Field Engineering Bulletin

Bulletin No. 40.2.60

Sundyne Gearbox Seal Allowable Back Pressure

EFFECTIVE : JUNE 25, 1985 Rev: ORIG

The following guidelines are to be used in the application of back pressure from flare stacks or other sources to the
cavity below the gearbox seal. This is the cavity traditionally vented via Port One.

Concentration in Allowable Back Pressure

Gas Type
Gas Within Cavity on Port 1

• H2S 0-30 PPM • Continuous 10 psig

• Intermittent / process
upset to 110 psig
• Other gasses which may
degrade silver, brass, lead
or Sundyne’s
recommended lube oil
(*1).
Above 30 PPM Zero (*2)

• Gasses which do not 100 percent • Continuous 10 psig

degrade silver, brass, lead • Intermittent / process
or Sundyne’s upset to 110 psig
recommended lube oil.

(*1.) Frequent lube oil analysis is recommended to assure viscosity is within Sundyne’s published limits and that
contaminant content (except silver and brass) is less than 10 PPM.

(*2.) If back pressure is unavoidable, options are:

a. Double liquid process seal vented to flare via a relief valve at Port 2, liquids collected at Port 1.

b. Double gas process seal using inert buffer gas vented to flare at Port 2; buffer gas vented to
atmosphere at Port 1; liquids collected in drain trap at Port 1.

c. Tandem gas process seal, buffered between seals and vented to flare at Port 2; buffer gas plus traces
of process gas vented to atmosphere at Port 1; liquids collected in drain trap at Port 1.

Originated: Ed Ward
Approved: Conrad Mowrey

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14845 West 64 Avenue, Arvada, Colorado 80007 USA • Tel: 303-425-0800 • Fax: 303-425-0896 • www.sundyne.com