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GUIDE TO
MEASUREMENT OF
ROTATING EQUIPMENT
Contents:
Access Window
Heating / Cooling Galler
See Section
y 6.3.3
See Section 6.4
Shaft Nearest Obstructio
See Section 6.1.1 n
See Section 6.3.1
Direction of Rotati
on
See Section 6.5
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Mechanical seals are not stand-alone items, but always form part of a larger rotating
equipment assembly. Obviously if the seal is to function properly it is vital that the design
of the seal installation is based on the correct dimensions and information covering all
aspects of the rotating equipment which affect the seal. In many cases, this
information is reliably available from drawings, but in some situations, there is no
alternative but to take measurements of the actual equipment in the field.
By their nature, rotating equipment tends to be very diverse in design; hence, it is not
possible to produce a document guide covering all such designs that may be encountered
in the field. Rather this document covers normal measurements for a typical centrifugal
pump, but also refers to other equipment types in passing. With some field experience, it
should be possible to apply the points given in this guide to other types of equipments on
a case-by-case basis.
While the other options should be considered first, this document focuses on option no. 4
above, i.e. measurement of rotating equipment on site. This measurement is
invariably carried out by John Crane personnel, either because the site engineers are too
busy to do this and regard it as a seal vendor's task, or because they are unwilling to take
the responsibility of measuring it themselves in case the seal ultimately does not fit!
For small pumps at sites close to a John Crane workshop, removing backplates or other
parts of the equipment from the site for measurement purposes may sometimes be
possible. This gives the advantages of being able to measure and record details in a
'controlled' manner, with more measurement equipment available and the option of
making a cup of tea. However, in practice this is generally impractical either due to time
constraints, remote location, large equipment, difficulties of getting a gate pass to
remove the parts from site etc.
Therefore, measurements will normally be taken at the site, either at the installation itself
or (better) in the site Maintenance Workshop.
Measurements taken should be recorded in a clear and concise way. This should normally
be done on the John Crane Stuffing Box & Sleeve Data Sheet as shown in Section
12.0. Any aspects of the equipment not shown on the form but which are relevant can be
sketched separately.
Note that one practical way of recording various features of the equipment may be to use
photographs (digital or Polaroid), since these can show the overall 'style' of the
equipment, the positions of any obstructions, the extent of the damage to any worn
components etc. The photographs can be reviewed by other engineers / draftsmen back
in the office, and can be kept as a record for future reference.
The John Crane representative should take suitable measuring equipment when attending
the site, normally including a Vernier Calliper (250mm-range min.), a Micrometer and a
12" ruler.
Suitable measuring equipment and accuracies are given against each of the dimensions
described below. Where accurate measurement is needed and a Vernier Calliper or
Micrometer is to be used, these should be periodically calibrated (typical interval 1 year
for irregular use). It is sometimes thought that only Manufacturing / QC measuring
equipment needs calibration, and that this is not necessary for equipment used
intermittently on site. Clearly this is a fallacy, since measuring anything with uncalibrated
/ inaccurate equipment defeats the whole purpose of taking an 'accurate' measurement.
John Crane EAA
GUIDE TO MEASUREMENT
OF ROTATING EQUIPMENT
INTERNAL TO JOHN CRANE - NOT TO BE RELEASED TO EXTERNAL PARTIES WITHOUT PERMISSION 6
PAGE
Even for calibrated equipment, it should be remembered that a Vernier Calliper is subject
to a measuring tolerance of + 0.02mm, a Micrometer to + 0.01mm. Attempting to
measure anything to greater accuracy than + 0.5mm with a ruler is unacceptable
practice.
While greater accuracy could be achieved with bore gauges, these are usually unavailable
on site and are not normally warranted for this type of work.
1 - shaft diameter 3
2 - bore of seal chamber
3 - face of seal chamber
1
2
6.1.1 Shaft
The shaft of the equipment sets the position of all the rotating portion of the seal
assembly, either through a close clearance shaft sleeve or directly to a retainer / collar
etc. It also forms part of a static or dynamic seal (e.g. sleeve o-ring / trapped gasket /
secondary seal etc.).
For stepped shafts, it is essential to measure all relevant diameters in the seal chamber
area, both inboard and outboard of the seal. Where the design is a hooked sleeve, the
position of the hooked step, the minor diameter and the keyway should all be noted.
The major diameter on the shaft should have an adequate lead-in chamfer (typically
1.5mm long X 20o) to ensure that the sleeve / sleeve o-ring / secondary seal can easily be
passed onto the shaft during seal installation. If this does not exist then the end-user
should be asked to modify the shaft.
Note should be taken of any special features existing on the shaft, for example pin or
setscrew holes, threads etc., and their size and position should be recorded.
