical seal code.
36 Manufacturing Technology Today, Vol. 19, No. 3-4, Mar-Apr 2020
range of factors involving equipment design,
operating conditions (process parameters)
and support system. Mechanical seals have
gained success over the years for their ability to
minimize or eliminate leakage of process fluids
to atmosphere. This has resulted in improved
equipment reliability, reduced emissions and
improved safety. While the purpose of the seal
appears to be simple enough however the design
of seal components are significant engineering
challenges.
However still LNG, Oil and Power plants are
being confronted with several no. of available
mechanical designs hence the end customer
should use inexpensive standard seal and exotic,
highly engineered seal models.
Before selecting the seal material, type of seal;
the designer or pump manufacturer either needs
to go through exhaustively complete scope of
API 682 and their field experience (operational
experience of using Seal Type X in Pump Type Y
with process parameters Z). To make the selection
less complicated, selection guideline/strategy
is illustrated in this paper below based on seal
vendor recommendations, feedback from Plant
Owner (Plant O&M personals) and in-house
lesson learnt (previous projects experience).
Selection strategy outline which makes the
maximum use of capabilities of pump and seal
manufacturer and Operational & Maintenance
personal in plants is presented here. This strategy
will allow to selection of high-quality seal for
given type of pump in given installation.
Principal features of optimum seals are also
highlighted in this paper. This selection strategy
provides a guideline for the selection of
mechanical seals and support systems for
hydrocarbon services. Additional attention must
be given to issues not covered by this paper
(i.e. selection guideline) like availability of
auxiliary systems such as vapor recovery (flare)
for a dual seal equipped with an API Plan 52,
nitrogen for a dual seal equipped with an API
 Technical Paper
Plan 53, cooling water, containment areas 1.1 API 682 4th edition seal code quick reference
for seal leakage to reduce/eliminate the risk
of environmental incidents, etc. Safety and API 682 extract (refer Table D.1) below
environmental concerns should be evaluated on a explains regarding Seal Code depicting various
case by case basis. nomenclatures for the Seal Category,
Table D.2
Mechanical seals for pumps in hydrocarbon service - selection procedure.
Hydrocarbon Services with Specific Gravity 0.7 and Seal Chamber Pressure 280 Psig
3.5” Maximum Sleeve or Shaft diameter
Emissions Target Control Level = 500 ppmv
Seal chamber
pressure /
Service Vapor vapor pressure
Standard Seal Primary Secondary
Temp. Pressure ratio @ Additional Information
Seals Arrangement Flush Flush
(degF) (Psia) service temp.
(calculated in
Psia).
20 to 14.7 Pusher seal Special 11, 13 or For new pumps, seal
(1)

250 or Metal purpose 14(1) manufacturer to coordinate

Bellows seal single with pump OEM on primary
balanced seal flush selection (11,13 or
cartridge seal 14) and determine seal flush
orifice size.
>14.7 1.5 Pusher seal Special 11, 13 or (2)
Dry running secondary
purpose 14(1) emission containment seals
single and seals equipped with an
balanced- API Plan 52 vented to a vapor
cartridge seal recovery system are not
considered zero emission seals,
and must be approved by the
owner.
>14.7 <1.5 Pusher seal Dual balanced 11, 13, 14(1) 52(2) (3)
Barrier fluid compatibility
cartridge seal or or with the process must be
23(7) 74(3,4,5,6) evaluated.
(4)
Preferred for continuous duty
service
(5)
Select Plan 53 or 74 if
difference between product
vapor pressure and seal
chamber pressure is less than
25psi.
53(3,5,6,8) Bellows type seals may
(6)

or be used in products with

74(3,4,5,6) particulates present with
owner approval.
API Plan 23 can be used as an
(7)

option to obtain desired

vapor pressure margin.
250 to >14.7 Pusher seal Special 23 API Plan 53 is an option in
(8)

450 or Metal purpose locations where vapor recovery

bellows seal single system is not available or when
balanced- flaring of seal emissions or a
cartridge seal product release into the flare
(in the case of a seal failure) is
not allowed.
14.7 Pusher seal Special 23
or Metal purpose 11, 13 or 62
bellows seal single 14(1)
balanced-
cartridge seal

