Technical Information 5

MUNSCH-REA single mechanical seal and additional atmosphere-side

quench, operated with quench tank in the unpressurized recirculating
mode for NP series
“Quenching” designates the continuous supply of an
unpressurized liquid from an external source
(quench fluid) to the atmosphere side of the single
mechanical seal.
In the system presented below, the quench tank and
the pump seal chamber form a closed-circuit system.
1 Application
Additional quenching is provided to
à eliminate crystallization of the fluid pumped in the
spring chamber,
à protect the shaft passageway from contact with
corrosive vapour or condensate or
à absorb any leakage through the mechanical seal.
3 Quench fluid
The quench fluid must be free from solids and
crystallizing components, have a high boiling point,
good lubricating characteristics, good environmental
performance and be compatible with the fluid
pumped, e.g. water, vegetable oil or a glycol/water
mixture (max. 50 % glycol). ATTENTION: The
kinematic viscosity of the quench fluid must not
exceed 5 mm²/s.
Corrosion attack to the quench tank and the pump
components must be ruled out.

2 Operating principle
The temperature gradient between the quench fluid
inlet (1) and outlet (2) of the quench tank causes a
forced circulation of the quench fluid according to the
thermosyphon principle. The unpressurized quench
fluid circulates continuously from the quench tank to
the spring chamber (3) of the pump and from there
back to the quench tank, thereby flushing the
atmosphere side of the mechanical seal.

Fig.: NP with MUNSCH-IIk single mechanical seal, operated with

quench in the recirculating mode (quench tank)

4 Quench rate (consumption)

Fig.: Schematic of NP with quench tank The required quench rate depends on:
à the surface condition of the seal faces
à the flatness of the seal faces
à the characteristics of the fluid to be contained.

MUNSCH Chemie-Pumpen GmbH September 2009 - Rev. 06 Page 1/2

All technical data subject to revision
Technical Information 5

With single mechanical seals and additional quench,
operated with quench tank in the unpressurized
recirculating mode, the following checks should be
carried out at regular intervals:
à Check for increased liquid level in quench tank
due to product carry-over.
à Check atmosphere-side mechanical seal for
quench fluid leakage.
à Check quench fluid for product carry-over and
concurrent quench fluid leakage through the
atmosphere-side mechanical seal.
After the first startup, check the quench tank daily to
see whether quench fluid has to be replaced or
topped up. The replacement/top-up intervals must be
determined by the operator on the basis of operating
experience.
8 Activation / Deactivation of quench circuit
Fill the quench tank with quench fluid. The minimum
level in the quench tank should always be above the
level of the connecting nozzle (M) in the tank side
wall. Once self-venting of the supply and return lines
is completed, the pump can be started.
The maximum permissible temperature of the
quench fluid is 60 °C.
Deactivation requires no special measures.
In the case of elevated impurity concentrations or an
increase in volume, the quench fluid has to be
drained and disposed of in an environmentally sound
manner.

5 Allowable temperature of quench fluid

Once the temperatures have stabilized after the first
few hours of operation, it must be ensured that
à the return flow temperature is not greater than
60°C,
à the boiling point is not exceeded and
à the temperature gradient between the supply and
return flow is not greater than 25 K.

6 Quench pressure
The quench fluid recirculation system operates at
atmospheric pressure.

7 Installation
The quench tank should be installed at a level of
about 1 to 2 m above the centreline (H) of the
mechanical seal. The hoses should be run with an
upward or downward slope; horizontal runs should
be avoided.

The supply-side (1) and return-side connections (2)

should be made by hoses.

The hose connections should be made such as to

preclude the transmission of loads to the hose
nozzles during shutdown, startup, normal and
shutdown operation. If required, secure the
connecting hoses by separate fixtures to preclude
uncontrolled movements.

The place of installation should be selected such that

there is no risk of freezing of the quench fluid. Where
this is not ensured, adequate precautions must be
taken.

Quenching is imperative for reliable pump operation.

Therefore, always make sure that the quench tank is
connected.

MUNSCH Chemie-Pumpen GmbH September 2009 - Rev. 06 Page 2/2

All technical data subject to revision