Seal Chamber Pressure

23/03/2021 Seal Chamber Pressure - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
Seal Chamber Pressure

Related terms:
Barrier Fluid, Buffer Fluid, Mating Ring, Pressure Gauge, Pumped Fluid, Seal
Chamber, Seal Face, Seal Failure, Seal Vendor, Throat Bushing
General Information
Robert Flitney, in Seals and Sealing Handbook (Sixth Edition), 2014
7.1.3 Mechanical Seals

Barrier fluid
Externally supplied fluid at a pressure above the pump-seal-chamber pressure,
introduced into a dual pressurized seal to isolate the process fluid completely from
the environment.
Barrier liquid
See Barrier fluid.
Buffer
See Buffer fluid.
Buffer fluid
Externally supplied fluid at a pressure lower than the pump-seal-chamber pressure,
used as a lubricant and/or diluent in a dual unpressurized seal.
Buffer liquid
See Buffer fluid.
Bushing
Close-clearance restrictive bush around the shaft or sleeve. It may be fixed or
flexible radially when used in the casing or gland plate.
CMA
Chemical Manufacturers Association. A US-based industry group.
Containment chamber
Component forming the cavity into which the containment seal fits.
Containment seal
Mechanical seal design with one flexible element, seal ring and mating ring
mounted in the containment chamber.
Data sheets
A template used to list data, information and specifications applicable to a
particular item of plant equipment.
Double seal
See Dual pressurized seal.
Dual mechanical seal
A dual pressurized seal or dual unpressurized seal of any kind.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/seal-chamber-pressure 1/15
Dual pressurized seal
Seal configuration having two seals per assembly which utilize an externally
supplied barrier fluid.
Dual seal
See Dual mechanical seal.
Dual unpressurized seal
Seal configuration having two seals per assembly with a containment chamber
which is at a pressure lower than the seal-chamber pressure.
Energized containment seal
Lip seal mounted in the containment chamber and used in the manner of a
containment seal.
EPA Method 21
US Federal Regulation 40 CFR 60, 1990, Determination of Volatile Organic
Compound Leaks, Reference Method 21, Appendix A.
Flush
Fluid which is introduced into the seal chamber on the process-fluid side in close
proximity to the seal faces and used typically for cooling and lubricating the seal
faces.
Flush plan
Configuration of pipe, instruments and controls designed to route the fluid
concerned to the seals. Auxiliary piping plans vary with the application, seal type
and arrangement.
General-purpose mechanical seals
Mechanical seals which have not had the benefit of recent technological advances
in design, materials and tribology.
Live loading
Method used to compress gland packing that is independent of any manual
tightening of gland-plate studs. Ordinarily, it comprises a controlled spring force.
Mating ring
Disc- or ring-shaped member, mounted either on the sleeve or in a housing such
that it does not move axially relative to the sleeve or housing, which provides the
mating seal face for the seal ring.
Mechanical containment seal
See Containment seal.
Mechanical seal
A device which prevents the leakage of fluids along rotating shafts. Sealing is
accomplished by a seal ring, mounted flexibly on the shaft or the equipment
casing, which bears against a radial face of a fixed mating ring. The seal faces are
perpendicular to the shaft axis. Axial mechanical force and fluid pressure maintain
the contact between seal faces.
Mechanical seal data sheets
See Data sheets.
Metal bellows
A series of metal convolutions or a stack of welded metal diaphragms used to
provide secondary sealing and spring-type loading in a mechanical-seal design.
MTBR
Mean time between repairs. A statistical methodology used to measure reliability in
equipment.
Non-contacting seal
Mechanical-seal design in which the mating faces are designed intentionally to
create aerodynamic or hydrodynamic separating forces in order to sustain a
specific gap between the seal ring and the mating ring.
Primary seal
Mechanical seal which seals the process fluid in a dual unpressurized seal.
Rotodynamic pump
Pump which functions by adding energy to the pumped fluid through a rotating
impeller. This may be an axial, mixed or radial flow pump.
Rotor
Assembly of all the rotating parts of a rotodynamic pump.
Seal chamber
Component, either integral with or separate from the pump case (housing), which
forms the region between the shaft and casing into which the mechanical seal is
installed.
Seal face
Side or end of a mating ring or seal ring which provides the sealing surface on the
ring.
Seal ring
Seal face which contacts the mating ring; it is mounted flexibly using springs or
bellows.
Secondary containment device
Component or seal used to restrict process leakage to the environment in the event
of a malfunction of the primary seal.
Single mechanical seal
Seal configuration having only one mechanical seal per assembly.
Split seal
Mechanical seal which has the seal ring and mating ring, and in some designs the
other parts of the seal assembly, supplied in two halves such that they can be
assembled on or removed from the equipment without removal of adjacent parts
of it.
Vapour pressure margin
The pressure difference between the seal-chamber pressure and the pressure at
which the process liquid changes to a vapour at the sealed temperature.
VOC
Volatile organic compound. A chemical compound of carbon, excluding carbon
monoxide, carbon dioxide, carbonic acid, metallic carbides or carbonates, which
vaporizes at or below 21 °C.
Read full chapter

URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780080994161000073
Pump Mechanical Seals

Michael S. Forsthoffer, in Forsthoffer's More Best Practices for Rotating
Equipment, 2017
API Plan 13
An API Plan 13 is widely used in vertical pump applications or when seal chamber
pressure is at or near discharge pressure of the pump. This flush plan basically
vents the seal chamber at a high point back to the suction of the pump (ideally a
high point in the suction piping). Refer to Fig. 8.4.4 for a schematic of a Plan 13
flush.
Figure 8.4.4. Plan 13—recirculation from seal chamber through orifice and back
suction.
As with a plan 11, this flush plan also utilizes an orifice, however it is more to create
a back pressure on the seal chamber than to control flow. The orifice in a plan 13
flush is typically 6 mm (¼ in.), which is usually large enough to vent vapors
accumulated in a vertical pump, while keeping the vapor margin at 345 kPa
(50 psi).
Since a plan 13 uses a larger orifice, it is not typically monitored with the frequency
a plan 11 is. From time to time, however it is a good idea during rounds to check
the temperature across the orifice like you would do in a plan 11, to assure flow out
of the seal chamber and no plugging of the orifice.
Very commonly, a plan 13 will be used in conjunction with a plan 11, this is defined
by API as a plan 14 flush. The same monitoring rules apply to a plan 14 that do to
11 and 13 flush plans.
Read full chapter

API type pressurised dual seals – design configurations

for contaminated upstream pumping applications
R.J. Smith, in Fluid Machinery Congress 6-7 October 2014, 2014
3.1 Interpretation of seal chamber pressure

A key issue is whether the specifying engineer bases the barrier fluid pressure
calculation on ‘normal’ seal chamber pressure, or the ‘maximum’ seal chamber
pressure that can occur due to high pump suction pressure in a plant upset
condition. There is an increasing trend to adopt the maximum seal chamber
pressure and calculate barrier fluid minimum pressure above this condition. This
avoids the inner seal being put into reverse pressure under upset conditions.
However, this can then lead to unnecessary high barrier fluid pressure differential
in normal running.
The barrier fluid strategy set above maximum seal chamber conditions may well be
justified if the process fluid is lethal or extremely toxic. However, in more
generalised services, the strategy is probably overly cautious and is a fallacy, as
most modern dual seals will take excursions in reverse pressure on the inner seal
and survive a process upset event. In such a situation the barrier fluid cooling
circuit would become contaminated with process fluid but over an extended time
period.
Read full chapter

Mechanical Seals
Heinz P. Bloch, in Petrochemical Machinery Insights, 2017
Standard Seal Flush Plan 55

In plan 55 (Fig. 21.3.2), there is an unpressurized external buffer fluid system
supplying clean liquid to the buffer fluid seal chamber. Plan 55 is used with dual
(double, tandem) liquid seal arrangements. The buffer liquid is typically maintained
at a pressure less than seal chamber pressure and less than 0.28 MPa
(2.8 bar/40 psi).
Fig. 21.3.2. Plan 55 and a bidirectional tapered pumping ring in an unpressurized

