Flow Solutions

Mechanical Seal Piping Plans

Single Seals plans 01, 02, 11, 13, 14, 21, 23, 31, 32, 41 Dual Seals plans 52, 53A, 53B, 53C, 54 Quench Seals plans 62, 65 Gas Seals plans 72, 74, 75, 76

Experience In Motion

Mechanical Seal Piping Plans

Flowserves Flow Solutions Division recognizes one of the most effective ways to achieve long, uninterrupted mechanical seal life is to create a healthy environment around the seal faces. Piping plans help keep mechanical seals running cool and clean, promote safe handling of dangerous fluids, and extend the operational availability of rotating equipment. This reference book provides a concise summary of the most essential piping plans used successfully in todays process plants. Each plan shows all the standard and optional auxiliary components referenced in ISO 21049 / API Standard 682 and recommended by Flowserve. Consult your local Flowserve Flow Solutions Sales Engineer to identify the right solution that satisfies your application requirements.

2005 Flowserve Corporation

Page Layout
Seal End View Viewed from drive end Shows preferred gland connection orientation Piping Plan Layout Illustrated schematic of auxiliary components What, Why, and Where Describes piping plans, their purpose, and typical applications
flowserve.com

pressure source, normally open outlet pressure indicator pressure switch inlet liquid fill, normally closed reservoir level switch (high) level indicator level switch (low) cooling coils cooling out cooling in drain, normally closed

What Pressurized barrier fluid circulation through reservoir. Fluid is circulated by a pumping ring in the dual seal assembly. Why Isolate process fluid. Zero process emissions. Where Used with dual pressurized seals (Arrangement 3 or double). High vapor pressure fluids, light hydrocarbons. Hazardous/toxic fluids. Heat transfer fluids. Dirty/abrasive or polymerizing fluids. Mixers/agitators and vacuum service. Presventative Maintenance - Reference Appendix A Piping loop must self-vent to reservoir locate at highest elevation. Reservoir must be pressurized at all times - typically gas charge up to 200 psi (14bar). Barrier fluid must be compatible with process. Reservoir level gage indicates both inboard and outboard seal leakage.

Pump Cross-section Simplified centrifugal pump shown for all plans

Plan 53A

Mechanical Seal Shows typical seal arrangements

Preventative Maintenance Provides general tips to improve reliability and for troubleshooting

Plan 53A

seal end view

seal end view

Plan 01

internal porting

flowserve.com What Internal seal chamber flush from pump discharge. Operates similar to Plan 11. Why Seal chamber heat removal. Seal chamber venting on horizontal pumps. Reduce risk of freezing/polymerizing fluid in exposed Plan 11 piping. Where Custom seal chamber, most likely an ANSI/ASME pump. Clean, moderate temperature fluids. Used with single seals, rarely with dual seals. Preventative Maintenance Flush typically can not be directed over seal faces and seal heat removal is limited. Calculate flush flow rate based on head loss through internal porting.

Plan 01

seal end view

Plan 02

open throat seal chamber shown

flowserve.com What Dead-ended seal chamber with no flush. Why No fluid recirculation needed.

Preventative Maintenance Process must have adequate boiling point margin to avoid vaporization. Cooling fluid in seal chamber jacket may be needed at all times in hot services. Horizontal equipment must be self-venting. Often used in combination with steam quench, Plan 62.

Plan 02

Where Large bore/open throat seal chambers in moderate temperature services. Cooling jacket seal chambers in high temperature services. Clean fluids. Top-entry mixers/agitators with dry seals.

inlet
seal end view

Plan 11

orifice

flowserve.com What Seal flush from pump discharge through orifice. Default single seal flush plan. Why Seal chamber heat removal. Seal chamber venting on horizontal pumps. Increase seal chamber pressure and fluid vapor margin. Where General applications with clean fluids. Clean, non-polymerizing fluids. Preventative Maintenance Use an orifice with a minimum 0.125" (3 mm) diameter. Calculate flow rates to size orifice for adequate seal chamber flow. Increase boiling point margin with proper orifice and throat bushing sizing. Flush should be directed over seal faces with piping at 12 Oclock position. Typical failure mode is a clogged orifice - check temperatures at pipe ends.