Manufacturing Technology Today, Vol. 19, No. 3-4, Mar-Apr 2020 37

Technical Paper

Hydrocarbon Services with Specific Gravity < 0.7 and Seal Chamber Pressure 280 Psig
3.5” Maximum Sleeve or Shaft diameter
Emissions Target Control Level = 500 ppmv
Seal chamber
pressure /
Service Vapor vapor pressure
Standard Seal Primary Secondary
Temp. Pressure ratio @ Notes /Additional Information
Seals Arrangement Flush Flush
(degF) (Psia) service temp.
(calculated in
Psia).
20 to Pusher Dual balanced- 11,13 or 52(2) (1)
For new pumps, seal manufacturer
450 seal (8) cartridge seal 14 (1) to coordinate with pump OEM on
primary seal flush selection (11,13
or 14) and determine seal flush
orifice size.
(2)
Dry running secondary emission
containment seals and seals
equipped with an API Plan 52
vented to a vapor recovery system
are not considered zero emission
seals, and must be approved by the
owner.
API Plan 23 can be used as an
(3)

23(3) 52(2,6) option to obtain desired vapor

pressure margin.
53(4,5,6,7,8,9) API Plan 53 is an option in locations
(4)

or where vapor recovery system is not

74 (5,7,8,9,10) available or when flaring of seal
emissions or a product release
into the flare (in the case of a seal
failure) is not allowed.
Barrier fluid compatibility with
(5)

the process must be evaluated.

Based on seal heat generation
(6)

calculations, seal manufacturer to

evaluate barrier fluid cooling
requirements and methods. Must
be reviewed and approved by
owner.
(7)
API Plan 53 or 74 must be selected
if specific gravity is below 0.45
Bellows type seals may be used in
(8)

products with particulates present

with owner approval.
Select Plan 53 or 74 if difference
(9)

between product vapor pressure

and seal chamber pressure is less
than 25 psi.
Preferred for continuous duty
(10)

service

arrangement, type and Design Options along this design can be used in Arrangement 2 or
with Size and Piping plans. Arrangement 3 seals
Fifth Position: Secondary Sealing Element (Gasket)
First Position: Seal Category (1, 2, 3)
Material (F, G, H, I, R, X)
Second Position: Seal Arrangement (1, 2, 3)
The available options are shown below:
Third Position: Seal Type (A, B, C) F—FKM gaskets;
Fourth Position: Containment Device (P, L, F, C, S, X) G—polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) spring
Example: P—plain gland with no bushing: energized gaskets;
38 Manufacturing Technology Today, Vol. 19, No. 3-4, Mar-Apr 2020

