A.P.I.

APPLICATION
GUIDE

®
API SPECIFICATIONS 1
A. API 610 7th Edition.........................................................................................................2
1. Seal Design.......................................................................................................2 - 6
2. Seal Designation...............................................................................................6 - 8
B. API 682 1st Edition .........................................................................................................8
1. Seal Design.....................................................................................................8 - 11
2. Seal Designation ..................................................................................................11
3. Application Recommendations.....................................................................11 - 14
4. Seal Qualification Testing ....................................................................................14
5. Seal Proposals.......................................................................................................14
TYPICAL REFINING PROCESSES 15
A. Desalination ...................................................................................................................15
B. Atmospheric Distillation .........................................................................................15 - 16
C. Vacuum Distillation .......................................................................................................16
D. De-Sulfurization.............................................................................................................17
E. Polymerization ........................................................................................................17 - 18
F. Catalytic Cracker............................................................................................................18
G. Catalytic Reformer .........................................................................................................18
H. Waste Water Treatment ..................................................................................................18
I. Ketone Dewaxing....................................................................................................19 - 20
J. Mixing............................................................................................................................20
PETROLEUM/PETROCHEMICAL EMISSIONS 21
A. 1990 Clean Air Act Applicability....................................................................................21
B. VOC And VHAP Listing........................................................................................21 - 23
ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS 24
A. No Environmental Controls - API Plan 2 ......................................................................24
B. Discharge Recirculation - API Plan 11 ...........................................................................24
C. Suction Recirculation - API Plan 13...............................................................................25
D. Discharge Recirculation Through Heat Exchanger - API Plan 21 ..................................25
E. Discharge Recirculation Through A Cyclone Separator - API Plan 31....................25 - 26
F. Clean Flush - API Plan 32..............................................................................................26
G. Dual Tandem Seal - API Plan 52 ............................................................................26 - 27
H. Dual Double Seal - API Plan 53.....................................................................................27
I. Steam/Water Quench - API Plan 62...............................................................................28
J. Throat Bushings.............................................................................................................28

CHESTERTON SEAL APPLICATION 29

A. 155 Single Seal And 255 Dual Seal Operating Limits .............................................29 - 34
B. Rules For Sealing Light Hydrocarbons ...........................................................................35
C. Vapor Pressures Of Light Hydrocarbons .................................................................35 - 37
 API SPECIFICATIONS

The American Petroleum Institute’s rotating equipment subcommittee has drafted two specifications
which may be applied by a customer purchasing a centrifugal pump or a mechanical seal for refinery
service. The specifications are API 610 - Centrifugal Pumps for General Refinery Service and API
682 - Shaft Sealing Systems for Centrifugal and Rotary Pumps.
These specifications describe favorable design criteria for mechanical seal and pump design and
application to refinery services. The criteria are based on the knowledge and experience of customers,
equipment manufacturers, contractors, and representatives of the mechanical sealing industry. These
specifications are used by the customer to guide their product selection and application. The customer
has the authority to choose which criteria he/she feels is critical to his/her application. We recommend
that you obtain copies of these specifications from:
The American Petroleum Institute
1220 L Street, N.W.
Washington D.C. 20005
U.S.A.
202-682-8375

Registered trademarked products of suppliers are as follows:

Hastelloy is a registered trademark of Haynes International, Inc.
Inconel and Monel are registered trademarks of the Inco family of Companies.
Kalrez is a registered trademark of DuPont.
P658RC and P6038C2 are registered trademarks of Pure Industries.

1
 API SPECIFICATIONS

A API 610
7 TH EDITION

Centrifugal Pumps for General Refinery Service

1. SEAL DESIGN
A. Shaft Sleeves
The shaft shall be provided with a sleeve with a wear, corrosion or erosion resistant material.
The sleeve shall be sealed at one end and extend past the gland to prevent confusion of face
leakage with shaft/sleeve leakage.
Shaft sleeves can be omitted with customer approval for inline pumps, small horizontal pumps
and pumps designed to have no axial sliding element in contact with the shaft. The shaft must be
constructed of a material that is wear resistant, corrosion resistant and has a surface finish equal to
a shaft sleeve (63 RMS microinch or 1,6 micron maximum).
Shaft sleeves shall be positively secured to the shaft and shall be a minimum of 0.100 inches
(2,5 mm) thick.
Shafts shall be machined to a maximum of 0.001 inches (0,025 mm) runout.
Shaft sleeve runout shall not exceed 0.002 inches (0,050 mm) TIR.
Perpendicularity of the seal chamber face to the shaft shall not exceed 0.001 inches (0,025 mm).
The section of the shaft sleeve which contacts the mechanical seal shall be in increments of
1
⁄8 inch or 5 mm.
B. Definition of Mechanical Seal
Mechanical seals shall be single balanced seals with either a sliding gasket or bellows between
the axially moving face and the sleeve. Special configurations may be requested by the purchaser
or specified by the vendor as required for the service.
Double seals are defined as having two rotating seal faces per chamber sealing in opposite directions.
Tandem seals are defined as having two rotating seal faces per chamber sealing in the same direction.
The specification does not cover the design of the components parts of the mechanical seal.
Where face leakage to atmosphere must be contained, a single seal with throttle bushing and
quench/drain ports, a tandem seal or a double seal is specified. When tandem or double seals are
specified, the barrier fluid must be circulated by a device internal or external to the mechanical seal.
The purchaser must specify the characteristics of the barrier fluid. See Figure 1.

2
 API SPECIFICATIONS

Connection F Connection Q, V, or D

Seal chamber

SINGLE Seal gland

SEAL
Throat bushing
Throttle bushing or
Shaft sleeve auxiliary sealing device

Rotating Stationary
seal member seal member

Connection B
Connection F

Pumping ring
(for forced ciculation)
TANDEM
MECHANICAL
SEAL

Rotating Stationary
seal member seal member

Connection B Connection B
Connection Q, V, or D

DOUBLE
MECHANICAL Throttle bushing or
auxiliary sealing device
SEAL

Rotating Stationary
seal member seal member
Figure 1

C. Seal Chamber
The term “Seal Chamber” is used to identify the area/housing established around the shaft/sleeve
by the back cover or “head” of the pump. The seal is enclosed in this housing during service.
The seal chamber must be vented to allow gases to escape from the pump before equipment startup.
The minimum dimensions of the seal chamber for end suction centrifugal pumps and vertical inline
pumps are per Figures 2 and 3.

3
 API SPECIFICATIONS

VERTICAL INLINE PUMPS

FURNISHED WITHOUT SHAFT SLEEVES

SHAFT DIA

C
B

SEAL CHAMBER BORE

SHAFT DIA. MIN RADIAL MIN TOTAL

INCHES CLEARANCE LENGTH “C”
(mm) “B” INCHES INCHES
(mm) (mm)

≤2.250 0.875 5.750

(≤57,0) (22,2) (145)

≤2.250 UP 1.000 6.500

TO 3.250 (25,4) (165)
(57 TO 82)

>3.250 1.125 7.000

(>82) (28,6) (180)
Figure 2

4
 API SPECIFICATIONS

HORIZONTAL OVERHUNG PUMPS FURNISHED WITH SHAFT SLEEVES

C
SHAFT DIA. MIN RADIAL MIN TOTAL
(INCHES) CLEARANCE LENGTH “C”
(mm) “B” INCHES INCHES
(mm) (mm)

≤2.000 1.000 5.750

(≤50) (25,4) (145)
B ≤2.000 UP 1.125 6.500
TO 3.000 (28,5) (165)
(50 TO 75)
BORE
>3.000 1.250 7.000
SHAFT DIA (>75) (31,8) (180)

HORIZONTAL OVERHUNG PUMPS FURNISHED WITHOUT SHAFT SLEEVES

C
SHAFT DIA. MIN RADIAL MIN TOTAL
INCHES CLEARANCE LENGTH “C”
(mm) “B” INCHES INCHES
(mm) (mm)