buffer fluid loop.
Courtesy AESSEAL, Inc., Rotherham, UK and Rockford, TN.
Plan 55 is similar to plan 54 except the buffer liquid is unpressurized. The plan 55
representation in Fig. 21.3.2 shows an efficient bidirectional tapered pumping ring.
This particular ring greatly assists in moving the buffer fluid to and from an
external reservoir and/or through an external heat exchanger (cooler). Also, the
potential advantages of using a tapered pumping ring can be significant. One such
model (Fig. 21.3.2) is offered with bidirectional functionality and a wide clearance
between its vane tips and the opposing stationary parts. In the event of pump
bearing distress, this wide clearance gap protects against scraping and extreme
heat generation.
The outboard seal in Fig. 21.3.2 is a wet containment seal (API calls it configuration
2CW-CW—dual contact wet seal) and is normally used in services where process
fluid leakage to atmosphere must be avoided, which is to say minimized and
contained. Many users found plan 55 advantageous in applications where the
process was prone to solidify in contact with atmosphere or in applications where
additional heat removal from the inner seal was required.
Examining major seal manufacturers' websites allows users to see how plan 55
differs from plan 52. In plan 52, the buffer liquid is not necessarily self-contained;
with plan 52, buffer liquid circulation is created by an external pump or pressure
system. If plan 55 is specified, carefully consider the reliability of the buffer liquid
source and the possible contamination of the buffer flow with process liquid or
vapor. However, suitable supervisory instrumentation may give ample warning of a
compromised primary seal.
Read full chapter

CENTRIFUGAL PUMP NOMENCLATURE,

CHARACTERISTICS AND COMPONENTS
R. Rayner, in Pump Users Handbook (Fourth Edition), 1995
Parallel – Series Operation

Parallel – Series Operation are common requirements but each has certain
considerations that must not be overlooked. Parallel operation of two or more
pumps requires consideration of adequate inlet piping sizing and take-off design
(See Chapter on Sumps and Inlets, as well as adequate steepness of the
characteristic curves for stability. Series operation of two or more pumps requires
consideration of the pressure capability of the component parts of the pumps
working at higher pressure as well as modifications such as break-down bushings
or the capability to handle higher stuff box or seal chamber pressures. The
steepness of the curves and the magnitude of the static head component are two of
the major variables. Generally, pumps on systems that have high static head
components would give better performance in parallel. System curves made up by
a high percentage of friction losses will show higher flows through two pumps in
series than two in parallel. A plot of the power curves in such cases may show less
power consumption in series also. However, series operation where parallel
operation would meet the head requirements means giving up the benefits of
having one or two pumps on depending on the load requirements. In series both
pumps must be left on unless the head drops to less than half of the rated head.
Figs 5.38 and 5.39 show the characteristic curves of two split-case, double suction
pumps with flat and steep slopes respectively. Series and parallel curves for two
identical A units and then two identical B units are superimposed on each,
illustrating some of the points that have been made. Had the power curves been
given, the question of which pump combination was expected to draw the most
power could have been resolved. Add the heads of each pump at different
capacities to obtain the parallel operation curve and the capacities at different
heads to obtain the series operation curve. It is not necessary to stick with identical
pumps for series and parallel operation. In the first case, the second pump in series
should have approximately the same capacity as the first, but could have a different
head. In the case of parallel operation it is desirable that the second pump has
approximately the same head as the first, but the capacity could be different.
FIGURE 5.38. Series vs. Parallel curves.
FIGURE 5.39. Series vs. Parallel curves.
Read full chapter

Rotary Seals
Robert Flitney, in Seals and Sealing Handbook (Sixth Edition), 2014
3.4.6.6 Multiple-Seal Systems

It is quite common for a pair, or sometimes even three, seals to be used as a
system for a variety of reasons. Common terminology is for double, tandem and
dual seals, and these will usually refer to specific arrangements.
Dual seals is a general term within API 682/ISO 21049 [49] that applies when two
mechanical seals are used with provision of a fluid service between the seals. The
barrier or buffer space between the seals may be either pressurized or
unpressurized, using either liquid or gas. Each is covered by specific arrangements,
and within the standard these are known as Arrangement 2, with the buffer space
at less than system pressure, and Arrangement 3, where the barrier fluid is above
the seal-chamber pressure. Although the terms barrier fluid and buffer fluid are
often used interchangeably, they do have specific meanings within the dual-seal
terminology; see the glossary on mechanical-seal terms in section 7.1.3. Seals are
normally used in what is termed a face-to-back configuration for both
Arrangement 2 and Arrangement 3. This means that both seals face in the same
direction, Figure 3.106.
Figure 3.106. Dual-seal arrangements: a pair of (a) pusher seals and (b) metal-
bellows seals.
Source: Flowserve.
This configuration has two distinct advantages over the traditional ‘back-to-back’
seal arrangement, Figure 3.107, previously used for pressurized double seals, and
these are discussed in the section on double seals. A similar seal arrangement can
therefore be used for either Arrangement 2 or 3 and will survive without serious
contamination of the barrier liquid if the pressure supply fails in an Arrangement 3
system as shown in Figure 3.108.
Figure 3.107. Traditional back-to-back double-seal arrangement that has been

