Hydrocarbon Sealing Selection

Seal Selection Light Hydrocarbons

The main difficulty in sealing light hydrocarbons is preventing flashing of the liquid to gas between the seal faces. This is caused when the liquid is close to vapour point, the heat of the seal faces pushes the fluid film into the gas phase. For duties close to the vapour point (under the API 682 line) such as these we must;

Move the duty point by cooling the seal Will require some sort of refrigeration to give sufficient cooling

Supply a stable fluid film independent of the process by introducing a pressurised barrier fluid between the seal faces. This fluid has much lower vapour pressure therefore flashing is no longer a problem

Seal Selection Light Hydrocarbons

John Crane recommend the type 3648 dual pressurised seal for these types of duties. This is a API 682 qualified seal specifically designed for such duties. (see attached layout). For seal pressurisation, dependant on site utilities API plan 53 or plan 53m (modified) can be used.

Seal Selection Cryogenic Hydrocarbon

Cryogenic Hydrocarbon For safety and good service operation in low temperature applications dual pressurised seals are normally employed. A seal design which minimises the effects of temperature on the dynamic seal components is recommended, i.e. it places the seal springs & elastomer in the controlled environment of the barrier fluid. John Crane recommend the type 3648 dual pressurised seal arranged in a back to back format for this duty. (see attached simplified layout). This complies with API 682 as an engineered seal.

For seal pressurisation, dependant on site utilities API plan 53m (modified) is recommended.

Double Seal (Back to back arrangment)

Plan 53m Accumulator System

Circul ation loop

Air cooler RV
High Point Vent

Mechanic al Seal
Charge pi pe coil (thermal conducti on break) Mobile pressure unit

PI

PT

Accumulator

Accumulator System Circulation By Pumping Ring In Seal