≤2.250 0.875 5.750

(≤57,0) (22,2) (145)
B
≤2.250 UP 1.000 6.500
TO 3.250 (25,4) (165)
(57 TO 82)
BORE
>3.250 1.125 7.000
SHAFT DIA (>82) (28,6) (180)

Figure 3

D. Gland
Seal glands shall be provided with bolt holes instead of slots.
Seal glands shall be provided with sufficient thickness to provide maximum rigidity during
tightening of the gland bolts.
The gland shall provide either an inside or outside diameter register fit with the equipment with
a total indicated runout of 0.005 inches (0,13 mm).
A minimum of four 1⁄2 inch (M12) bolts shall be used to fasten the seal gland to the equipment.
The gland shall be stamped with “I” for in and “O” for out. The barrier fluid input port shall
be designated as “BI”.
Connection designations are as follows:
B Barrier Fluid
C Cooling
D Drain
F Flush
H Heating
Q Quench
V Vent

5
 API SPECIFICATIONS

E. Jacketed Seal Chambers

Jacketed seal chambers are recommended for:
1. Product temperature exceeds 300°F (149°C)
unless a metal bellows mechanical seal is used.
2. Product temperature exceeds 600°F (315°C)
3. Boiler Feed Pumps
4. Dead Ended Arrangements
5. Low Flash Point Liquids (cooling)
6. High Melting Point Products (heating)
F. Throat Bushings
Throat bushings are used to:
1. Function as a replaceable wearing part
2. Establish differential hardness between rotating and stationary parts.
3. To increase or decrease seal chamber pressure.*
4. To isolate the seal chamber fluid*
5. To control flow into or out of the seal chamber.*
* Close tolerance or floating throat bushings are recommended in these cases.

G. Throttle Bushings
A throttle bushing is a close tolerance bushing placed outboard of the seal faces between the sleeve
and the gland. Throttle bushings are placed outboard of the seal faces to control minor leakage or
minimize leakage after seal failure.
Throttle bushings must be made of a non-sparking material
Throttle bushings must have a maximum diametral clearance of 0.025 inches (0,64 mm) for sleeves
up to 2.0 inches (50 mm).
Throttle bushings must have a maximum diametral clearance increasing in 0.005 inch increments
for each 1 inch increase in shaft diameter above a 2 inch shaft diameter. In metric, this will be
0,005 mm for every millimeter above a 50 mm shaft diameter.
2. SEAL DESIGNATION
A. Seal Coding
First Letter B – Balanced Seal
U – Unbalanced Seal
Second Letter S – Single Seal
D – Double Seal
T – Tandem Seal
Third Letter P – Plain gland, no bushing
T – Throttle bushing with vent (Quench)
and drain connections
A – Auxiliary device
Fourth Letter Secondary Seals – See Section B
Fifth Letter Seal Faces – See Section B

6
 API SPECIFICATIONS

B. Seal Material Designations

Secondary Seal Material Designations are as follows: (see Figure 4)
Letter Code Stationary Seal Rotary Seal
E Fluorocarbon PTFE
F Fluorocarbon Fluorocarbon
G PTFE PTFE
H Nitrile Nitrile
I Kalrez Kalrez
R Graphite Foil Graphite Foil
X As Specified As Specified
Z Spiral Wound Graphite Foil
Seal Face Material Designations are as follows:
Letter Code Narrow Face Wide Face
L Carbon Tungsten Carbide
Cobalt Binder
M Carbon Tungsten Carbide
Nickel Binder
N Carbon Silicon Carbide
X As Specified As Specified

EXAMPLES

B S T I M
Single FFKM Elastomer
(Kalrez)

Balanced Throttle Bushing Primary Ring (Face) = Carbon

Mating Ring (Seat) = Tungsten Carbide
(Nickel Binder)

B T P F X
Tandem Fluorocarbon

Balanced Plain As specified

(both Primary Ring/Face
and Mating Ring/Seat)

C. Seal Application
API Piping Plans - Refer to Environmental Controls Section

7
 API SPECIFICATIONS

B API 682
1ST EDITION

Shaft Sealing Systems for Centrifugal and Rotary Pumps

1. SEAL DESIGN
The specification groups mechanical seal designs into three categories, codes A, B and C.
The designs are further grouped into standard and alternate. Standard designs are considered
to be the most commonly supplied to meet the needs of the customer. Alternate designs are
equivalent and acceptable to the standard designs.
A. Seal Definitions
This is the most generally accepted portion of API 682 and is being used by the industry prior
to the standard’s release
Standard Seal Types
Code A – Rotary pusher seal with multiple Hastelloy C springs, fluorocarbon O-rings, 316 stainless
steel metal components, floating carbon throttle bushing and carbon versus silicon carbide seal faces
Code B – Rotary Hastelloy C metal bellows seal, fluorocarbon O-rings, 316 stainless steel metal
components, floating carbon throttle bushing and carbon versus silicon carbide seal faces
Code C – Stationary Inconel 718 metal bellows seal, graphite gaskets, 316 stainless steel metal
components, floating carbon throttle bushing, bronze anti-coking baffle and carbon versus silicon
carbide seal faces
Alternate Seal Types
Code A – Stationary pusher variation of standard Code A.
Code B – Stationary bellows variation of standard Code B.
Code C – Rotary bellows variation of standard Code C.
Dual Seals – Have two pairs of seal faces, in any orientation. This and the following definitions are
new to reduce confusion between seal face orientation and barrier/buffer fluid pressure.
Double Seals – Have a barrier fluid pressure greater than process pressure. Seal faces can be in
any orientation.
Tandem Seals – Have a buffer fluid pressure less than process pressure. Seal faces can be
any orientaion.
Face Orientation – In-series (formerly tandem) has the faces pointing in the same direction.
Face-to-face or back-to-back describe typical symmetric orientations
B. Seal Sleeve
Seal manufacturer provides drawing of seal adapted to pump which includes steps in seal sleeve to
accommodate the shaft dimensions
Minimum Sleeve Thickness
Shaft Size (inch) Sleeve Thickness (inch) Shaft Size (mm) Sleeve Thickness (mm)
<2.250 0.100 Minimum <50 2,5
2.250 to 3.250 0.150 Minimum 50 to 80 3,8
>3.250 0.200 Minimum >80 5,1
Sleeve clearance over shaft 0.001 to 0.003 inches (25 to 75 micrometers)
Sleeve runout not to exceed 0.002 inches (50 micrometers) – The sleeve inside and outside diameters
may shift no more than 0.002 inches (50 micrometers) from one end of the sleeve to the other.

8
 API SPECIFICATIONS

Sleeves must be a one piece design

Sleeve must be concentric to the shaft within 0.001 inches (25 micrometers) – The imaginary axis of
the sleeve and the shaft must be within 0.001 inches (25 micrometers).
Shaft sleeve shall be relieved along their bore leaving a locating fit at or near each end.
C. Seal Chamber and Glands
Three types of Seal Chambers (see Figure 5)

THREE TYPES OF SEAL CHAMBERS

TRADITIONAL EXTERNALLY MOUNTED INTERNALLY MOUNTED

Figure 5

Seal glands shall be provided with bolt holes instead of slots.