Plan 11

outlet
seal end view

Plan 13

orifice

flowserve.com What Recirculation from seal chamber to pump suction through orifice. Standard flush plan on vertical pumps. Why Continuous seal chamber venting on vertical pumps. Seal chamber heat removal. Where Vertical pumps. Seal chamber pressure is greater than suction pressure. Moderate temperature fluids with moderate solids. Non-polymerizing fluids. Preventative Maintenance Vent piping loop prior to starting vertical pumps. Use an orifice with a minimum 0.125" (3 mm) diameter. Calculate flow rates to size orifice for adequate seal chamber flow. Reduce seal chamber pressure with proper orifice and throat bushing sizing. Typical failure mode is a clogged orifice - check temperatures at pipe ends.

Plan 13

outlet
seal end view

Plan 14

inlet

orifices

flowserve.com What Seal flush from pump discharge and recirculation to pump suction with orifices. Combination of Plan 11 and Plan 13. Why Continuous seal chamber venting on vertical pumps. Seal chamber heat removal. Increase seal chamber pressure and fluid vapor margin. Where Vertical pumps. Clean, non-polymerizing fluids at moderate temperatures. Preventative Maintenance Use an orifice with a minimum 0.125" (3 mm) diameter. Calculate flow rates to size orifice for adequate seal chamber flow. Increase boiling point margin with proper orifice and throat bushing sizing. Flush should be directed over seal faces. Vent piping loop prior to starting vertical pumps. Typical failure mode is a clogged orifice - check temperatures at pipe ends.

Plan 14

vents, normally closed inlet

seal end view

cooling out

Plan 21

cooler

cooling coils

orifice
temperature indicator

cooling in drain, normally closed

flowserve.com What Seal flush from pump discharge through orifice and cooler. Cooler added to Plan 11 flush increases heat removal. Why Seal cooling. Reduce fluid temperature to increase fluid vapor margin. Reduce coking. Where High temperature service, typically less than 350 F (177 C). Hot water over 180 F (80 C). Clean, non-polymerizing fluids. Preventative Maintenance Seal cooler and piping must have air vents at highest elevation - vent before starting. When using 682 Seal Cooler, pipe with series flow to maximize heat transfer. Use an orifice with a minimum 1/8" (3 mm) diameter. Calculate flow rates to size orifice for adequate seal chamber flow. Increase boiling point margin with proper orifice and throat bushing sizing. Regularly monitor cooler inlet and outlet temperatures for signs of clogging or fouling.

Plan 21

vent, normally closed outlet

seal end view

cooling out

Plan 23

inlet

cooler temperature indicator

cooling coils

cooling in drain, normally closed

flowserve.com What Seal flush from internal pumping device through cooler. Standard flush plan in hot water services. Why Efficient seal cooling with low cooler duty. Increase fluid vapor margin. Improve water lubricity. Where High temperature service, hot hydrocarbons. Boiler feed water and hot water over 180 F (80 C). Clean, non-polymerizing fluids. Preventative Maintenance - Reference Appendix A Seal cooler and piping must have air vents at highest elevation - vent before starting. When using 682 Seal Cooler, pipe with parallel flow to minimize head loss. Seal chamber requires close clearance throat bushing to isolate process fluid. Tangential seal gland taps should enter at bottom and exit at top. Regularly monitor cooler inlet and outlet temperatures for signs of clogging or fouling. Process fluids with iron should flow through magnetic separator before cooler.

