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API Plan 54 Mechanical Seal Overview

This document describes API Plan 54/ANSI Plan 7354 which uses a pressurized external barrier fluid reservoir to supply clean fluid to a dual mechanical seal. The pressurized barrier fluid enters and exits the seal in a closed loop to isolate the pumped product, extend seal life, and guarantee zero emissions. For the barrier fluid to properly lubricate both seals, the backpressure after the seal must be 20-30 PSI higher than the seal chamber pressure. Potential problems include single point of failure if the barrier fluid supply is lost, product contamination if the inboard seal fails, and reduced seal life if the barrier fluid is dirty.

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477 views2 pages

API Plan 54 Mechanical Seal Overview

This document describes API Plan 54/ANSI Plan 7354 which uses a pressurized external barrier fluid reservoir to supply clean fluid to a dual mechanical seal. The pressurized barrier fluid enters and exits the seal in a closed loop to isolate the pumped product, extend seal life, and guarantee zero emissions. For the barrier fluid to properly lubricate both seals, the backpressure after the seal must be 20-30 PSI higher than the seal chamber pressure. Potential problems include single point of failure if the barrier fluid supply is lost, product contamination if the inboard seal fails, and reduced seal life if the barrier fluid is dirty.

Uploaded by

almandhari33
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
  • API Plan 54 Overview
  • Primary Purpose and Potential Problems

API PLAN 54

ANSI PLAN 7354

DESCRIPTION: PRESSURIZED external BARRIER fluid reservoir or system supplying


clean fluid to a pressurized dual mechanical seal. Circulation is provided
by an external pump or pressure system.
PRIMARY PURPOSE: To isolate the product being pumped from the environment or to extend
seal life through better internal conditions for the seal.

This plan also guarantees virtually zero emissions to atmosphere. The pressurized barrier fluid enters the
seal and exits in a once in, once out fashion. A gauge is placed on the outlet side between the seal and
a needle valve or flow meter. The gauge measures the backpressure created by the needle valve or
flow meter. This pressure must be 20 - 30 PSI above seal chamber pressure to enable the barrier
fluid to lubricate both inboard and outboard seals. The flow meter serves also to meter the flow to a
desired rate for cooling and minimizing barrier fluid usage (usually water or a product compatible fluid).

POTENTIAL PROBLEMS:

1) This arrangement is only as reliable as its source of supply. Lose the supply, lose the
seal.

2) If the inboard seal fails, there will be significant product dilution.

3) If fluid supply is not clean, seal life may be reduced.

4) If it is part of a larger closed loop system supplying a number of pump seals and one
fails catastrophically, it could starve the other seals for liquid and possibly cause
additional failures.

5) A small reduction in system pressure could create a reverse pressure situation for an
inboard unbalanced or non-double balanced seal. This could open the inboard faces and
contaminate the barrier system with product causing numerous problems.

6) This system is excellent for cooling the seal.

7) There is no seal pot to monitor or maintain.

8) Inboard leaks can go unnoticed until dilution reaches detectable levels.


Instrumentation may be helpful in this regard.

API PLAN 54 ANSI PLAN 7354 DESCRIPTION: PRESSURIZED external BARRIER fluid reservoir or system supplying c
PRIMARY PURPOSE: To isolate the product being pumped from the environment or to extend seal life through better interna

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