Seal glands shall be provided with sufficient thickness to provide maximum rigidity during
tightening of the gland bolts.
The gland shall provide either an inside or outside diameter register fit with the equipment
with a total indicated runout of 0.005 inches (125 micrometers).
A minimum of four 1⁄2 inch (M12) bolts shall be used to fasten the seal gland to the equipment.
The gland shall be stamped with “I” for in and “O” for out. The barrier fluid input port shall
be designated as “BI”.
Connection designations are as follows:
B Barrier Fluid
C Cooling
D Drain
F Flush
H Heating
Q Quench
V Vent

Flush ports must be 3⁄4 inch NPT standard(1⁄2 NPT Optional)

9
 API SPECIFICATIONS

Quench and Drain ports must be 3⁄8 NPT

Barrier fluid ports must be 1⁄2 NPT
Glands must be designed with 1⁄8 inch corrosion allowance.
D. Seal Materials
Faces – Reaction Bonded Silicon Carbide versus Carbon (Self-Sintered Silicon Carbide can be
used when specified by the customer).
Faces – In abrasive service, Nickel-bound Tungsten Carbide is recommended in place of Carbon.
Carbon – P658RC carbon is recommended for non-oxidizing environments to 500°F (260°C).
P6038C2 carbon is recommended for oxidizing environments to 800°F (425°C).
Secondary Seals – Fluorocarbon, Kalrez and Flexible Graphite. Other materials can be used
when specified.
Springs – Hastelloy C, multiple coils
Sleeves – AISI 316 Stainless Steel
Bellows – Type B Seal – Hastelloy C
Type C Seal – Inconel 718
Gland – AISI 316 Stainless Steel. In the case of special alloy pumps, the gland plate shall be
made of the same metal as the pump.
Secondary Seal/Service Minimum Maximum
Fluorocarbon/Hydrocarbon 20°F (-7°C) 300°F (150°C)
Fluorocarbon/Water 20°F (-7°C) 250°F (120°C)
Kalrez 20°F (-7°C) 550°F (290°C)
Nitrile -40°F (-40°C) 250°F (120°C)
Flexible Graphite -240°F (-400°C) 900°F (480°C)
2. SEAL DESIGNATION
Seals are described using a special marking system as follows:
Special Features Codes
Letter Option
A Amine Resistant Carbon
B Buna N O-rings
C Amine Resistant O-rings (Kalrez 1018)
H Silicon Carbide versus Tungsten Carbide Seal Faces
K Kalrez 4079
P Internal circulating device (pumping ring)
S Single spring
Example: APS = Standard type pusher seal with single spring and pumping device
Note: Environmental Control designations are similar to API 610. Seal size designation is in
centimeters for metric seals (50 mm = 5) and hundreths for inch seals (2 inches = 200)
Seal size is not the same as shaft size!

10
 API SPECIFICATIONS

SINGLE SEAL CODES

A / PS / 32 / 50
Code A Single Spring with API Plan 32 50 Millimeter
rotary seal a pumping device (clean flush seal size
environmental
control)

DUAL SEAL CODES

_ _ _ - _ _ _ / _ _ - _ _ / _ - _ / _ _ _ - _ _ _
Inner Special Outer Special Inner Outer Inner Outer Inner Outer
Seal Feature Seal Feature Seal Seal Seal Seal Seal Seal
Code Codes Type Codes Flush Flush Rotating Rotating Size Size
Codes Plan Plan or or
Stationary Stationary

Example:
A-AP/11-52/R-R/200-175 = An unpressurized dual pusher seal. The inner seal has no special features, the outer seal a
pumping device. The inner seal is cooled by a plan 11 and the buffer fluid circulates by means of a plan 52. Both seals are
rotary seals. The inner seal mounts on a 2 inch diameter sleeve and the outer seal mounts on a 1.75 inch diameter sleeve.
Shaft size must be clearly specified.

DUAL SEAL CODES (EXAMPLE)

A _ _ - AP _ _ / 11 - 52 / R - R / 200 - 175
Inner No Outer No Inner Outer Inner Outer Inner Outer
Pusher Special Pusher Special Seal Seal Seal Seal Seal Seal
Seal Feature Seal Feature Flush Flush Rotating Rotating Size Size
Codes Codes Plan Plan 2” 13⁄4”
11 52

3. APPLICATION RECOMMENDATIONS
The specification provides a guide for application of mechanical seals in refinery services.
Flashing hydrocarbons are described as any hydrocarbon with a vapor pressure above 14.7 psia
at room temperature. The guide is broken into three tables. The following tables reflect most
recommendations as follows:
Seals used with a steam quench will be designed with an anti-coking baffle to direct
the steam under the seal faces.
Convection is not an acceptable form of barrier fluid circulation.
Seal chamber pressure must be increased to 50 psig (3,5 bar)or 10% above the vapor pressure.

11
 API SPECIFICATIONS

FLASHING HYDROCARBON SERVICE – RECOMMENDATIONS

1 2 3 4 5 6
TEMP °F -40 TO 20 -40 TO 20 20 TO 300 20 TO 300 300 TO 500 300 TO 500
(°C) (-40 TO -7) (-40 TO -7) (-7 TO 150) (-7 TO 150) (150 TO 260) (150 TO 260)
PRESSURE PSIG <250 250 TO 500 <250 250 TO 500 <250 250 TO 500
(BAR.G) (<17) (17 TO 35) (<17) (17 TO 35) (<17) (17 TO 35)
STANDARD A A A3 A3 A3 ES1
SEAL TYPE
SPECIAL A, B A, B A, C, K A, C, K A A
FEATURES
SPECIAL H H H H H H
FEATURES
FOR ABRASIVES
C= KALREZ 1018 FOR AMINE SERVICE ONLY ES = SPECIALLY ENGINEERED SYSTEM
H= TUNGSTEN CARBIDE VERSUS SILICON CARBIDE 1 = TOTALLY ENGINEERED SEALING SYSTEM
K= KALREZ 2 = ENGINEERED HIGH PRESSURE BELLOWS
P= CIRCULATING DEVICE 3 = REQUIRES SPECIAL FEATURES
A= AMMONIA RESISTANT CARBON
B= BUNA N O-RINGS

NON-FLASHING HYDROCARBON SERVICE - RECOMMENDATIONS

1 2 3 4 5 6
TEMP °F -40 TO 20 -40 TO 20 20 TO 300 20 TO 300 300 TO 500 300 TO 500
(°C) (-40 TO -7) (-40 TO -7) (-7 TO 150) (-7 TO 150) (150 TO 260) (150 TO 260)
PRESSURE PSIG <250 250 TO 500 <250 250 TO 500 <250 250 TO 500
(BAR.G) (<17) (17 TO 35) (<17) (17 TO 35) (<17) (17 TO 35)
STANDARD A A A A C ES1
SEAL TYPE
ALTERNATE B,C ES2 B,C ES2 A3
SEAL TYPE
SPECIAL C ES4 C ES4 ES4
FEATURES
SPECIAL H H H H H H
FEATURES
FOR ABRASIVES
C= KALREZ 1018 FOR AMINE SERVICE ONLY ES = SPECIALLY ENGINEERED SYSTEM
H= TUNGSTEN CARBIDE VERSUS SILICON CARBIDE 1 = TOTALLY ENGINEERED SEALING SYSTEM
K= KALREZ 2 = ENGINEERED HIGH PRESSURE BELLOWS
P= CIRCULATING DEVICE 3 = REQUIRES SPECIAL FEATURES
A= AMMONIA RESISTANT CARBON 4 = CONSULT SEAL VENDOR

12
 API SPECIFICATIONS

NON-HYDROCARBON SERVICE RECOMMENDATIONS

WATER SOUR SOUR CAUSTIC, CAUSTIC, ACIDS
WATER WATER AMINES AMINES
TEMP °F <500 <250 250 TO 500 <250 250 TO 500 <100
(°C) (<260) (<120) (120 TO 260) (<120) (120 TO 260) (<38)
PRESSURE PSIG <500 <250 250 TO 500 <250 250 TO 500 < 250
(BAR.G) (<35) (<17) (17 TO 35) (<17) (17 TO 35) (<17)
STANDARD A A A A A A
SEAL TYPE
ALTERNATE B/C ES ES B/C ES B/C
SEAL TYPE
SPECIAL S,P K K K,C K,C K
FEATURES
SPECIAL H H H H H H
FEATURES
FOR ABRASIVES
C= KALREZ 1018 FOR AMINE SERVICE ONLY ES = SPECIALLY ENGINEERED SYSTEM
H= TUNGSTEN CARBIDE VERSUS SILICON CARBIDE
K= KALREZ
P= CIRCULATING DEVICE
S= SINGLE SPRING FOR TYPE A SEAL
A= AMMONIA RESISTANT CARBON