Plan 23

inlet
seal end view

Plan 31

cyclone separator

flowserve.com What Seal flush from pump discharge through cyclone separator. Centrifuged solids are returned to pump suction. Why Seal chamber heat removal. Solids removal from flush and seal chamber. Where Dirty or contaminated fluids, water with sand or pipe slag. Non-polymerizing fluids. Preventative Maintenance Cyclone separator works best on solids with a specific gravity twice the process fluid. Seal chamber pressure must be nearly equal to suction pressure for proper flows. Piping should not include an orifice and is not expected to vent the seal chamber. Typical failure mode is clogged separator or pipes - check temperatures at pipe ends.

Plan 31

inlet
seal end view

Plan 32

pressure indicator
temperature indicator (optional)

flow control valve

flow indicator (optional)

check valve from clean source, normally open

strainer

flowserve.com What Seal flush from an external clean source. Why Seal chamber heat removal. Process and solids removal from seal chamber. Increase seal chamber pressure and fluid vapor margin. Where Dirty or contaminated fluids, paper pulp. High temperature service. Polymerizing and/or oxidizing fluids. Preventative Maintenance Use throat bushing sized to hold pressure or maintain flow velocity. To restrict dirty process fluid, regulate injection flow rate. To increase fluid vapor margin, regulate injection pressure. Injection fluid must be compatible with process fluid. Regularly monitor control system for closed valves or signs of plugging.

Plan 32

vents, normally closed inlet

seal end view

cooling out

Plan 41

cooler cyclone separator

temperature indicator

cooling coils

cooling in drain, normally closed

flowserve.com What Seal flush from pump discharge through cyclone separator and cooler. Combination of Plan 21 and Plan 31. Why Seal cooling. Solids removal from flush and seal chamber. Where High temperature service, typically less than 350 F (177 C). Dirty or contaminated fluids, water with sand or pipe slag. Non-polymerizing fluids. Preventative Maintenance Seal cooler and piping must have air vents at highest elevation - vent before starting. When using 682 Seal Cooler, pipe with series flow to maximize heat transfer. Cyclone separator works best on solids with a specific gravity twice the process fluid. Seal chamber pressure must be nearly equal to suction pressure for proper flows. Typical failure mode is clogged separator or pipes - check temperatures at pipe ends.

Plan 41

vent, normally open outlet

seal end view

pressure indicator orifice pressure switch (high)

Plan 52

inlet

liquid fill, normally closed reservoir

level switch (high) level indicator level switch (low) cooling coils

cooling out

cooling in drain, normally closed

flowserve.com What Unpressurized buffer fluid circulation through reservoir. Fluid is circulated by a pumping ring in the dual seal assembly. Why Outboard seal acts as a safety backup to the primary seal. Zero to very low process emissions. No process contamination is allowed. Where Used with dual unpressurized seals (tandem). High vapor pressure fluids, light hydrocarbons. Hazardous/toxic fluids. Heat transfer fluids. Preventative Maintenance - Reference Appendix B Piping loop must self-vent to vapor recovery/flare system near atmospheric pressure. Process vapor pressure is generally greater than reservoir pressure. Buffer fluid must be compatible with process leakage. Primary seal leakage is indicated by increased vent pressure. Reservoir level indicator shows outboard seal leakage.

Plan 52

outlet

Plan 53A

seal end view

pressure source, normally open pressure indicator (low) pressure switch (high) liquid fill, normally closed reservoir level switch (high) level indicator level switch (low) cooling coils cooling out cooling in drain, normally closed

inlet

flowserve.com What Pressurized barrier fluid circulation through reservoir. Fluid is circulated by a pumping ring in the dual seal assembly. Why Isolate process fluid. Zero process emissions. Where Used with dual pressurized seals (double). High vapor pressure fluids, light hydrocarbons. Hazardous/toxic fluids. Heat transfer fluids. Dirty/abrasive or polymerizing fluids. Mixers/agitators and vacuum service. Preventative Maintenance - Reference Appendix B Piping loop must self-vent to reservoir located at highest elevation. Pressurize reservoir at all times, maximum gas charge 150 - 200 psi (10 - 14 bar). Barrier fluid must be compatible with process. Reservoir level indicator shows both inboard and outboard seal leakage.