H—nitrile gaskets;
I—FFKM gaskets;
R—flexible graphite (with spiral wound flexible
graphite gaskets for gland gasket);
X—unspecified: the option for the secondary
sealing element is unknown or not covered
by the standard options. This will be specified
separately.
Sixth Position: Seal Face Material Combination
(M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, X)
Example: M—carbon vs nickel bound tungsten
carbide;
Seventh Position: Shaft Size in mm
Example: 25 mm is described as 025.
Eighth Position: Piping Plans
Example: A seal using a Plan 11 and a Plan 53A
would be described as 11/53A
Examples of Finished Seal Codes
Example: 31B-LIN-075-53A
2. Mechanical Seal Selection Procedure - A
This seal selection procedure is used when
service temperature and Vapor pressure of the
Hydrocarbon is known. This procedure provides
a guideline for the selection of mechanical seals
and support systems for new pumps, and seal
upgrades of existing pumps.
Refer Table D.2 for selection of Mechanical seal
of Pumps along with necessary notes. The
“NOTES” sections at the bottom of this procedure
must be read prior to selecting any seal & seal
support system.
Mechanical seals in light liquid VOC service
containing 5% or more Hazardous Air Pollutants
(HAP) by weight are treated as a separate group
as described in #1 in the “NOTES” section. Also
refer Figure D.4 for Vapor Curves of Hydrocarbons.
2.1 Notes
• New pumps in light liquid service (Pv 0.044
Psia @ 70 degF) that contain 5% VOC by
weight AND 5% HAP by weight, must be
equipped with dual cartridge seals. API Plan
53 or 74 are the preferred secondary piping
plan options for these services. Dry running
secondary emission containment seals and
seals equipped with an API Plan 52 vented
Manufacturing Technology Today, Vol. 19, No. 3-4, Mar-Apr 2020
Technical Paper
to a vapor recovery system (flare) are not
considered zero emissions seal systems and
may be used only with approval of the
owner.
• If the required Barrier fluid pressure in an
API Plan 53 is above 150 Psi(g), the use of
alternate technologies like pressure pistons
or API 53 modified reservoirs with bladders is
required.
• Hydrocarbon services containing HF or H2S
in hazardous concentrations are not covered
by this procedure and must be engineered in
a combined effort between the owner, seal
manufacturer and pump OEM.
• Services in pressure, temperature and size
ranges not covered by this procedure must be
engineered in a combined effort between the
owner, seal manufacturer and pump OEM.
• The use of alternative and new technologies is
encouraged. Seals and seal support systems
not covered by this procedure are must be
approved by the owner.
• If seals and seal support systems are used in
a different way than the one described in this
procedure, it must be approved by the owner.
• This selection procedure assumes that low
emission special purpose inside-mounted
seals are utilized. Pusher and bellows seals
must be designed in accordance with the
standard seals A, B and C types recommended
on the API Standard 682 (First Edition,
October 1994). Any deviation must be
approved by the owner.
• This selection procedure assumes that API 7th
or 8th edition pumps will be used. If pump does
not comply with API 7th or 8th edition, the seal
and seal support system must be approved by
the owner.
• Seals and seal support systems for non-API
pumps must be approved by the owner.
• Primary and secondary support plan codes
follow API Standard 682 (Current Edition)
coding.
• Fluoroelastomer O-rings are the standard
for all hydrocarbon services covered in this
procedure with the exception of the following
services:
Hydrocarbons services above 350 degF
Aromatic hydrocarbon services above 150 deg F
Hydrocarbon services with high concentration of H2S
39
Technical Paper

Table. D.3
Mechanical seals for pumps in hydrocarbon service - selection procedure.
API 682  
    Pumping  
Service Service Temperature Comments Seal Code  
No   Range   Category Type Arrgm Config Primary Secondary Notes

Fresh water,
1 0-100 °C   2 Aa 1 CW-FL 11 61M  
condensate
62 May be
2 Sea Water 0-80 °C   2 Aa 1 CW-FL 11 61M Note
required
Boiler Feed
3 80-290 °C   2 Aa 2 CW-FL 23 61M  
Water

Sour Water H2S

4 0-80 °C   2 Aa 1 CW-FL 11 61M  
>50 ppm

Sour Water H2S

5 0-80 °C   2 Aa 2 CW-CW 2 52  
>200 ppm
Sour Water H2S
6 0-80 °C   2 Aa 3 CW-FB 2 53  
>500 ppm

Sour Water H2S

7 0-80 °C   3 Aa 3 CW-FB 2 53  
>2000 ppm

8 Brine 0-80   2 Aa 1 CW-FL 11 62  

Packed
Oily Water Gland, Dry
9 - Sump   VS4 Pumps 2 Aa 1 NC-FX 2   Running
applications Contacting
Seal
Packed
Storm Water Gland, Dry
10 - Sump   VS4 Pumps 2 Aa 1 NC-FX 2   Running
applications Contacting
Seal
Packed
Sea Water Gland, Dry
11 - Sump   VS4 Pumps 2 Aa 1 NC-FX 2   Running
applications Contacting
Seal
Hydrocarbon
-Non Flashing
12   VS4 Pumps 2 Aa 1 NC-FX 2    
- Sump
applications
Hydrocarbon -
13 Flashing - Sump     2 Aa 1 CW-BB 2 53  
applications
Hydrocarbon
- Non Flashing
14 with H2S (low     2 Aa 1 CS-FX 2    
levels below
200 ppm)
Clean
Sea Water -
15     1 Aa 1 CW-FL 32   Water
Vertical Lift
flush
16 Cooling Water 0-80 °C   2 Aa 1 CW-FL 11 61M  

