Technical Service Bulletin 351

Fume Containment/Deep Stuffing Boxes

One of the most important features of Lewis vertical sulphuric acid/oleum pumps is the elimination
of acid leakage and spray through the stuffing box. All Lewis pump designs incorporate a bypass
in the shaft column (boot through which the circulating acid that lubricates the wetted bearing(s)
returns to the tank (or suction side of the pump)), thus preventing liquid pressurization at the
stuffing box.
In submerged-pump (Form S) installations, the stuffing box is inherently located well above the
maximum acid level. Alternatively, when designing systems in which externally-mounted (Form E)
pumps will be installed, it is necessary to assure that the stuffing box is located at least 12" (300
mm) above the maximum expected acid level in the vessel to which the pump's suction is
connected (see Bulletin 238 for additional recommendations on Form E pump installations).
Nevertheless, there are installations where the pump's stuffing box will be subjected to gas
pressures because of either direct effects of the main compressor or the vapor pressure of the
liquid being handled (e.g., oleum). In these cases, unless proper sealing measures are applied,
gas fumes may be emitted with possible damage to parts with which they come in contact.
To eliminate fumes emissions from deep stuffing boxes used either on submerged pumps where
vessel (tank) pressures are higher than atmospheric or on externally-mounted pumps, Lewis
recommends supplying 2-5 SCFM (.05-.15 m3minute) of dry air at a pressure of 2-3 psi (15-25
kPa) above the pressure within the tank.
Typically, dry air requirements can be met by supplying the air through a flowmeter (e.g.,
rotameter) which provides a convenient means for controlling the air feed. If the air supply
pressure is either unstable or substantially higher than the pressure required at the stuffing box, a
pressure regulator should be provided between the air source and the flowmeter (an inexpensive
"regulator" is a throttling type valve used in conjunction with a pressure gauge).
When purchasing an appropriate flowmeter, be sure to specify stainless steel construction and an
integral needle valve on the inlet.
PIPE UNION
1/4 PIPE
FLOWMETER

SCHEMATIC ONLY

DRY AIR

PRESSURE, PT +(2 TO 3 PSIG)

FLOW RATE, 2 TO 5 SCFM

TANK PRESSURE (P ) T

NOTE:
Location of dry air connection shown is applicable to
Pump Sizes 7HR through 18H only. Dry air connection
on Pump Sizes 2 1/2 through 6H is located on Stuffing
Box (part of Ball Bearing Housing, Item 7).

Rev A – Aug 2006

 CHAS. S. LEWIS & CO., INC.
8625 GRANT ROAD * ST. LOUIS, MO. 63123 * U.S.A.
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