Plan 53A

pressure indicator outlet

seal end view

vent, normally closed pressure switch (low)

Plan 53B

pressure source, normally closed inlet

bladder accumulator

finned (alternative pipe reservoir)

temperature indicator

liquid fill, normally closed

drain, normally closed

flowserve.com What Pressurized barrier fluid circulation with bladder accumulator. Fluid is circulated by a pumping ring in the dual seal assembly. Why Isolate process fluid. Zero process emissions. Higher pressure than Plan 53A. Where Used with dual pressurized seals (double). High vapor pressure fluids, light hydrocarbons. Hazardous/toxic fluids. Heat transfer fluids. Dirty/abrasive or polymerizing fluids. Preventative Maintenance - Reference Appendix B Piping loop must be fully vented before starting. Accumulator must be pressurized at all times, usually by gas charge. Barrier fluid must be compatible with process. Regularly monitor barrier pressure - manually add barrier fluid when pressure decays.

Plan 53B

level indicator outlet

seal end view

vent, normally closed pressure relief valve pressure indicator (low) pressure switch cooling in

level switch (low) cooling out

Plan 53C

liquid fill, normally closed inlet cooling coils

temperature drain, normally indicator

closed

flowserve.com What Pressurized barrier fluid circulation with piston accumulator. Fluid is circulated by a pumping ring in the dual seal assembly. Why Isolate process fluid. Zero process emissions. Higher pressure than Plan 53A. Dynamic tracking of system pressure. Where Used with dual pressurized seals (double). High vapor pressure fluids, light hydrocarbons. Hazardous/toxic fluids. Heat transfer fluids. Preventative Maintenance - Reference Appendix B Piping loop must be fully vented before starting. Reference line must tolerate process contamination without plugging. Barrier fluid must be compatible with process. Reservoir level indicator indicates both inboard and outboard seal leakage.

Plan 53C

outlet
seal end view

Plan 54

inlet

from / to external circulating system

flowserve.com What Pressurized barrier fluid circulation by external system. Why Isolate process fluid. Zero process emissions. Seal cannot induce circulation. Where Used with dual pressurized seals (double). High vapor pressure fluids, light hydrocarbons. Hazardous/toxic fluids. Heat transfer fluids. Dirty/abrasive or polymerizing fluids. Mixers/agitators. Preventative Maintenance Piping loop must be fully vented before starting. Circulating system must be pressurized and energized at all times. Barrier fluid must be compatible with process. Circulating system level indicator shows both inboard and outboard seal leakage.

Plan 54

inlet
seal end view

Plan 62

drain

pressure indicator (optional) steam trap drain, normally (steam quench) open check valve

quench, normally open

flowserve.com What External quench on atmospheric side of seal. Quench fluids typically steam, nitrogen, or water. Why Prevent solids buildup on atmospheric side of seal. Prevent icing. Where Used with single seals. Oxidizing fluids or fluids that coke, hot hydrocarbons. Crystallizing fluids or fluids that salt out. Caustic. Cold fluids less than 32 F (0 C). Preventative Maintenance Quench inlet should be on top of gland with outlet/drain on bottom. Quench pressure should be limited to 3 psi (0.2 bar) or less. Use throttle bushing on atmospheric side of seal to direct quench flow to seal drain. Monitor regularly, checking for closed valves, blocked lines, and steam trap condition.

Plan 62

seal end view

Plan 65

block valve, normally open

for proper orientation Drain - see end view

level switch (high)

overflow chamber

orifice

bypass line

drain, normally open

flowserve.com What External drain with leakage detection on atmospheric side of seal. Why May be used alone or with Plan 62 quench. Used with close clearance throttle bushing. Useful with single seals in remote locations. Where Leakage collection for process leakage or quench fluid. Safety indicator for primary seal. Preventative Maintenance Drain must be on bottom of gland with downward-sloped piping. Continuously drain to liquid recovery system. Orifice downstream of level switch typically 1/4 (5 mm) must be oriented vertically. Bypass line from overflow chamber must re-enter below orifice. Piping may require heat tracing when used with solidifying fluids. Monitor regularly, checking for closed valves, blocked lines, and working level switch.