17 Process Water 0-80 °C   2 Aa 1 CW-FL 11 61M  

Hydrocarbons -
18 -40 °C to -5 °C   2 Aa 1 CW-FL 11 61M  
Non Flashing

40 Manufacturing Technology Today, Vol. 19, No. 3-4, Mar-Apr 2020

 Technical Paper

Hydrocarbons -
19 -5 °C to 175 °C   2 Aa 1 CW-FL 11 61M  
Non Flashing

Hydrocarbons - 176 °C to
20   2 Ca 3 CW-BB 11 53  
Non Flashing 259 °C
possibly above
Hydrocarbons -
21 >260 °C auto ignition 2 Ca 1 CW-BB 11 53  
Non Flashing
temperature
Above auto
Hydrocarbons - to a max of
22 ignition 3 Ca 1 CW-BB 23 53  
Non Flashing 450 °C
temperature
Hydrocarbons -
23 -5 °C to 59 °C   2 Aa 2 CW-CS 11 76  
Flashing

Hydrocarbons - 60 °C to 175 Consider

24   2 Aa 3 CW-BB 2 Note 53
Flashing °C Plan 23

Hydrocarbons - 176 °C to Consider

25   2 Ca 3 CW-BB 2 Note 53
Flashing 259 °C Plan 23
Hydrocarbons -
26 >260 °C   2 Ca 3 CW-BB 23 53  
Flashing

Above auto
Hydrocarbons - to a max of
27 ignition 3 Ca 3 CW-BB 23 53  
Flashing 450 °C
temperature

Contaminated as a minimum follow Sour Water with ppm H2S or

28 Hydrocarbons    
with H2S hydrocarbon at operating temperature
Contaminated
29 Hydrocarbons   2 Aa 3 CW-BB 2 53  
with Benzene
Examples of
Hydrocarbon                    
Services
Check with
process
30 Naphtha 0-80 °C   2 Aa 1 CW-CS 11 76 for H2S or
Benzene
present
Propane /
31 0-80 °C   2 Aa 3 CW-FB 11 53  
Butane
32 Crude Oil 0-80 °C   2 Aa 1 CW-FL 11 65  
Possibility of
33 Crude Oil >200 °C 2 Aa 3 CW-FB 2 53  
Coking

34 Diesel Oil 0-80 °C   2 Aa 1 CW-FL 11 61M  

35 Kerosene 0-80 °C   2 Aa 1 CW-FL 11 61M  

Steam
36 Molten Sulphur 127 C   2 Aa 1 CW-FL 11 62
Quench
37 Corrosive Acid 0-80   2 Aa 3 CW-FB 2 53  

38 Sulphuric Acid 0-80   2 Aa 1 CW-FL 11 61  

Work
with
Hydrofluoric Pump
39 0-80              
Acid Vendor
/ Seal
Vendor
Caustic
40 Acid (Low 0-80   2 Aa 1 CW-FL 11 62  
concentrations)

Manufacturing Technology Today, Vol. 19, No. 3-4, Mar-Apr 2020 41

Technical Paper

Caustic
41 Acid (High 0-80   2 Aa 3 CW-FB 2 53  
Concentrations)

