API PLAN 54

ANSI PLAN 7354

DESCRIPTION: PRESSURIZED external BARRIER fluid reservoir or system supplying clean fluid to a pressurized dual mechanical seal. Circulation is provided by an external pump or pressure system.

PRIMARY PURPOSE: To isolate the product being pumped from the environment or to extend seal life through better internal conditions for the seal. This plan also guarantees virtually zero emissions to atmosphere. The pressurized barrier fluid enters the seal and exits in a once in, once out fashion. A gauge is placed on the outlet side between the seal and a needle valve or flow meter. The gauge measures the backpressure created by the needle valve or flow meter. This pressure must be 20 - 30 PSI above seal chamber pressure to enable the barrier fluid to lubricate both inboard and outboard seals. The flow meter serves also to meter the flow to a desired rate for cooling and minimizing barrier fluid usage (usually water or a product compatible fluid). POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: 1) This arrangement is only as reliable as its source of supply. Lose the supply, lose the seal. If the inboard seal fails, there will be significant product dilution. If fluid supply is not clean, seal life may be reduced. If it is part of a larger closed loop system supplying a number of pump seals and one fails catastrophically, it could starve the other seals for liquid and possibly cause additional failures. A small reduction in system pressure could create a reverse pressure situation for an inboard unbalanced or non-double balanced seal. This could open the inboard faces and contaminate the barrier system with product causing numerous problems. This system is excellent for cooling the seal. There is no seal pot to monitor or maintain. Inboard leaks can go unnoticed until dilution reaches detectable levels. Instrumentation may be helpful in this regard.

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