A. Flow Control Orifices

An orifice is designed to limit the seal flush circulation and/or control the seal chamber pressure.
All orifices shall have a minimum bore of 0.125 inches (3 mm).
When multiple orifices are required they shall be mounted in series a minimum of six inches apart.
Seal flush systems using an external flush shall have provisions to monitor seal chamber pressure and
flush pressure. A pressure gauge with a block valve on either side of the valve is the minimum
specified equipment.
B. Heat Exchangers/Coolers
Heat exchangers shall provide a minimum of 2 gallons per minute (8 liters per minute), but provide
enough flow to cool the seal per the manufacturers requirements.
The seal flush fluid shall be on the tube side and the cooling liquid is on the shell side.
Heat exchanger tubes shall be 3⁄4 inch diameter by 0.095 inch (2,40 mm) wall thickness unless
otherwise specified.
Heat exchangers shall have a removable head using a stud or studs with nuts on each side,
tapped holes are not acceptable.

13
 API SPECIFICATIONS

C. Barrier/Buffer Fluid Tanks

The standard tank shall be a cylindrical vessel with fixed ellipsoidal heads. The standard option shall
be a cylindrical vessel with one fixed and one removable flanged head at the opposite end.
The barrier fluid lines shall be a minimum of 3⁄4 inch 300 series stainless steel tubing.
All lines shall slope up to the barrier/buffer fluid tanks at an angle of 1⁄2 inch (10 mm/250 mm)
per foot of length.
The volume of liquid in the barrier/buffer fluid tank shall be a minimum of 5 gallons (20 l).
Unless otherwise specified the barrier/buffer fluid tank shall be equipped with a cooler.
The cooler shall be mounted internally and shall be 1⁄2 inch minimum tubing with a wall thickness
of 0.065 inches (1,65 mm) made from 300 series stainless steel unless otherwise specified.
4. SEAL QUALIFICATION TESTING
Seal qualification testing of Code A, B and C seals is being conducted in our test facility.
Qualification testing will be conducted under the following conditions as required:

SEAL QUALIFICATION TESTING

TEST FLUIDS BARRIER FLUIDS BASE POINT CYCLIC RANGES

WATER GLYCOL/WATER 50 PSIG/180°F 0-50 PSIG/70-180°F

(4 BAR.G/80°C) (0-4 BAR.G/20-800°C)

PROPANE DIESEL 250 PSIG/90°F 150 PSIG/90°F

(18 BAR.G/30°C) (11-17 BAR.G/30°C)

20% NaOH GLYCOL/WATER 100 PSIG/70°F 0-100 PSIG/70-180°F

(8 BAR.G/20°C) (0-8 BAR.G/20-80°C)

MINERAL OIL DIESEL 100 PSIG/70°F 0-250 PSIG/70-200°F

(8 BAR.G/20°C) 0-500 PSIG/70-200°F
(0-17 BAR.G/20-90°C)
(0-35 BAR.G/20-90°C)

MINERAL OIL DIESEL 100 PSIG/500°F 0-250 PSIG/300-500°F

HIGH TEMPERATURE (8 BAR.G/260°C) 0-500 PSIG/300-500°F
APPLICATIONS (0-17 BAR.G/150-260°C)
(0-35 BAR.G/150-260°C)

Testing will be conducted for a minimum of 100 hours.

Test seal sizes shall be 2 inch and 4 inch, or 50 mm and 100 mm.
5. SEAL PROPOSALS
Seal proposals shall consist of the following:
A. Cross sectional drawing of the seal to include maximum static pressure, maximum temperature
rating, thrust load and acceptable axial growth from the installation dimension.
B. Schematic of any auxiliary system including utility requirements.
C. Seal manufacturer qualification test results including spring loads, balance diameter and seal face
dimensions.
D. Completed Mechanical Seal Data Sheet Section 1 for Standard Seal Designs. Complete the
Mechanical Seal Data Sheet Sections 1 and 2 for Non-Standard Seal Designs. (Available in
API 682 Specification)
E. State any exclusions to the API 682 standard.

14
 TYPICAL REFINING PROCESS

A DESALINATION/
DESALTING

What: A process used to remove salt water from crude oil.

Why: To purify the feedstock and reduce corrosion during refining
How: Three processes: Settling
Charged Plates
Chemical Separation
Settling: This process uses the difference in density of crude oil versus water to separate the water/salt
from the crude oil.
Charged Plates: This process uses an electrical charge to draw the salt water out of the crude oil
Chemical Separation: Chemicals are mixed to react with the salt and water, then the combination is
removed via charged plates.
Recommendation:
Salt Brine 155A SSC/DC and fluorocarbon O-rings and a clean flush (plan 32) if allowed.
Water 155A SSC/DC and fluorocarbon O-rings and a clean flush (plan 32) if allowed.
Crude Oil 155A SSC/TC and fluorocarbon O-rings.

B ATMOSPHERIC DISTILLATION/
CRUDE DISTILLATION TOWER

What: A process used to separate different groups of hydrocarbons, known as fractions.

Why: Crude oil is a combination of molecules which must be separated to be used as fuel or lubricating
oils. The primary products of refineries are automotive gasoline, kerosene (jet fuel) and #2 home heating
oil. The integrated refinery seeks to maximize these products from crude oil based on market demand.
Secondary products are LPG, lubricating oils, asphalt or coke.
How: The process is based on the fact that different hydrocarbons have different vapor pressures and
volatilities. Hydrocarbons are separated by adding heat causing them to partially vaporize. Vaporization
causes the lighter (more volatile) hydrocarbons to rise in the distillation column. The lighter fractions rise
to the top, the heavier fractions remain at the bottom. The column is tapped at different heights to
remove the desired fraction. Typical fraction cut points are as follows:
Butanes and lighter <95°F (>35°C)
Light Naphtha 95 to 230°F (35 to 110°C)
Heavy Naphtha 230 to 320°F (110 to 160°C)
Kerosine* 320 to 500°F (160 to 260°C)
Light Gas Oil* 500 to 680°F (260 to 360°C)
Heavy Gas Oil* 680 to 725°F (360 to 385°C)
Long Residue* 725°F and Higher (385°C and Higher)
* Individual refineries may specify nonelastomeric seals, such as the 153, since the common API limit
for elastomeric seals is 300°F (150°)

15
 TYPICAL REFINING PROCESS

Reflux pumps are used to control temperature and product mix in the tower. Sour water pumps are used
to remove water separated during this process. Acid and caustic pumps are used to stabilize the product.
Steam and hydrocarbon condensate pumps are used to transfer heat or product to or away from the tower.
Recommendation:
Fuel Gas/Propane 155A SSC/CB with fluorocarbon O-rings,
discharge recirculation (plans 11 or 21) and a throat bushing
225A SSC/CB/SSC/CB with fluorocarbon O-rings (plan 53)
Naphtha/Gasoline 155A SSC/CB with fluorocarbon O-rings
Kerosine(Jet Fuel) 155A SSC/CB with Kalrez O-rings, a Jacketed Seal
Chamber and a Throat Bushing (plan 2)
155BA SSC/CB with Kalrez O-rings
153 SSC/TC
Diesel Fuel 155A SSC/TC with Kalrez O-rings, a Jacketed Seal
Chamber and a Throat Bushing (plan 2)
155BA SSC/TC with Kalrez O-rings and
steam quench (plan 62)
153 SSC/TC with steam quench (plan 62)
Heavier Fractions 153 SSC/TC with steam quench (plan 62)
Condensate 155A SSC/CB with EPR O-rings
Sour Water 155A SSC/DC with fluorocarbon O-rings

