Instruction Manual Page: 11
of: 13
Check the correct setting and
operation of electrical warning
systems associated with seal
operation.
Before start-up, ensure that all
personnel and assembly
equipment have been moved to a
safe distance, that guards are
fitted and there is no contact with
rotating parts.
To minimise any ignition hazard it
is important to ensure seal flush
rates, temperatures, and cooling
water flow rates are to
specification.
In case of pressurised double seals note:
• Auxiliary barrier systems are designed to
service mechanical seals by cooling,
lubricating and pressurising; they must be
operated within their performance limits. If
the barrier system is not supplied by John
Crane check the system and specification
supplied meet the seal’s requirements for
reliable operation. Refer to the system
Instruction Manual.
• The barrier liquid must be clean, with
stable properties over the operating
temperature and pressure conditions, and
not constitute a hazard or introduce
potential damage to the environment.
The liquid should have good lubricating
properties, a viscosity < 15cSt @ 40°C
and be compatible with the process fluid.
The viscosity should ideally be between 1
and 10 cSt at the working temperature.
ISO 21049 and API 682 (2nd Edition) also
offer advice on the selection barrier
liquids. It is advised John Crane is
contacted for more detailed advice on
barrier liquids and a formal approval
sought.
Edition 6
Properties of buffer or barrier liquids
may be the source of flammable or
explosive hazards. In Europe, Plan
53A barrier liquids classified as Group
1 in the Pressure Equipment Directive
(97/23/EC) or described in
67/548/EEC, 96/56/EC, 96/54/EC,
must not be used without formal
approval from John Crane.
• During the start-up of the machine in cold
ambient conditions the barrier viscosity
should not exceed 150 cSt. If this cannot
be ensured the barrier is to be preheated.
• The seal barrier auxiliary system must be
pressurised before priming the machine.
ATTENTION The machine should not be
pressurised suddenly.
ATTENTION If the machine is to be
pressure tested the auxiliary
barrier system must first be
pressurised.
The barrier pressure should be set at
least 10% or 1 bar above the
maximum seal chamber pressure,
whichever is the greater value. If a
low-pressure switch is fitted to the
system ensure it is set above the
maximum seal chamber pressure and
below the barrier pressure; it must
have an adequate pressure difference
between its set point and the barrier
pressure to allow the switch to reset.
For gas seals the barrier pressure
must be (2 bar for 2800ER, 3 bar for
2800BD and 5 bar for 2800HP) above
the maximum seal chamber pressure,
unless other values have been given.
The maximum barrier pressure should
be within the published seal
operational limits.
Care should be exercised to ensure
the Maximum Allowable Working
Pressure (MAWP) is not exceeded
during filling and pressurisation.
• The cooling water outlet temperature
should be < 50oC. If not, check that the