42 Benzene     2 Aa 3 CW-BB 2 53  

43 Amines 0-240 °C   2 Aa 3 CW-BB 2 53  

44 Lean MEG     2 Aa 3 CW-BB 2 53  

45 Rich MEG     2 Aa 3 CW-BB 2 53  

Work        
with
Pump
46 Slurries        
Vendor
/ Seal
Vendor

• Perfluoroelastomer O-rings are the standard
when fluoroelastomer O-rings are not an
acceptable choice.
• The use of per fluoroelastomer O-rings as
an alternative to fluoroelastomer O-rings
is acceptable when it is justified by
standardization reasons.
• Metal bellows seals may also use flexible
graphite secondary seals in place of
fluoroelastomer or per fluoroelastomer
O-rings.
• Additional attention must be given to
issues not covered by this procedure like:
availability of vapor recovery systems (flare)
for a dual seal equipped with an API Plan
52, availability of Nitrogen for a dual seal
equipped with an API Plan 53, availability
of cooling water, containment areas for seal
leakage to reduce / eliminate the risk of
environmental incidents, etc. EH & S concerns
should be evaluated on a case by case basis.
• For abrasive or corrosive services in which the
process fluid cannot be utilized as flush for
the inner seal, an external flush API Plan 32 is
an acceptable option. Cost of introducing an
external product into the process stream and
compatibility issues must be evaluated in a
case by case basis.
• Dry non-contacting gas seals with API 682
Plan 74 support system should not be used
in the pump applications when available
Nitrogen pressure is less the 30 psig over
maximum seal chamber pressure.
2.2 Mechanical seal selection procedure-B
Another alternatively checking the right seal
selection will be based on Service and
Temperature range of Pumping. Table D.3 below
42 Manufacturing Technology Today, Vol. 19, No. 3-4, Mar-Apr 2020
illustrates the selection procedure for primary
and secondary seal type for a given pump with
particular set of conditions (service type and
temperature range).
2.3 Work process flow diagram- seal selection
/co-ordination
Work process flow diagram for the mechanical
seal selection/coordination for OG & C plant
along with brief information on various Seal
types for Pumps per API 682. TABLE D.5 below
illustrates the Process Map which help in
Mechanical Seal Selection/coordination between
the Pump/Seal vendor, End User and Design
Department Interco-ordination (Engineering,
Procurement), Process Safety and Licensor
(wherever applicable). Below notes are to be
referred in line with Table D.5.
NOTES:
1) Refer 1a) & 1b) below:
a) End User Inputs/Comments are required
where applicable, per the prime contract
applicable from project to project.
b) Review / comments from EPC Contractor/
Consultants Sub-Disciplines shall be
as-required based on document type and
scope of seal and auxiliaries specified.
2) Specific fluid properties that must be advised
shall be:
a) Specific Gravity
b) Specific Heat
c) Vapor Pressure
d) Viscosity (Including any significant viscosity
increase when fluid is cooled)
e) Temperature – Minimum/normal/maximum

Fig. D. 4. Vapor curves of hydrocarbons.
f) Potential for coking or crystallization when
process fluid cools or reaches atmospheric
pressure.
g) Whether fluid will completely flash or if
condensable may be present.
h) Whether fluid is considered hazardous and /
or flammable
i) Presence of hazardous components in fluid
(e.g. H2S, caustic, etc.)
j) Properties of available flushing utilities (e.g.
water, steam, nitrogen, etc.)
k) Compatibility of buffer/barrier fluids and
Plan 32 flushing liquid with process fluid.
3) Seal documentation deliverables for review
(via the pump vendor) shall include at minimum:
i) Seal performance data included on Seal Data
Sheet and /or Pump Data Sheet (Note 4)
ii) Seal Drawing with operating conditions
Manufacturing Technology Today, Vol. 19, No. 3-4, Mar-Apr 2020
Technical Paper
complete (Including seal chamber pressures
iii) Seal Flush (Including Auxiliary Flush Plan)
Arrangement Drawings (Complete with
flushing flow rates and pressures)
iv) Seal Flush P&ID for each service with
instrument tags and alarm / set points
v) Seal IOM Manual (Marked specifically for the
seal supplied for each service)
4) Some projects combine seal data on the Pump
Data Sheet and others require a separate Seal
Data Sheet.
5) Seal vendor shall recommend buffer and/
or barrier flush fluid. Process and Project
Engineering shall review and approve
recommended fluid.
6) Seal flush P&ID’s shall detail field connections
for vents and drains with their termination
locations.
7) Mechanical Seal Quote shall list all operating
condition assumptions, as provided on
pump/seal data sheets. Quote shall also include
Seal Chamber Pressure and Vapor Pressure
Margin (or state N/A if not applicable) for
each service to receive consideration as
complete bid.
8) Start-up representative should be consulted
at Hazop Review Stage (IFH) for lessons-
learned / recommendations regarding:
a. Typical seal flush plan selections.
b. Spare mechanical seal quantities by
service.
2.4 Vapor curves of hydrocarbons
Above Figure D.4 depict the temperature vs
Pressure graph (Vapor Curves) of Hydrocarbons
namingly; Acetaldehyde, Acetone, Formic acid,
Ammonia, Aniline Benzine Benzene Chlorobenzene
Diethyl ether Diphenyl, Dowtherm A, Acetic acid,
Ethanol, Ethane, Ethylchloride, Ethylene, Ethylene
Glycol, Glycerine, Isobutane, Hexane, Kerosene,
Methanol, Naphthalene, Propane, Propylene,
Hydrogen Sulphide, Carbon tetrachloride,
Trichloroethylene, Toluol and Water
3. Conclusion
Systematic efforts to upgrade seal selection
are possible through increased involvement
of experienced application engineer working
for capable seal manufacturers. These efforts
are further assisted by a seal selection strategy
presented in this paper which identifies those
design features which promise to lead to reduced
43
Technical Paper

Fig. D. 5. Process MAP- mechanical seal selection/ coordination.