superseded by dual seals as shown in Figure 3.106 for refinery duties.
Figure 3.108. Double-balance-line feature allows seal to work with pressure from
either direction. i.d., inside diameter.
Source: Flowserve.
The use of dual seals, such as API Arrangement 2, with a low or unpressurized
buffer is familiarly known as a tandem arrangement. The predominant use of this
system is as a backup or containment system to the primary seal. Within a process-
plant system, this may be applied as Plan 52, Figure 3.109, where an external
reservoir will provide buffer liquid for lubrication of the outer seal. During normal
operation, the circulation is maintained by an internal pumping ring that is a
designed-in feature of the seal. The reservoir is usually continuously vented to a
vapour-recovery system and is maintained at a pressure less than the pressure in
the seal chamber. The system will be fitted with suitable alarms and trips to alert
staff in the event of a rise in the buffer pressure and close the vent to contain the
leakage. The outboard seal will be designed to operate at the full system pressure
until it is possible to shut down and replace the seals. Individual company policy or
local environmental regulations may stipulate a maximum period for use of the
backup seal.
Figure 3.109. Plan 52.

Source: AESSEAL.
This system is not universally favoured as problems can occur if the outboard seal
has operated for a long period at low pressure. It may then not operate reliably if
suddenly exposed to pump pressure and high temperature. Heat generation of the
backup seal also has to be considered [51].
An increasingly popular alternative to the tandem liquid seals is to use a dry-gas
seal as the outboard seal, as discussed for backup seals in section 3.4.6.5, but in a
tandem arrangement a controlled buffer gas is provided. A typical system is Plan
72, Figure 3.110. A coalescing filter (FIL) is used to ensure that solids and/or liquids
which might be present in the buffer gas do not contaminate the seals. A pressure
indicator (PI) is provided together with low-pressure and high-flow switches (PSL
and FSH, respectively). An externally supplied gas buffer feeds a pressure-control
valve (PCV) which is used to limit the buffer-gas pressure applied to the
containment seal to lower the process-side pressure of the inner seal and prevent
reverse pressurization of the inboard seal. The buffer gas may be used alone to
dilute the seal leakage or it may be used in conjunction with additional facilities
such as those specified in Plan 75 or 76 to help sweep leakage into a closed
collection system. Plan 75 provides a drain and collection chamber for liquid
leakage, while Plan 76 provides a leakage-collection chamber for vapour products if
the pumped fluid vaporizes at atmospheric conditions.
Figure 3.110. Plan 72.
The dry-gas seal used for this arrangement may be either a wavy face or with laser-
machined groove’s depending on supplier and customer requirements. The seals
will be designed to operate reliably on liquid for a satisfactory period of time with
minimal leakage within the statutory requirements. This type of seal will have
much lower heat generation than the liquid types, and the system auxiliaries and
controls are often much simpler. For these reasons it is now very often the
preferred option for a tandem arrangement.
A tandem seal may be specified to provide a high degree of local containment,
often to comply with emission requirements, but also for applications such as
unattended plant on pumping stations, etc., where it can provide a capability for
extended running after a primary seal failure until it is possible for maintenance
staff to attend.
An alternative use of this type of seal arrangement is where the pressure is beyond
the capability of a single seal. By controlling the buffer space to an intermediate
pressure, a higher overall pressure can be reliably sealed. An example of this
technique is that used for the seals on the boiler circulating pumps for nuclear
power plant. Those employed on pressurized-water reactors operate at up to
170 bar [52]. A series arrangement of three seals is used, Figure 3.111. A carefully
regulated bleed flow is designed so that each seal operates at one-third of the
pressure. These seals have been very highly developed for the duty and seal life of
up to 15 years has been obtained. Any one seal is designed to be capable of
operating at the full system pressure in the event of a system malfunction to
provide sufficient time for a controlled shutdown of the pump. A similar
philosophy is employed for boiling-water reactors [53], which operate at 70 bar and
280 °C. In this case, two seals are used in tandem with a throttle ring controlling
the relative pressure of the inboard and outboard seals.
Figure 3.111. Three seals used in series to break down the pressure of a pressurized
water-reactor circulating pump from 170 bar.
Source: Flowserve.
Read full chapter

