API 682 – Mechanical Seals

Swagelok Eastern Australia & New Zealand

API 682 Mechanical Seals
Overview
Previous projects completed
o Plan 53A
o Plan 72 / 76
o Plan 74

© 2017 Swagelok Eastern Australia and New Zealand

API 682 Mechanical Seals Overview

What is a Mechanical Seal?

A mechanical seal is simply a method of containing fluid within a vessel
(typically pumps, mixers, etc.) where a rotating shaft passes through a
stationary housing or occasionally, where the housing rotates around
the shaft.

© 2017 Swagelok Eastern Australia and New Zealand

API 682 Mechanical Seals

Flow water, gas, steam, oil, dairy etc. from source through seal chamber.

Seal Return

Seal Supply

© 2017 Swagelok Eastern Australia and New Zealand

API 682 Mechanical Seals

Two types of mechanical seal

• Wet Seal - Quench/Liquid Seal

• Dry Seal - Gas Seal

• Single Seal
• Dual Seal

The function of a mechanical seal support system

Lubricate shaft & seal

Provide temperature control for the seal
Flush the seal of dirt and/or residue build up
Prevent system media from leaking to atmosphere

© 2017 Swagelok Eastern Australia and New Zealand

Previous projects completed API Plan 53A
What
• Pressurised barrier fluid circulation through reservoir

Why
• Isolate process fluid
• Zero process emissions

Where
• Used with pressurised seals
• High vapour pressure, light hydrocarbons
• Hazardous/toxic fluids
• Heat transfer fluids
• Dirty/abrasive or polymerising fluids
• Vacuum service

Preventative Maintenance
• Piping loop must self vent to reservoir located at highest elevation
• Barrier fluid must be compatible with process
• Reservoir level indicator shows both inboard and outboard seal leakage

© 2017 Swagelok Eastern Australia and New Zealand

Previous projects completed API Plan 74
What
• Pressurised control system
• Supported with nitrogen barrier

Why
• Isolate process fluid
• Zero emission

Where
• Used with dual pressurised gas seal
• High vapour pressures, light hydrocarbons
• Hazardous/toxic fluids
• Services that do not tolerate liquid barrier seals
• Clean non-polymerising fluids
• Moderate temperatures

Preventative Maintenance
• Clean, reliable, pressurised at all times
• Flow indicator shows inboard and outboard seal leakage
• Bottle gas supply not recommended except as part of
emergency backup

© 2017 Swagelok Eastern Australia and New Zealand

Previous projects completed API Plan 74/75/76
What
• Unpressurised gas control system
• Seal support with nitrogen buffer

Why
• Zero emissions, Safety backup primary seal

Where
• Used with dual unpressurised seals
• High vapour pressure fluids, light hydrocarbons
• Hazardous/toxic fluids
• Used in conjunction with Plan 75 and or plan76

Preventative maintenance
• Clean, reliable, low pressure gas must be supplied
• Bottle gas supply not recommended except for backup
• Primary seal leakage is indicated by pressure in vent line
• Vent usually connected to low pressure vapour recovery

© 2017 Swagelok Eastern Australia and New Zealand

Previous projects completed API Plan 54
What
• Pressurised barrier Fluid

Why
• Isolate process fluid
• Zero process emissions
• Seal cannot induce circulation

Where
• Used with duals seals
• High vapour pressures
• Hazardous/toxic fluids
• Dirty/abrasive or polymerising fluids

Preventative Maintenance
• Piping loop must be vented prior
• Circulating system must be pressurised at all time
• Barrier fluid compatible with process
• Level indicator shows inboard and outboard seal leakage

© 2017 Swagelok Eastern Australia and New Zealand

Future Goal – Standardised Catalogue

© 2017 Swagelok Eastern Australia and New Zealand

Head Office Gippsland

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Phone: +61 3 9303 2100, Fax: +61 3 9303 9565 Phone: +61 3 5144 7733, Fax: +61 3 5144 7522
Email: sales@swagelokES.com.au Email: sales.gipps@swagelokES.com.au

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New South Wales New Plymouth

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Phone: +61 2 9526 6155, Fax: +61 2 9526 6077 Phone: +64 6 759 9370, Fax: +64 6 757 9548
Email: sales.sydney@swagelokES.com.au Email: sales.newplymouth@swagelok.co.nz