VACUUM DISTILLATION/
C VACUUM FLASHER

What: A process to remove lighter fractions from the long residue fraction or the heavy gas oil fraction.
Why: To improve the yield of fuel oils from the long residue or heavy gas oil stream.
How: The long residue fraction or heavy gas oil fraction is heated under vacuum to cause lighter fractions
to vaporize and rise in the distillation column. The column is tapped to remove the lighter fractions.
Recommendation:
Fuel Gas/Gasoline Vapors 155A SSC/CB with fluorocarbon O-rings,
discharge recirculation (plans 11 or 21) and a throat bushing
225A SSC/CB/SSC/CB with fluorocarbon O-rings (plan 53)
Light Heating Oil 155A SSC/TC with Kalrez O-rings, a Jacketed Seal
Chamber and a Throat Bushing (plan 2)
155BA SSC/TC with Kalrez O-rings
153 SSC/TC
Heavy Gas Oil 155A SSC/TC with Kalrez O-rings, a Jacketed Seal
Chamber and a Throat Bushing (plan 2)
155BA SSC/TC with Kalrez O-rings and
steam quench (plan 62)
153 SSC/TC with steam quench (plan 62)
Heavier Fractions 153 SSC/TC with steam quench (plan 62)
Sour Water 155A SSC/DC with fluorocarbon O-rings

16
 TYPICAL REFINING PROCESS

D HYDRODESULFURIZATION/
HYDROTREATING

What: One of four popular processes used to remove sulfur from various flow streams which boil
at 212 to 725°F (100 to 385°C). The process is also used to remove nitrogen.
Why: To purify the flow stream to meet emissions regulations.
How: Heated feedstock is mixed with Hydrogen gas. The mixture is passed through a reactor containing
a catalyst. The catalyst can be cobalt-molybdenum for removal of sulphur or nickel-molybdenum for
removal of nitrogen.
Recommendation:
Fuel Gas/Gasoline Vapors 155A SSC/CB with fluorocarbon O-rings,
discharge recirculation (plans 11 or 21) and a throat bushing
225A SSC/CB/SSC/CB with fluorocarbon O-rings (plan 53)
Diesel Fuel Oil 155A SSC/TC with Kalrez O-rings, a Jacketed Seal
Chamber and a Throat Bushing
155BA SSC/TC with Kalrez O-rings and
steam quench (plan 62)
153 SSC/TC with steam quench (plan 62)
Heavier Fractions 153 SSC/TC with steam quench (plan 62)
Light Heating Oil 155A SSC/TC with Kalrez O-rings, a Jacketed Seal
Chamber and a Throat Bushing
155BA SSC/TC with Kalrez O-rings
153 SSC/TC
Heavy Gas Oil 155A SSC/TC with Kalrez O-rings, a Jacketed Seal
Chamber and a Throat Bushing
155BA SSC/TC with Kalrez O-rings and
steam quench (plan 62)
153 SSC/TC with steam quench (plan 62)
Heavier Fractions 153 SSC/TC with steam quench (plan 62)
Sour Water 155A SSC/DC with fluorocarbon O-rings

E CATALYTIC POLYMERIZATION/
ALKYLATION/ISOMERIZATION

What: Processes which use either hydrofluoric acid or sulfuric acid catalysts to combine smaller molecules
into larger molecules. Typical feedstocks are butene, isobutane, propene, and light naphtha.
Why: To increase the octane number of the flow stream to be used as or combined with a fuel oil,
typically gasoline. Other products include raw materials for synthetics and solvents.
How: The feedstock is mixed with isobutane and “dried” in towers using calcium chloride. The dried
feedstock flows into contactors to react with an acid. The towers must be cooled because the reaction
generates heat. The stream from the reactor is processed to remove unreacted acid. The remaining flow
stream is separated into four fractions as follows:

17
 TYPICAL REFINING PROCESS

Light Alkylate 108 to 240°F (42 to 116°C)

Intermediate Alkylate 203 to 239°F (95 to 115°C)
Medium Alkylate* 230 to 356°F (110 to 180°C)
Heavy Alkylate* 365 to 540°F (185 to 282°C)
* Individual refineries may specify nonelastomeric seals, such as the 153.
Recommendation:
Isobutane 155A SSC/CB with fluorocarbon O-rings
Olefins 155A SSC/CB with Kalrez O-rings
155BA SSC/CB with Kalrez O-rings
Heavier Fractions 153 SSC/TC with steam quench (plan 62)
Hydrofluoric Acid/83-92% 225A SSC/SSC Monel with Kalrez O-rings (plan 53)
Sulfuric Acid/93-95% 155A SSC/RSC Alloy 20 with Lead Oxide fluorocarbon O-rings
LPG 225A SSC/CB with fluorocarbon O-rings (plan 53)
Butane/Alkylates 155A SSC/CB with fluorocarbon O-rings

F CATALYTIC
CRACKER

What: A process using a catalyst to “crack” longer heavier fractions into smaller lighter fractions which
can be combined into fuel oils.
Why: To improve the yield of fuel oils from the heavy oils and residue.
How: Heavy Gas Oil is mixed with silica/alumina and/or zeolite catalyst. The oil reacts forming light and
heavy fractions. The catalyst is sent to a reformer where residue is removed from the catalyst. The catalyst
is returned to the reactor to continue the reaction of heavy gas oil. Various flow streams are tapped from
the reactor.
Recommendation:
Gas, Gasoline Vapors 155A SSC/CB with fluorocarbon O-rings, a Jacketed Seal
Chamber and a Throat Bushing (plan 2)
Light Gas Oil 155A SSC/TC with Kalrez O-rings, a Jacketed Seal
Chamber and a Throat Bushing (plan 2)
155BA SSC/TC with Kalrez O-rings
153 SSC/TC
Heavy Gas Oil 155A SSC/TC with Kalrez O-rings, a Jacketed Seal
Chamber and a Throat Bushing (plan 2)
155BA SSC/TC with Kalrez O-rings and
steam quench (plan 63)
153 SSC/TC with steam quench (plan 62)
Heavier Fractions 153 SSC/TC with steam quench (plan 62)

18
 TYPICAL REFINING PROCESS

G CATALYTIC
REFORMER

What: A process used to change the shape of heavy naphtha (gasoline) by mixing it with a catalyst to
improve the octane number.
Why: To re-arrange light straight run gasoline into more profitable higher octane fuel oil.
How: Four reactions are caused by mixing the catalyst with naphtha. The first reaction is Dehydrogenation.
Dehydrogenation can be described as the removal of hydrogen atoms from a methyl cyclohexane molecule
to form a toluene molecule (a lighter fraction). The second reaction is Isomerization. The third reaction is
Dehydrocyclization. The second and third reactions can be described as taking a straight chain molecule
and forming a ring shape. The final reaction is Hydrocracking. This reaction separates heptanes into
pentanes and ethanes. This can be described as cracking a long chain into smaller links.
Recommendation:
Fuel Gas/Butane 155A SSC/CB with fluorocarbon O-rings,
discharge recirculation (plans 11 or 21) and a throat bushing
225A SSC/CB/SSC/CB with fluorocarbon O-rings (plan 53)
Naphtha/Gasoline 155A SSC/CB with fluorocarbon O-rings
Heavy Naphtha 155A SSC/CB with Kalrez O-rings, a Jacketed Seal
Chamber and a Throat Bushing (plan 2)
155BA SSC/CB with Kalrez O-rings
Heavier Fractions 153 SSC/TC with steam quench (plan 62)

WASTE WATER
H TREATMENT

What: A series of processes to remove oil, sludge and light hydrocarbons from runoff and ground water.
Why: To provide service water to the refinery and to meet environmental regulations.
How: Equipment uses the difference in density of oil as compared to water to separate the two.
Lime, Iron Hydroxide, Aluminium Hydroxide and Polyelectrolytes are mixed with the effluent to
react with contaminants.
Recommendation:
Sludge 155/255/225/156 SSC/TC with fluorocarbon O-rings
Contaminated Water 155 SSC/DC or 221 CB/SC with appropriate O-rings
Refer to chemical resistance guide

I KETONE
DEWAXING

What: A process to separate paraffin waxes from feedstocks to yield lubricating oils.