John Crane EAA
GUIDE TO MEASUREMENT
OF ROTATING EQUIPMENT
INTERNAL TO JOHN CRANE - NOT TO BE RELEASED TO EXTERNAL PARTIES WITHOUT PERMISSION 7
PAGE
NOTE: Some shaft sleeves have a high hardness (chrome steels etc.) or a hard coating
(Metco, chrome oxide spray etc.) in the area of the seal. It is important to note the
position of any such coatings, and to establish the shaft hardness (normally via the OEM
or possibly with a hardness tester), since this would affect the holding power of setscrews
(seal head or drive collar).
I D Spigot OD Spigot
Where an ID spigot is used, there may be a short recess machined as a counterbore into
the face of the seal chamber. In such cases this recess is intended specifically for
spigotting purposes, hence should be a controlled (tight tolerance) diameter.
For some seal designs, an o-ring in the bore of the seal chamber forms the static seal
between the gland plate and the seal chamber. In such cases the surface finish of the seal
chamber bore must be sufficient for sealing purposes (see below), and there must be an
adequate lead-in chamfer to ensure the o-ring does not get cut during installation
(typically 1.5mm long X 20o). Similarly, if the o-ring has to pass over any connection holes
or other steps on the ID surface, these should be dressed or relieved to prevent o-ring
damage during installation.
6.3 OBSTRUCTIONS
Most seal selections and designs are constrained by the available space in the seal
chamber. This problem is compounded in a growing number of upgrades to double seal
installations in older equipments, resulting from greater emphasis on emissions/ reliability
/ safety etc.
John Crane EAA
GUIDE TO MEASUREMENT
OF ROTATING EQUIPMENT
INTERNAL TO JOHN CRANE - NOT TO BE RELEASED TO EXTERNAL PARTIES WITHOUT PERMISSION 9
PAGE
Access Window
Nearest Axial
typical end- Obstruction
view of seal (bearing housing)
chamber:
6.3.1 Axial
The most important axial obstruction to consider is the distance to the bearing
housing. This is variously referred to as the N.O. (Nearest Obstruction) or the F.O.B. (First
OBstruction). This restricts the length of the seal assembly outboard of the seal chamber.
It is normally impossible to increase this distance, because the bearing position will be
fixed as part of the original design. Therefore, the only way to make more space available
would be to machine back the surface of the seal chamber. However, this is unpopular
with end-users due to the difficulties of making the modification, and because it is an
irreversible process. Note that the distance to the nearest obstruction at the shaft may be
less than at a larger diameter, due to the inclusion of a bearing deflector.
6.3.2 Radial
Radial obstructions typically include bearing brackets or other features limiting the design
of the seal installation. These can affect the gland plate OD, the size and position of
tapped connections for flushing / quenching etc. Thought must also be given to the
'ergonomics' of the seal design, for example the space available for tightening of
setscrews, removal of setting spacers etc.
The positions of any obstructions should be 'constructed' by taking various
measurements relative to the face of the seal chamber, the shaft, the bearing housing
etc. Bearing bracket designs will be vary depending on the individual equipment, however
typical configurations include those shown on the Stuffing Box and Sleeve Data
Sheet.
For retrofitting projects, the competitors' seal components are a reliable guide to
acceptable seal envelope dimensions, since they have already been installed in the
available space. Therefore, by measuring the OD of the existing gland plate, the overall
length of the existing sleeve etc., it is safe to conclude that these dimensions will be less
than the radial or axial obstructions.
John Crane EAA
GUIDE TO MEASUREMENT
OF ROTATING EQUIPMENT
INTERNAL TO JOHN CRANE - NOT TO BE RELEASED TO EXTERNAL PARTIES WITHOUT PERMISSION 10
PAGE
The direction of shaft rotation (CW / CCW) should be checked on site by reference to any /
all of the following:
pump data sheets
physical pump (there will normally be an arrow on the bearing housing or pumping
casing)
orientation of discharge volute on pump
existing seal parts which may have tangential flushing connections or 'handed'
designs
site operators
The direction of shaft rotation should be recorded as from the motor side. Note that
conventionally an API pump will rotate CW while an ANSI pump will rotate CCW, as seen
from the motor side. TO BE CHECKED.
checked, including external flushing pressure and flow rate (API Plan 32) N 2 pressure (API
Plan 53), steam pressure (API Plan 62), cooling water pressure / temperature / flow etc.
Note that in some cases the customer may request that parts of the existing competitor's
seal (e.g. shaft sleeve or gland plate) be re-used, as a perceived saving in cost. However,
this is frequently difficult or impossible; the dimensions of the competitor's parts may
force a compromise in the John Crane seal design, and would preclude the supply of a
standard cartridge seal.
Apart from whether this may or may not be feasible, it also creates a problem of split
responsibility for the installation, e.g. John Crane would then be expected to warranty the
quality of materials and manufacture for parts not of our supply. Clearly there could be
doubts over the design, the material, and any wear or corrosion in service. Therefore, this
practice should be avoided unless special circumstances apply.