Plan 65

vent inlet
seal end view

1 - drain 2 - vent 3 - gas inlet, normally open 4 - filter drain, normally closed G H B A 3 2 1 F E C D 4 A B C D E F G H coalescing filter regulator pressure indicator pressure switch (low) orifice flow indicator flow switch (high) check valve

Plan 72

drain

flowserve.com What Unpressurized buffer gas control system. Containment seal support typically with nitrogen buffer gas. Why Zero to very low process emissions. Safety backup to primary seal. Where Used with dual unpressurized containment seals (tandem). High vapor pressure fluids, light hydrocarbons. Hazardous/toxic fluids. Clean, non-polymerizing, non-oxidizing fluids. Used in combination with Plan 75 and/or Plan 76. Preventative Maintenance Clean, reliable, low pressure gas must be supplied to seal at all times. Bottled gas supply is not recommended except as part of emergency backup system. Primary seal leakage is indicated by pressure in the vent line. Vent or drain are usually connected to low pressure vapor recovery/flare system.

Plan 72

inlet

1 - upset drain, normally closed 2 - gas inlet, normally open 3 - filter drain, normally closed
seal end view

F G

E D

Plan 74

drain 2 1 3 A B

A B C D E F G

coalescing filter regulator flow indicator flow switch (high) pressure switch (low) pressure indicator check valve

flowserve.com What Pressurized barrier gas control system. Gas seal support typically with nitrogen barrier gas. Why Isolate process fluid. Zero process emissions. Where Used with dual pressurized gas seals (double). High vapor pressure fluids, light hydrocarbons. Hazardous/toxic fluids. Services that do not tolerate liquid barrier seals. Clean, non-polymerizing fluids. Moderate temperature fluids. Preventative Maintenance Clean, reliable, pressurized gas must be supplied to seal at all times. Barrier pressure is typically at least 25 psig (1.75 bar) above seal chamber pressure. Flow indicator shows both inboard and outboard seal leakage. Bottled gas supply is not recommended except as part of emergency backup system.

Plan 74

seal end view

Plan 75

drain

level indicator
Drain - see end view

pressure switch (high) pressure indicator

for proper orientation

isloation valve

vent, normally open

orifice

level switch (high)

reservoir located below seal drain port

drain, normally closed

flowserve.com What Drain from containment seal cavity to liquid collector and vapor recovery. Why Leakage collection for zero to very low process emissions. Safety indicator for primary seal. Where May be used alone or with Plan 72 on containment seals. Fluids that condense at ambient temperature. High vapor pressure fluids, light hydrocarbons. Hazardous/toxic fluids. Clean, non-polymerizing, non-oxidizing fluids. Preventative Maintenance Collection reservoir must be located below seal drain and downward-sloped piping. Continuously vent collection reservoir to low pressure vapor recovery/flare system. Drain collection reservoir to liquid recovery system as needed. Primary seal leakage is indicated by increased vent pressure. Monitor regularly for liquid level, valve settings, and low vent pressure.

Plan 75

vent
seal end view

vent, normally open

Plan 76

drain drain, normally closed

orifice

pressure indicator pressure switch (high) drain, normally closed

flowserve.com What Vent from containment seal cavity to vapor recovery. Why Leakage collection for zero to very low process emissions. Safety indicator for primary seal. Where May be used alone or with Plan 72 on containment seals. Fluids that do not condense at ambient temperature. High vapor pressure fluids, light hydrocarbons. Hazardous/toxic fluids. Clean, non-polymerizing, non-oxidizing fluids. Preventative Maintenance Continuously vent to low pressure vapor recovery/flare system. Vent piping should include a condensate drain. Primary seal leakage is indicated by increased vent pressure. Monitor regularly for valve settings, blocked lines, and low vent pressure.