19
 TYPICAL REFINING PROCESS

Why: To generate paraffin waxes and lubricating oils which can be sold as end products
How: MEK Toluene and MEK MIBK solvents are added to a waxy feed stock. The mixture is chilled
allowing the wax to harden. The hardened wax is mechanically removed from the flow stream yielding a
lubricating oil.
Recommendation:
MEK Toluene 155A SSC/CB with Kalrez O-rings
MIBK Toluene 155A SSC/TC with Kalrez O-rings
Dewaxed Oil 155A SSC/TC with fluorocarbon O-rings
Wax product 155A SSC/TC with fluorocarbon O-rings and
jacket/throat bushing (plan 2) or steam quench (plan 62)
225A SSC/TC with fluorocarbon O-rings (plan 53)

J MIXING

What: The mixing area combines the various fractions into fuel oils which must meet strict standards
regarding their ignition temperatures and pressures. Lubricating oils are also mixed in this area.
Lubricating oils must also meet strict standards relating to their viscosity and lubricity.
Why: Refiners can improve their fuel oil yields by mixing various fractions and additives. Also they can
respond to market shifts (i.e. heating oil in the winter months) depending on fractions generated during
refining.
How: In the case of automotive gasoline; alkylates, reformates, straight run naphtha, and cat-cracker
gasoline are combined with additives to generate a particular grade of gasoline which meets standards
established by the refining and automotive industries.
Recommendation:
LSR Gasoline 155A SSC/CB with fluorocarbon O-rings
FCC Naphtha
Alkylate

MTBE 155A SSC/CB with Kalrez O-rings

ETBE
TAME
TBA
DI-ISOBUTYLENE
2-METHYLBUTENE

METHANOL 155A SSC/CB with EPR O-rings

ETHANOL

Lubricating Oils 155A/222 SC/TC with fluorocarbon O-rings

20
 PETROLEUM/PETROCHEMICAL EMISSIONS

A 1990 CLEAN AIR

ACT APPLICABILITY

Current Related Industries covered by the 1990 Clean Air Act:

1. Coke Ovens
2. Petrochemical Plants using Hazardous Organic Chemicals - Refer to the list in section B
Emissions limits are being phased in as follows:
Phase 1 Starts from date of regulation publication 10,000 PPM
Phase 2 One year from date of publication 5000 PPM
Phase 3 Two and one half years from date of publication 1000 PPM
Note: Dual seals are exempt from emissions monitoring.
The EPA in combination with various user groups are developing emissions standards based on
the best available technology known as MACT (Maximum Achievable Control Technology) in
the following petroleum areas:
1. Petroleum Refining
2. Terminal Storage
3. Polymers and Resins
Emission limits will be developed based on the best 12% of plants in each industry.

B VOLATILE HAZARDOUS
AIR POLLUTANTS LISTING

Volatile Hazardous Air Pollutants (VHAPs)

Acetaldehyde Benzene
Acetamide Benzidine
Acetonitrile Benzotrichloride
Acetophenone Benzyl chloride
2-Acetylaminofluorine Biphenyl
Acrolein Bis (ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)
Acrylamide Bis (chloromethyl) ether
Acrylic acid Bromoform
Acrylonitrile 1,3-Butadiene
Allyl chloride Caprolactam
4-Aminobiphenyl Carbon disulfide
Aniline Carbon tetrachloride
o-Anisidine Carbonyl sulfide

21
 PETROLEUM/PETROCHEMICAL EMISSIONS

Catechol 1,2-Epoxybutane
Chloroacetic acid Ethyl acrylate
2-Chlororacetophenone Ethyl benzene
Chlorobenzene Ethyl carbamate (Urethane)
Chloroform Ethyl chloride (Chloroethane)
Chloromethyl methyl ether Ethylene dibromide
Chloroprene Ethylene dichloride
Cresols/Cresylic acid Ethylene glycol
Cumene Ethylene oxide
2,4-D Ethylene thiourea
DDE Ethylidene dichloride
Diazomethane Formaldehyde
Dibenzofurans Glycol ethersa
1,2-Dibromo-3-chloropropane Hexachlorobenzene
Dibutylphthalate Hexachlorobutadiene
1,4-Dichlorobenzene Hexachloroethane
3,3-Dichlorobenzidene Hexamethylene-1,6-diisocyanate
Dichloroethyl ether Hexamethylphosphoramide
1,3-Dichloropropene Hexane
Diethanolamine Hydrazine
N,N-Diethyl aniline Hydroquinone
Diethyl sulfate Isophorone
3,3'-Dimethoxybenzidine Maleic anhydride
Dimethyl aminoazobenzene Methanol
3,3'-Dimethyl benzidine Methyl bromide
Dimethyl carbamoyl chloride Methyl chloride
Dimethyl formamide Methyl chloroform (1,1,1-Trichloroethane)
1,1-Dimethyl hydrazine Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK)
Dimethyl phthalate Methyl hydrazine
Dimethyl sulfate Methyl iodide
4,6-Dinitro-o-cresol, and salts Methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK)
2,4-Dinitrophenol Methyl isocyanate
2,4-Dinitrotoluene Methyl methacrylate
1,4-Dioxane Methyl tert butyl ether (MTBE)
1,2-Diphenylhydrazine 4,4-Methylene bis (2-chloroaniline)
Epichlorohydrin Methylene chloride

22
 PETROLEUM/PETROCHEMICAL EMISSIONS

Methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) Styrene

4,4'-Methylenedianiline Styrene oxide
Naphthalene 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin
Nitrobenzene 1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane
4-Nitrobiphenyl Tetrachloroethylene (Perchloroethylene)
4-Nitrophenol Toluene
4-Nitropropane 2,4-Toluene diamine
N-Nitroso-N-methylurea 2,4-Toluene diisocyanate
N-Nitrosodimethylamine o-Toluidine
N-Nitrosomorpholine 1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene
Phenol 1,1,2-Trichloroethane
p-Phenlyenediamine Trichloroethylene
Phosgene 2,4,5-Trichlorophenol
Phthalic anhydride 2,4,6-Trichlorophenol
Polychlorinated biphenyls Triethylamine
1,3-Propane sultone Trifluralin
beta-Propiolactone 2,2,4-Trimethylpentane
Propionaldehyde Vinyl acetate
Propoxur (Baygon) Vinyl bromide
Propylene dichloride Vinyl chloride
Propylene oxide Vinylidene chloride
1,2-Propylenimine Xylenes
Quinone

23
 ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS

Environmental controls are described by API 610 and 682 as "plans". The plan describes exactly
how the seal support systems are piped. The symbols used on the plans are described in the legend
below:

API PLAN LEGEND

Heat exchanger PS Pressure switch with block value Y-type strainer

Cyclone separator Flow-regulating valve

PI Pressure gauge with block valve
Block valve
TI Dial Thermometer FI Flow indicator
Check valve
Orifice

A API Plan 2
Vent CI/CO

V/D or QI/QO

Plan 2
Dead-ended seal chamber with no circulation of
flushed fluid; water-cooled stuffing-box jacket
and throat bushing required when specified

What: No environmental controls provided to the seal.

