f4s10 range

www.first4seals.com

thermosyphon & water

retention systems
f4s10 range
thermosyphon seal support systems

introduction

f4s10 systems
The f4s10 system is a range of barrier fluid systems to cover most applications, offering fast and problem-free installation on-site. These are supplied
with all necessary components and fittings. Where applicable an easy to fit optional polyamide hose kit is available.

water retention systems

Water retention systems are connected directly to a suitable clean water supply
(subject to local regulations) to form a low maintenance, high reliability barrier fluid
system. In normal operation the supply pressurises the vessel, but negligible water is
drawn. The thermosyphon effect (natural convection) ensures the seal is kept cool.
When the flow indicator eventually shows water is being drawn from the supply, this indicates
the need to consider seal replacement. In the meantime the integrity of the barrier is maintained
to extend seal life and prevent any loss of product.

gas/air pressurised systems

Pressure systems are partially filled with a suitable fluid, then pressurised via a connection to
a factory air or nitrogen supply. Alternatively, the system can be pressurised from a mobile
nitrogen cylinder. Again, the seal is cooled by the thermosyphon effect.

vessel code
The f4s10 is designed and manufactured in accordance with ASME VIII Div1 (not stamped) and
complies with PED97/23/EC.

BARRIER & BUFFER FLUID SYSTEMS FOR USE WITH DOUBLE MECHANICAL SEALS
first4seals supplies an extensive range of barrier and buffer fluid systems for use with double mechanical seals.
Wherever possible first4seals prefers to supply both the seal and the system. In addition the company will suggest
suitable barrier or buffer fluids for most applications, based on extensive field experience.

first4seals accepts no responsibility for any problem associated with system design, installation, operation, or the
use of an unsuitable barrier or buffer fluid, where the fluid, seal or any part of the system have not been specified
and/or supplied by first4seals.

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f4s10 range
thermosyphon seal support systems

system selection guide

Pressure systems are usually filled with water or oil. Water/ethylene glycol mixes can be used to give frost protection. A suitable barrier oil is available from
first4seals for those applications where water cannot be used (NB. most oils and other organic fluids are NOT suitable due to their poor thermosyphon action
and therefore should only be used in conjunction with a pumping device). The system may be pressurised continuously from a factory air or nitrogen supply,
or periodically from a nitrogen cylinder.

Water retention systems are filled and pressurised by direct connection to a clean site water supply, where water is an acceptable barrier fluid, and a suitable
supply is available.

pressure systems
f4s10 - buffer system
Comprises vessel and sight glass only. May be used unpressurised to provide cooling on medium temperature applications, to prevent crystallisation of
aqueous solutions, or to provide protection from dry-running damage.
f4s10 - basic pressure system
A basic system which includes a relief valve and an air/N2 regulator to allow pressurisation from a factory supply. Pressurising to a minimum 1 bar (14.5
psi) above stuffing box pressure prevents any abrasive particles in the product from damaging the seal faces.
f4s10 - pressure system options
As basic but with the addition of a ball valve to simplify topping up the fluid level. Cooling coil & finned tubing intended for hot applications where high
cooling capacity is needed.
Finned tubing aids heat dissipation and improves thermosyphoning. Stainless steel or copper-nickel alloy pipework is recommended (not supplied as
standard). Additional cooling capacity can be achieved using the optional integral cooling coil.
Low level and pressure sensors for applications requiring early warning of barrier fluid system problems.

water retention systems

f4s10 - basic water system
A basic, low cost system for less demanding applications. Complete with pressure gauge, flow indicator and spring loaded non-return valve to prevent
transient or fluctuating supply pressure affecting barrier system integrity.
f4s10 water system options
Cooling coil and finned tubing intended for hot applications where high cooling capacity is needed. Finned tubing aids heat dissipation and improves
thermosyphoning. Stainless steel or copper-nickel alloy pipework is recommended (not supplied as standard). Additional cooling capacity can be achieved
using the optional integral cooling coil.
3 way valve
Pressure regulator

optional hose kits

A 12mm (1/2 approx) polyamide hose kit, comprising 3m (10) of cut-to-length hose and all required fittings. This is suitable for the majority of
applications up to 11 barg at 80C (160 psig at 176F) MAX. For applications exceeding these specifications or where site requirements dictate, stainless
steel pipework & fittings are available rated to 138 barg/250C (2000 psig/482F).
Rigid pipework in cupro-nickel alloy or stainless steel can be supplied to order.

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f4s10 range
thermosyphon seal support systems

f4s10 buffer system

vessel

sight glass
MIN FLUID

LEVEL

12mm (1/2)
hose kit
(optional)

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f4s10 range
thermosyphon seal support systems

f4s10 basic pressure system

relief valve

air/N2 supply
regulator

pressure gauge

vessel

sight glass
MIN FLUID

LEVEL

12mm (1/2)
hose kit
(optional)

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f4s10 range
thermosyphon seal support systems

f4s10 pressure system options

pressure switch assembly (optional)
relief valve
ball
valve

low pressure
switch

relief valve

level switch
(optional)
pressure gauge air/N2 supply
regulator

pressure gauge

vessel

sight glass
MIN FLUID
3-way valve LEVEL
(optional)

drain hose

ball valve
(optional)
cooling coil
(optional)
drain hose

finned tubing
(optional)

2 x 1/2 compression
fittings supplied.
tube not supplied
as standard
(stainless steel or
copper-nickel alloy
piping recommended)

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f4s10 range
thermosyphon seal support systems

f4s10 basic water retention system

flow indicator pressure gauge

spring
loaded
non-return
valve

sight glass

MIN FLUID
vessel LEVEL

12mm (1/2)
hose kit
(optional)