One type of retrofit of an existing sealing device is the replacement of gland packing. For
older equipments that are being fitted with mechanical seals for the first time, the
following key points should be noted:
A mechanical seal will usually need more space than the gland packing, however the
space available in a stuffing box (both radial and axial) will be very limited and not
intended to accommodate a seal (see Section 6.3 Obstructions).
Due to this space limitation, it is often necessary to reuse the flush connection that
normally exists already in the stuffing box; hence, it is important to record the size,
axial position, angle and orientation of this connection.
NOTE: the axial position of the connection relative to the face of the stuffing box is
particularly important, since the effectiveness of the flushing liquid in cooling the seal
faces will depend on this.
Flush
Connection
Stuffing Box
John Crane EAA
GUIDE TO MEASUREMENT
OF ROTATING EQUIPMENT
INTERNAL TO JOHN CRANE - NOT TO BE RELEASED TO EXTERNAL PARTIES WITHOUT PERMISSION 12
PAGE
It is quite possible that wear on the shaft or the face of the seal stuffing box may have
taken place from the gland packing installation (see below). Any such wear should be
noted and recorded. This may affect the type of seal design used, and in extreme
cases may necessitate substantial modification and / or replacement of parts of the
rotating equipment before a seal could be installed.
The gland packing follower will typically have been tightened using only 2 gland
bolts / studs, however for even tightening of a seal gland plate 4 bolt studs are
recommended. Therefore, the feasibility of adding in 2 more bolt studs to the face of
the seal chamber should be considered.
Prior to commissioning of the rotating equipment, the points given below should be
always checked (normally by the end-user). However if these can be checked at an earlier
stage during measurement of the seal chamber, this would allow more time to rectify any
problems with bearings / alignment / shaft ovality etc.
The readings taken should be checked against the published limits for the seal AND those
for the equipment itself. If actual equipment tolerances exceed these limits, this must be
discussed with the end-user / OEM as appropriate, to prevent possible seal problems
which would result.
John Crane EAA
pre-commissioning
GUIDE TO MEASUREMENT
OF ROTATING EQUIPMENT
equipment
surface finish checks
& dimensional check
INTERNAL TO JOHN CRANE - NOT TO BE RELEASED TO EXTERNAL PARTIES WITHOUT PERMISSION 13
PAGE
- 1. dimensions and surface finishes
1.5 LG x 20°
Chamfer
0.8
0.8
pre-commissioning
Figure #1
equipment
surface
checkfinish checks
& dimensional
the shaft check
and seal chamber dimensions
- 2. shaft runoutfinishes as noted
and surface
Figure # 2
measure the shaft runout at the seal location - the
maximum value should not exceed 0.05mm FIM
John Crane EAA
GUIDE TO MEASUREMENT
pre-commissioning
OF ROTATING EQUIPMENT
equipment
surface finish checks
& dimensional check
INTERNAL TO JOHN CRANE - NOT TO BE RELEASED TO EXTERNAL PARTIES WITHOUT PERMISSION
PAGE
14
- 3. axial float
Figure # 3
the maximum value should not exceed 0.08mm FIM
- remove any sharp edges or burrs on the shaft
over which the seal sleeve must pass
pre-commissioning
equipment checks
surface finish & dimensional check
- 4. squareness
This Guide is based around a standard centrifugal pump configuration, since these are the
most common equipments encountered in the field. However, for other equipments (e.g.
agitators, fans, blowers, steam turbines etc.) similar guidelines apply in most cases.
These together with an understanding of the seal type to be installed should ensure that
the right measurements and checks are made.
11.1 AGITATORS
For agitators the driver unit (motor ' gearbox) may not be removed for seal
installation, as this is a time-consuming process. Rather the maintenance procedure
may involve the coupling only being removed, and the seal then installed through an
access window. The dimensions of the access window are frequently small and
restrict the overall envelope dimensions of the seal. If this is not taken into
consideration then the result can be an expensive seal that finally cannot even be
installed!
Access
Window
Shaft runout and vibration levels on agitators are invariably higher than for a pump,
because the equipment is larger and alignment less precise. These should be
discussed on site, and axial and radial shaft float should be measured if practical. If
the equipment is running then it should be possible to qualitatively assess the shaft
movement and vibration, e.g. 'normal', 'high' etc. Vibration levels at the area of the
seal can be recorded if suitable measurement equipment is available.
Where an integral radial bearing is required in the seal cartridge, the necessary load
figures are needed to correctly size the bearing. These may be available from site
data sheets or the OEM, or in the case of a retrofit the size / specification of the
existing bearing should be noted.
‘A’
PC
D
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
Ø
See spigot
Ø
detail
Viewing from ‘A’, the End View. Indicate which type of layout. SPECIAL
Mark location
45º
Available
Ø
area for
sealing
Sheet 1 of 2
John Crane EAA
GUIDE TO MEASUREMENT
OF ROTATING EQUIPMENT
INTERNAL TO JOHN CRANE - NOT TO BE RELEASED TO EXTERNAL PARTIES WITHOUT PERMISSION 18
PAGE