B API Plan 11

Vent

F V/D or QI/QO

Plan 11
Recirculation from the pump case
through orifice to seal

What: Discharge recirculation through an orifice to the seal flush port. The orifice is used to
control discharge pressure to the seal chamber. A smaller orifice allows less pressure to enter the
seal chamber.
Why: To raise the pressure in the stuffing box to prevent flashing at the seal faces.
To lower the temperature at the seal faces by using product to remove heat from the seal faces.
When: On clean fluids. Solids will score the seal faces if directed by the flush port.
Which Seals: 155A, 155BA

24
 ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS

C API Plan 13 To Pump

Suction
Vent

F V/D or QI/QO

Plan 13
Recirculation from seal chamber
through orifice and back to pump suction

What: Suction recirculation through an orifice to the flush port of the seal.
Why: To remove solids from the seal chamber area and/or to reduce the seal chamber pressure.
When: When the seal chamber pressure must be reduced to increase/improve seal life or when
solids in the product are accumulating around the seal faces.
Which Seals: 155A, 155BA

API Plan 21
D Vent

When F V/D or QI/QO

specified
TI

Plan 21
Recirculation from pump case through
orifice and heat exchanger to seal

What: Discharge recirculation through an orifice and a heat exchanger to the flush port of the
seal. A thermometer can be installed when specified.
Why: To raise the pressure in the stuffing box to prevent flashing at the seal faces.
To lower the temperature at the seal faces by using product to remove heat from the seal faces.
When: On clean fluids. Solids will score the seal faces if directed by the flush port.
Which Seals: 155A, 155BA, 153

API Plan 31
E (Dirty or Special Pumpage)
From Pump
Discharge

To Pump
Suction
Vent

F V/D or QI/QO

Plan 31
Recirculation from pump cast through
cyclone separator delivering clean
fluid to seal and fluid with solids
back to pump section

25
 ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS

What: Discharge recirculation through a cyclone separator. The cyclone separator removes solids
from the product and directs them to suction. The separator directs "clean" product to the seal
flush port.
Why: To use product with solids to increase the pressure in the stuffing box to prevent flashing
at the seal faces. To lower the temperature at the seal faces by using "cleaned" product to remove
heat from the seal faces.
When: To remove solids from the product to prevent damage to the seal faces. To use the product
to provide good lubrication to the seal faces.
Which Seals: 155A, 155BA

F API Plan 32
When
specified
By vendor/By purchaser
Vent
From
External
Source

PI

TI F V/D or QI/QO

Plan 32
Injection to seal from external
source of clean fluid

What: Clean flush from an external source.

Why: To cool and lubricate the seal faces. To prevent solids in a product from damaging the seal
faces.
When: Used in a product with excessive solids, crystallizing product or a product with a high
vapor pressure. Products with high vapor pressures "boil" between the seal faces. When they "boil"
they expand which causes the seal faces to separate. The separating seal faces allow leakage.
Which Seals: 155A, 155BA, 153

G API Plan 52
PS PI

Normally open
To Approved
Disposal

When specified
PI
Fill plug
Vent
FI
Level guage
F BI BO
Reservoir
When specified
(may be fin type)
Connection B

Drain valve
Plan 52
Nonpressurized external fluid reservoir
with forced circulation; typically used with
tandem-seal arrangement in Figure 1
26
 ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS

What: Dual tandem seal arrangement. Non-pressurized external reservoir provides clean fluid to
the seal. A heat exchanger can be used when specified to cool the clean fluid.
Why: To cool and lubricate the outboard seal. To provide a backup seal in case of inboard seal
failure.
When: Used in hazardous products which provide good lubrication to the inboard seal faces.
Not suggested for services where products have high solids content.
Which Seals: 225A, 255A, 222
Note - a secondary circulation device should be considered when a heat exchanger is used on
the 222 and 255A mechanical seals.

API Plan 53
H PS PI
External pressure
source
Normally open PI
When specified
Fill plug
BI
FI
Level guage BO V/D
Reservoir
When specified
(may be fin type)
Connection B

Drain valve
Plan 53
Pressurized external fluid reservoir with
forced circulation; typically used with
double-seal arrangement in Figure 1

What: Dual double seal arrangement. A pressurized external reservoir provides clean fluid to the
seal. A heat exchanger can be used when specified to cool the clean fluid.
Why: To cool and lubricate the seal faces. To provide good lubrication to the inboard and
outboard seal faces. To prevent solids from penetrating and damaging the inboard seal faces.
When: Used in hazardous products and/or products with high solids content.
Which Seals: 225A, 255A, 222
Note - a secondary circulation device should be considered when a heat exchanger is used on
the 222 and 255A mechanical seals.

27
 ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS

I API Plan 62
From external
source

Vent

F QI/QO

Connection Q
(I or O)

Plan 62
External fluid quench (steam, gas,
water, etc.; typically used with throttle
bushing or auxilliary sealing device
(single- or double-seal arrangement in Figure 1)

What: A steam or water quench

Why: To remove solids from the seal internals or to control the temperature at the seal faces while
not contaminating the product.
When: Used when product hardens or crystallizes across the seal face due to temperature drop or
contact with air.
Which Seals: 155A, 155BA, 153

J THROAT
BUSHINGS

What: Throat bushings are also known as restriction bushings and are considered a standard
feature of API pumps. They are generally installed at the bottom of the seal chamber. They are
made from various metals that are softer than the shaft. They typically are designed with a close
clearance between the inside diameter of the bushing and the outside diameter of the shaft.
Why: To increase or decrease seal chamber pressure
To isolate the seal chamber fluid
To control flow into or out of the seal chamber
To support the shaft in case of deflection

28
 SHAFT DIAMETER (mm)
PRESSURE
(bar.g)
A
30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120
1000 70

60
OPERATING LIMITS

800 90 Durometer O-rings - all face combinations

50

600
40
PRESSURE
(psig)

29
30
155 SINGLE SEAL and 255 DUAL SEAL

400 Standard O-rings - all face combinations

* Based on Laboratory tests with
100°F (38°C) water and CHESTERTON® 20
610 Synthetic Lubricating Fluid.
200 Poor lubricants and higher temperatures
will reduce these limits.
10
For operation beyond these limits, contact
Application Engineering.
CHESTERTON SEAL APPLICATION

0 0
1 2 3 4 5

SHAFT DIAMETER (Inches)

155A RECOMMENDED PRESSURE LIMITS AT 1400 - 1800 RPM*

A.W. Chesterton - 6/93

 PRESSURE
(bar.g)
SHAFT DIAMETER (mm)
30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120
1000 70
* Based on Laboratory tests with
100°F (38°C) water and CHESTERTON®
610 Synthetic Lubricating Fluid. 60
90 Durometer 800 Poor lubricants and higher temperatures
O-rings will reduce these limits.
SC/CB & SC/DC For operation beyond these limits, contact 50
Application Engineering.
600
40
PRESSURE
(psig)

30
30
400 TC/TC

Standard 20
O-Rings SC/TC, SC/SC, & TC/CB
200
10
CHESTERTON SEAL APPLICATION

0 0
1 2 3 4 5

SHAFT DIAMETER (Inches)

155A RECOMMENDED PRESSURE LIMITS AT 2900-3600 RPM*

A.W. Chesterton - 6/93

 PRESSURE
(bar.g)
SHAFT DIAMETER (mm)
30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120
500 35
* Based on Laboratory tests with 100°F (38°C)
water, and barrier fluids of water and
CHESTERTON® 610 Synthetic Lubricating Fluid. 30
400 Poor lubricants, some oil barrier fluids, and
higher temperatures will reduce these limits.
TC/TC only
Cooled tanks or forced circulation will not 25
increase these limits.
300 For operation beyond these limits, contact
SC/DC, SC/TC, & SC/SC Application Engineering. 20
PRESSURE
(psig)

31
15
200
SC/CB & TC/CB
10
SC/CB & TC/CB
100
5
CHESTERTON SEAL APPLICATION

0 0
1 2 3 4 5

SHAFT DIAMETER (Inches)