Features review – another year of variety

Bob Flitney, in Sealing Technology, 2011
Rotary seals
During the twleve-month period under review we included four articles on
mechanical seals and one on lip seals.
Two of the articles were, in some ways, complementary in that they both dealt with
ISO 21049/API 682, the standard for mechanical seals designed to be used in rotary
pumps in refinery applications.
Running to 195 pages, this is a very comprehensive standard. While some aspects
are readily selected using the standard, a number of areas, particularly with respect
to the properties of the pumped fluid, are open to interpretation by the user. This
specifically impacts the selection of the type of seal arrangement – single,
unpressurised dual or pressurised dual.
Seal selection
Our feature in July 2010,[2] set out a method of selecting the most appropriate seal
arrangement, as used by Total Raffinage and Marketing, using the United Nations
Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS).
The use of the hazard ratings applied to an individual fluid and the concentration
within a pumped product then permits a rational selection of seal arrangement
based on the permitted exposure limits and, additionally, the flammability.
For an individual operator there is still an element of individual selection, based on
the criteria required to mandate a specific arrangement. Hence, the horizontal
lines shown in the graph in Figure 1 may be rearranged vertically to suit individual
company requirements.
Figure 1. An example of the criteria used for the selection of seal arrangements,
used by Total Raffinage and Marketing, as discussed in Sealing Technology's July
2010 feature.[2]
On process plant there will be varying requirements for dual seals of both
Arrangement 2, dual seal with a low-pressure buffer, and Arrangement 3, dual seals
with a barrier fluid above the seal chamber pressure. It is also normal for
Arrangement 3 seals to include what is known as a dual balance line feature, which
will permit the seal to operate without the seal faces parting in the event of loss of
barrier pressure. This generally means that the seals falling under Arrangement 2
are of a slightly different design to those under Arrangement 3.
A development described in the feature[3] published in the October 2010 issue
enables the same design of seal to be used for both applications, hence combining
the requirement for a dual balance line with the ability to cater for two application
areas. The major advantage of this is claimed to be the option for increased
standardisation of the seals selected for a plant.
Handling latex solutions
The remaining two features on mechanical seals described seals developed for
specific applications. The first discussed seals for pumps handling latex solutions.[4]
If the latex penetrates between the seal faces and is allowed to dry then it can cause
severe problems. For pumps that operate intermittently, a single seal plus flush
with an inflatable shut-down seal are used. The inflatable seal permits flooding of
the seal area with clean water when the pump is stopped. For continuous running,
a dual seal arrangement with a “knife edge” seal at the product side is used.
Automotive applications
The second application article on mechanical seals described something very
different, and one which, as it is implemented, will see gas seal technology being
applied to high-volume automotive applications.[5]
This seal is now ready to go into series production. It is intended to reduce blow-by
at high boost pressure and also reduce oil leakage at low pressure. Compared with
existing designs it will enable a wider operating pressure range in both directions
of vacuum and over-pressure. The aim is to enable smaller turbochargers to be
used, and to improve dynamic response and operating speeds, which will lead to
smaller and cleaner, high output engines.
This article also illustrated the potential application of gas seals to engine
crankshafts, demonstrating the significant reduction in seal friction that would be
achieved (Figure 2).
Figure 2. A gas seal intended for use in an engine crankshaft application (top) and
the reduction in seal friction that this would provide (bottom).[5]
After I had presented a paper on the history of lip seal developments there were
several suggestions that this should be published in Sealing Technology. The feature
[6]
in November was an edited version of the original paper, but gives a flavour of
the content. If you are interested in the full version, this is available in the EDF–
LMF Workshop proceedings from Poitiers University.
Read full article

URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S135047891170263X
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23/03/2021 Seal Chamber Pressure - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics

7.1.3 Mechanical Seals

Read full chapter

Pump Mechanical Seals

Read full chapter

API type pressurised dual seals – design conﬁgurations

3.1 Interpretation of seal chamber pressure

Read full chapter

Standard Seal Flush Plan 55

Fig. 21.3.2. Plan 55 and a bidirectional tapered pumping ring in an unpressurized

Read full chapter

CENTRIFUGAL PUMP NOMENCLATURE,

Parallel – Series Operation

FIGURE 5.38. Series vs. Parallel curves.

FIGURE 5.39. Series vs. Parallel curves.

Read full chapter

3.4.6.6 Multiple-Seal Systems

Figure 3.107. Traditional back-to-back double-seal arrangement that has been

Figure 3.109. Plan 52.

Figure 3.110. Plan 72.

Read full chapter

Features review – another year of variety

Read full article

Forsthoﬀer's More Best Practices for Rotating

Forsthoﬀer's Component Condition Monitoring

Forsthoﬀer's Best Practice Handbook for Rotating

Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. or its licensors or contributors.

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