44 Manufacturing Technology Today, Vol. 19, No. 3-4, Mar-Apr 2020


failure risk, greater ease of maintenance, better
understanding by operators and mechanical work
forces. It is believed that 98% of the pumps used
in typical petrochemical plant can be assigned
service severity categories from 1 (least severe)
to 9 (most severe). Selection of only 3 types to
cover all 9 categories will accomplish the goals
we have set for ourselves. The selection strategy
presented also outlines, which makes maximum
use of the capabilities of knowledgeable seal
manufacturers and is perfect road map for ideal
seal selection. Additionally, the Work process flow
diagram depicted in this paper helps in right
path following for coordination between different
parties while seal selection for the pumps in a
typical plant.
4. Acknowledgement
“This paper is a revised and expanded version of
an article entitled, ‘Learnings & Selection guidelines
of Mechanical Seal Flush plan for pumps in a
typical Plant’ presented in ‘7th International
Conference on Advancements and Futuristic
Trends in Mechanical and Materials Engineering’
held at Indian Institute of Technology Ropar,
Rupnagar, India during December 5-7, 2019”.
Technical Paper
References
1. Ingram, J.H. (1981). Pump Reliability - Where Do
You Start? In  Research Report Series - University
of Queensland, Department of Civil Engineering.
219–233. ASME.
2. Bloch, H.P. (1978), User’s view of Fluid Sealing
Economics. Paper presented at 45thAnnual Meeting
of Fluid Sealing Association, Sun Valley.
3. ANSI/API Standard 682. 4th Edition- Pumps- Shaft
Sealing Systems for Centrifugal & Rotary Pumps.
4. Day, M.W. (1995). Hydrodynamic sealing of
centrifugal pumps - keys to success. World Pumps,
340, 39–41.
5. Michael, H. (2005). Material selection for
mechanical seals.  Proceedings of the Twenty-
Second International Pump Users Symposium,
127–135. Flowserve Corporation, Deer Park.
6. Massaro, A. J. (1988, May 5). Mating Pairs concept
for mechanical face seals.  Lubrication Engineering
(STLE), 44, 436–446.
7. Bloch, H.P. (1984). Selection strategy for mechanical
shaft seals in petrochemical plants. Exxon Chemical
Company. Baytown.
8. Eagle Burgmann. Mechanical Seal Technology and
Selection. Eagleburgmann.com.

Mr. Satinder Pal Singh is presently working as MEP Design Engineer in

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He did post-graduation from National Institute of
Technology, Calicut in 2007 in Energy Management. He has published more
than 20 technical papers in International, National Conferences & Journals.
His areas of interest are Renewable Energy, Rotating Equipment, HVAC, Boilers
& Balance of Plant systems. He also has around 14 years experience in Power,
Oil & Gas & Infrastructure in Design & Construction Support including more
than 4 years experience working in US & Gulf. (E-mail: nitcsp@gmail.com)

Dr. Neel Kanth Grover is presently working as Associate Professor & Head
of Department (Mechanical Engineering) in I.K. Gujral Punjab Technical
University, Kapurthala. He has completed PhD from Indian Institute of Delhi.
He joined as Lecturer in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Technical Campus, Ferozepur
and has worked for this institute for 20 years. His experience also includes
Computational Fluid Dynamics, R&D to Production, Renewable Energy and
Development of Advanced Manufacturing Technologies. He has published
more than 75 technical papers in International& National journals and
conferences. (E-mail: dr.neelkanthgrover@ptu.ac.in)

Manufacturing Technology Today, Vol. 19, No. 3-4, Mar-Apr 2020 45