Plan 76

Good Piping Practices

Minimize line losses Large diameter tubing Upward sloping lines Long radius bends Optimize for thermal siphon

Single Seals - Plan 23 shown

high point vent

Appendix A

Vertical Equipment

1.5 - 2 ft. (0.45 - 0.6 m)

seal end view

seal side view

Horizontal Equipment

low point drain 3 ft. (0.9 m) max

Dual Seals - Plan 53A shown

Vertical Equipment

1.5 - 2 ft. (0.45 - 0.6 m)

seal end view

seal side view

Horizontal Equipment

low point drain 4 ft. (1.2 m) max

Appendix B

Accessories

Airfin Coolers

TM

Seal Cooler
Compact design dual coil seal cooler

682 Seal Cooler

Seal cooler for complete API 682 specifications.

Reservoirs
General duty and API 682 compliant reservoirs.

Forced air or natural convection seal coolers.

Plans 21, 23 & 41

Plans 21, 23 & 41

Plans 21, 23 & 41

Plans 53, 53A & 53B

flowserve.com

Hydraulically charged reservoir for dual seals.

Standalone dual seal support system.

Mobile cart to manually fill liquid reservoirs.

Complete control system for dual gas seals.

Plan 53C

Plan 54

Plans 52 & 53

Plans 72 & 74

Accessories

Piston Accumulator

Circulator

Refill Cart

Gas Barrier Control Panel

Accessories

Seal Gard I & II

Orifice
Plug and plate style flush line orifices.

Magnetic Separator
Iron particle separator for seal flush.

Cyclone Separator
Solid particle separator used in dirty flush stream.

Combination flush flow regulator and meter.

Plan 32

Plans 11, 13, 14, & 21

Plan 23

Plans 31 & 41

flowserve.com

Family of reliable steam traps for quench flows.

Quench lubrication device with synthetic grease.

Synthetic lubricants from barrier fluid to bearing oil.

Bearing frame protection devices.

Plan 62

Plan 62 modified

Plans 52, 53 & 54

Accessories

Gestra Steam Trap

SLD

DuraClear

Bearing Gard II & BGM

Notes

Notes

Notes

Notes

USA and Canada Flowserve Corporation Flow Solutions Kalamazoo, Michigan USA Telephone: 1 269 381 2650 Telefax: 1 269 382 8726

FTA160 REV 01-05 Printed in USA

To find your local Flowserve representative and find out more about Flowserve Corporation visit www.flowserve.com
Flowserve Corporation has established industry leadership in the design and manufacture of its products. When properly selected, this Flowserve product is designed to perform its intended function safely during its useful life. However, the purchaser or user of Flowserve products should be aware that Flowserve products might be used in numerous applications under a wide variety of industrial service conditions. Although Flowserve can provide general guidelines, it cannot provide specific data and warnings for all possible applications. The purchaser/user must therefore assume the ultimate responsibility for the proper sizing and selection, installation, operation, and maintenance of Flowserve products. The purchaser/ user should read and understand the Installation Instructions included with the product, and train its employees and contractors in the safe use of Flowserve products in connection with the specific application. While the information and specifications contained in this literature are believed to be accurate, they are supplied for informative purposes only and should not be considered certified or as a guarantee of satisfactory results by reliance thereon. Nothing contained herein is to be construed as a warranty or guarantee, express or implied, regarding any matter with respect to this product. Because Flowserve is continually improving and upgrading its product design, the specifications, dimensions and information contained herein are subject to change without notice. Should any question arise concerning these provisions, the purchaser/user should contact Flowserve Corporation at any one of its worldwide operations or offices.

Europe, Middle East, Africa Flowserve Corporation Flow Solutions Roosendaal, The Netherlands Telephone: 31 165 581400 Telefax: 31 165 552622 Asia Pacific Flowserve Corporation Flow Solutions Singapore Telephone: 65 684 65100 Telefax: 65 674 71963 Latin America Flowserve Corporation Flow Solutions Mexico City Telephone: 52 55 5567 7170 Telefax: 52 55 5567 4224