255A RECOMMENDED BARRIER PRESSURE LIMITS AT 1400 - 1800 RPM*

A.W. Chesterton - 6/93

 PRESSURE
(bar.g)
SHAFT DIAMETER (mm)
30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120
500 35
* Based on Laboratory tests with 100°F (38°C)
water, and barrier fluids of water and
TC/TC only CHESTERTON® 610 Synthetic Lubricating Fluid. 30
400 Poor lubricants, some oil barrier fluids, and
higher temperatures will reduce these limits.
Cooled tanks or forced circulation will not 25
SC/DC, SC/TC, 7 SC/SC increase these limits.
300 For operation beyond these limits, contact
Application Engineering. 20
PRESSURE
(psig)
SC/CB, SC/TC, SC/SC & TC/CB

32
15
200
SC/CB & TC/CB
10

100
5
TC/TC TC/TC
CHESTERTON SEAL APPLICATION

0 0
1 2 3 4 5

SHAFT DIAMETER (Inches)

255 RECOMMENDED BARRIER PRESSURE LIMITS AT 2900 - 3600 RPM*

A.W. Chesterton - 6/93

 PRESSURE
(bar.g)
SHAFT DIAMETER (mm)
30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120
1000 70
* Based on Laboratory tests with
100°F (38°C) water and CHESTERTON®
610 Synthetic Lubricating Fluid. 60
800 Poor lubricants and higher temperatures
will reduce these limits.
For operation beyond these limits, contact 50
Application Engineering.
600
40
PRESSURE
(psig)

33
All face combinations 30
400

20

200
10
CHESTERTON SEAL APPLICATION

0 0
1 2 3 4 5

SHAFT DIAMETER (Inches)

255 RECOMMENDED PROCESS PRESSURE LIMITS AT 1400-1800 RPM*
155C RECOMMENDED PRESSURE LIMITS AT 1400-1800 RPM*

A.W. Chesterton - 6/93

 PRESSURE
(bar.g)
SHAFT DIAMETER (mm)
30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120
1000 70
* Based on Laboratory tests with
100°F (38°C) water and CHESTERTON®
610 Synthetic Lubricating Fluid. 60
800 Poor lubricants and higher temperatures
SC/CB & SC/DC will reduce these limits.
For operation beyond these limits, contact 50
Application Engineering.
600
40
PRESSURE
(psig)

34
30
400
TC/TC
20
SC/TC, SC/SC, & TC/CB
200
10
CHESTERTON SEAL APPLICATION

0 0
1 2 3 4 5

SHAFT DIAMETER (Inches)

255 RECOMMENDED PROCESS PRESSURE LIMITS AT 2900-3600 RPM*
155C RECOMMENDED PRESSURE LIMITS AT 2900-3600 RPM*

A.W. Chesterton - 6/93

 CHESTERTON SEAL APPLICATION

B RULES FOR SEALING

LIGHT HYDROCARBONS
Specific Gravity
Specific gravity is defined as the density of a particular substance as compared to water
at 68°F (20°C).
Use dual seals in liquids with specific gravity below 0.6
Use single pusher seals in liquids with specific gravity above 0.6.
API plan 32 has been used to seal lower specific gravities.
Use single bellows seals in liquids with specific gravity above 0.8.
Use carbon versus silicon carbide seal faces for liquids with specific gravity up to 0.8
Use tungsten carbide versus silicon carbide seal faces for liquids with
specific gravity above 0.9
Vapor Pressure
Seal chamber pressure should be a minimum of 50 psig (3,4 bar.g) or 10% above product vapor
pressure at the pumping temperature. The vapor pressure is the pressure at which the product
vaporizes. Vaporization can cause the seal faces to separate allowing high emissions
and visible leakage.
API Plan 11 can be used to increase seal chamber pressure.
API Plan 21 can be used to increase seal chamber pressure and reduce
seal chamber temperature.
Use dual seal in products where vapor pressure is less than 50 psig (3,4 bar.g)
or 10% above seal chamber pressure.

C VAPOR PRESSURES OF
LIGHT HYDROCARBONS

(On following pages)

35
 CHESTERTON SEAL APPLICATION

VAPOR PRESSURE – VARIOUS LIQUIDS CHART 1 – 60° to 240°F

1000 985
800 800

600 600
E
ID 500
500
IOX E
XID

GAUGE PRESSURE – LBS. PER SQ. IN

D
400 N O E ID E 400
RBO US AN U LF
O H S
300 CA NITR ME
T
EN 300
O RO R OG
U D E
NE IFL HY EN 200
200 HA TR YL
ET R O O P
LO PR E
CH RIN IDE 140
N O H LO R
O C LO 100
M CH
L DE
100
HY XI 80
ET D IO
80 M
ER 60
ABSOLUTE PRESSURE – LBS. PER SQ. IN.

LF NE ER
60 S U U TA H 50
OB L ET 40
50 IS HY
ET 30
40 DI
DE
RI 20
O NE
30 HL HA 14
IA

E C ET
AN L
N

HY OM 10
O

OP ET OR
M

20 R NE E L 5
AM

P
TA AT C H
BU RM RI 2
(T 0"
FO ID
E M
L OR 5"
HY OR
ET
L E OF
10
M CH E N L OR
10"
NE L
CH
8 E HY 15"
YL ET
6 H O
ET R E
5 M H LO O N 20"
T
I C E NE
4 D AC Y LE 22.5"
E H

VACUUM – INCHES OF MERCURY

D
3 RI ET
LO RO
6)

H O 25"
10

AC HL
ER

1.

R C
AT

2 I
ET
=

R 26"
W

°F
T
T

79
N

27"
BO

at
R.
AR

G
C

P.

1.0 28"
(S
ER
S)

.80
I
(C

AT

28.5"
NE

YW

.60
LE

AV

.50
HY

29"
HE

29.1"
ET

.40
RO

29.2"
LO

.30 29.3"
CH

29.4"
DI

29.5"
.20
29.6"

29.7"
.10 29.72"
– 30 0 30 60 90 120 150 180 210 240

TEMPERATURE – °F

36
 CHESTERTON SEAL APPLICATION

VAPOR PRESSURE – VARIOUS LIQUIDS CHART 2 – 180° to 60°F

1000 985
800 800

600 600
N E E 500
500
HA XID

GAUGE PRESSURE – LBS. PER SQ. IN

ET DIO 400
400 M
ON
RB 300
300 CA
200
200
140
E A NE
EN TH 100
100 H YL E
80
ET DE
80 XI 60
O
ABSOLUTE PRESSURE – LBS. PER SQ. IN.

S
60 U 50
O 40
R
IT

50
N

30
40
20
30 14
10
20
IA 5
N

E 2
O

N
M

0"
E E

AM

0"
N YL

5"
ID
PA P
O O

R
PR PR

10
LO

10"
H
C

8 15"
L

E
HY

N
TA

6
ET

BU
M

5 20"
4 22.5"
E

VACUUM – INCHES OF MERCURY

ID AN

3
OX U T
E
DI OB

DE

25"
RI
IS

2
LO

26"
CH

LO TE
ER

(T IDE

)
NS

27"
HY CH MA
L
LF

NE R
RA
HY

R
SU

ET

FO

1.0 28"
LO HY YL
ET NE
LE
CH ET TH

.80
RO LE

28.5"
M ME

.60
.50 29"
.40 29.1"
29.2"
DI

.30 29.3"
29.4"
29.5"
.20
29.6"

29.7"
.10 29.75"
–180 –150 –120 –90 –60 –30 0 30 60

TEMPERATURE – °F

37
NOTES
 A.W. CHESTERTON CO.
225 FALLON ROAD, MIDDLESEX INDUSTRIAL PARK, STONEHAM, MASSACHUSETTS 02180-9101 USA
TEL: ( 617)438 -7000 • FAX: ( 617)438 -8971 • TELEX: 94 - 9417
CABLE: Chesterton Stoneham, Mass.
© A.W. CHESTERTON CO., 1994. All rights reserved.
® Registered trademark owned and licensed by A.W. CHESTERTON CO. in USA and other countries.
FORM NO. E71017 PRINTED IN USA 1/94