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TECHNICAL
PUMP SEAL PLAN 53A
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TECHNICAL

IN THIS
PLAN THE
RESEVIOR
PRESSURE
IS
GREATER
THAN THE
PROCESS
BEING
SEALED
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TECHNICAL
DUAL SEALS, PRESSURIZED ROTARY
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Description: Plan 53A uses an external reservoir to provide barrier fluid for a TECHNICAL
pressurized dual seal arrangement. Reservoir pressure is produced by a gas,
usually nitrogen. Flow is induced by a pumping ring.

Advantages: Reservoir size can be optimized dependent on flow rate. Wear

particles settle to bottom of reservoir and do not get recirculated.

General: Heat is dissipated by reservoir cooling coil. Barrier fluid is subject

to gas entrainment at pressures/temperatures above 21 bar(g)/300 psi(g) and
120°C/250°F. While API 682 4th edition suggests a limit of 10 bar(g)/150 psi(g) to
avoid gas entrainment, properly selected barrier fluids can be used to the limit
suggested above.
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TECHNICAL
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API PLAN 53 TECHNICAL
ANSI PLAN 7353
 DESCRIPTION: PRESSURIZED external BARRIER fluid reservoir supplying clean
fluid to a pressurized dual mechanical seal with forced circulation.

 PRIMARY PURPOSE: To isolate the product being pumped from the atmosphere or to extend seal
life by providing a favorable environment for the seal.
(Example: abrasive or non-lubricating liquids)

 When the API PLAN 53 is used, the pressurized barrier fluid lubricates both inner and outer seal
faces.
 A very small amount of barrier fluid will migrate across the faces and into the product.
 The barrier fluid must be maintained at pressure 25 to 30 psi above seal chamber pressure to insure
barrier and not product lubrication of the inboard seal faces.
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 This plan guarantees virtually zero emissions to atmosphere. The barrier fluid can eventually become
contaminated due to a mixing at the inner seal faces primarily with metal bellows type designs.
Standard
double balanced pusher cartridge seals are much less susceptible to this mixing.

As in PLAN 52, a forced circulation is preferred over thermal siphon and cooling coils can be utilized in
the seal reservoir to prevent flashing of the product or barrier fluid. As with PLAN 52, the installation and
piping are critical to system performance. Guidelines are as follows:

1) The distance from the bottom of the reservoir to the centerline of the shaft should be
approximately 12 to 18 inches.
2) Keep the seal pot as close to the pump as possible. Preferably under 4 feet.

3) Reservoir size is the same as with PLAN 52. Volume of the seal pot is generally one gallon
per inch of shaft size with a minimum of 2 gallons.
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4) Avoid sharp elbows or bends in the tubing to reduce friction loss. A smoother sweeping
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approach performs more efficiently. TECHNICAL

5) The fluid level in the reservoir should be maintained at least one inch above the
return line connection. This will insure a fluid packed system and prevent head pressures
from slowing circulation or stopping it all together.

6) Use a minimum .500" to .750" tubing size for circulation.

7) The tubing should always have an upward slope to the horizontal runs in the return
line to prevent air traps in low spots (1-5 degree slope).

8) Use free flowing type valves to isolate reservoir from tubing lines. This aids the venting
process insuring a fluid packed system.

9) If possible, locate circulating ring in gland where clearances can be more tightly controlled
and tangential connection can be used.

With this system, a loss of barrier fluid with no dripping from the outboard seal indicates an inner seal leak.
A low level alarm will indicate this failure and allow for a convenient seal change out.
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Maintenance intervals TECHNICAL
Daily
 Check and note the system pressure
 Look for signs of leaks from the seal, system and pipes.
 Check the sealing liquid filling level / temperature and adjust when required.
 Check the temperature and the flow rate of the cooling medium.
 Check all alarm signals. Take action as necessary.

Monthly
 All filters (where present), should be inspected and replaced when they are dirty or blocked.
 Any discolouration of the sealing liquid or filter contamination can be sign of a leak of the inner
mechanical seal and should be investigated without delay.

After 5 years
 We also recommend that a complete internal and external inspection of the tank and all system
components should be carried out at 5-yearly intervals.
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