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f4s10 range
thermosyphon seal support systems

f4s10 water retention system options

flow
water supply indicator
regulator
(optional)
spring
loaded
non-return
valve

pressure
gauge

vessel
MIN FLUID

sight glass LEVEL

3-way valve
(optional)

cooling coil
(optional)

ball
valve
(optional)

drain hose

finned tubing
(optional)

2 x 1/2 compression
fittings supplied.
tube not supplied
as standard
(stainless steel or
copper-nickel alloy
piping recommended)

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f4s10 range
thermosyphon seal support systems

feature descriptions
11

6 9

2
8

12
5 10

14 13

3
7

1. f4s10 vessel 7. relief valve

All stainless steel welded construction designed to ASME VIII Div1 and Protects a pressure system from over-pressurisation. Brass construction,
complies with PED 97/23/6C (Pressure Equipment Directive). Designed adjustable pressure setting. Standard 2-6.3 barg (29-91psig). Other
with 1/2 NPT connection ports 1 NPT instrument connector and integral ranges available on request.
mounting brackets as standard. Includes an in-built sediment pipe to
prevent seal contamination. 10 litre (2.64 galls (US) nominal capacity; 7 8. ball valve
litres (1.8 galls (US) to nominal working level for gas pressurised Nickel plated brass construction with PTFE seals.
systems. Maximum working pressure 14 barg at 100C (203 psig at 1/2 M 1/2 F connections.
212F); each vessel pressure tested to 21 barg (304 psig). Certificate
9. finned tube
available on request.
1m (33) length improves heat dissipation of the system. Cupro-nickel
2. sight glass alloy 1/2 (12.4mm) tube with spiral wound wire fins. Stainless steel
Allows liquid level to be seen on pressure systems. available on request.
Borosilicate glass inner tube, polycarbonate outer guard tube. Nickel
10. high/low-pressure switch
plated brass end fittings. 19 bar/180C rating (275 psig/356F)
Allows connection of a pressure alarm or trip. Casing sealed to IP65.
3. flexible hose kit Adjustable setting 1-10 bar (15-150 psig).
Plastic tubing allows fast, easy and problem free installation. Alternative
11. level switch
hose kits can be supplied to order with any system, e.g. rubber hoses,
Allows connection of a level alarm or trip. Stainless steel construction on
rigid tubing & fittings in cupro-nickel alloy or stainless steel, also flexible
wetted parts, ABS plastic cover IP67. Factory safe, can be incorporated
stainless steel-PTFE.
into an intrinsically safe circuit. 20 bar/100C rating (300 psig/212F).
4. air/N2 supply regulator
12. flow indicator
Allows pressure systems to be pressurised from a factory air or nitrogen
An indicator moves in the bowl when water is being drawn from the
supply. Zinc alloy construction.
supply, giving early warning of seal failure. Stainless steel construction
5. pressure gauge with borosilicate glass bowl, 16 bar/200C (232 psig, 392F) rating.
Bourdon tube type, stainless steel case with brass mechanism 0-15 bar
13. water pressure regulator
(0-217 psig). An all stainless steel pressure gauge 0-10 or 0-25 barg (0-
Prevents supply pressure fluctuations and transients from reaching the
362 psig) is available on request.
seal. Highly recommended. Brass construction, 1/4 ports, 28 barg (406
psig) max inlet pressure, 0-7 barg (100 psig) outlet. Other ranges
6. 3-way valve
available.
Enables purging of the seal with barrier fluid.
14. non-return/check valve
This is placed to maintain system set pressure in the event of plant water
failure. Brass construction 0.3 bar (5 psig) crack pressure. Stainless steel
option available.

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f4s10 range
thermosyphon seal support systems

installing & commissioning an

f4s10 system
5 PORTS TAPPED 5.570 7.905 (200mm)
1/2 NPT (141mm) 15
0.630 (16mm)
1 NPT TYPICAL
BOSS
HEIGHT
8.420 (214mm)

WELD
SEAM

(51mm)
2.000
(87mm)
14.360 (365mm)

(75mm)
3.432

2.953
2.250
(57mm)
4.000
1.930 (102mm)
(87mm)
3.432

(49mm)
4 EA
MOUNTING
HOLES 7/16
(11mm) DIA.
2 PORTS
TAPPED
1/4
1/8 (3mm)
THICK PLATE
FOR MOUNTING
1.250 (32mm) BRACKETS
TYPICAL BOSS DIA 2 OFF ADDITIONAL PORTS ON
COOLING COIL VESSEL OPTION

When correctly installed, a thermosyphon barrier fluid system is simple, effective and highly reliable. These guidelines will help ensure trouble free
installation and operation.
pipework
Use 1/2" (12mm) pipe or larger.
fittings
Do not use fittings with overly restricted bores, contact supplier for correct specification.

direction of flow
In an ideal system the ports on the seal should be vertical and the hot fluid will emerge from the uppermost seal connection, which is then piped up to
the return (side) connection on the reservoir. In practice the ports may end up being horizontal, but this should not pose a problem if the seal is correctly
installed.
When the system is first run, check the direction of flow - i.e. which pipe gets hot. The hot pipe must go to the return (side) connection on the reservoir,
or flow may cease after a short while. If the flow is the wrong way round, reverse the connections at seal or vessel. This is, of course, only valid where
the ports are horizontal. If the ports are vertical, we would recommend that the seal is re-installed. It should be noted that even a slight concentric
misalignment would cause the barrier fluid to flow in the opposite direction.

return pipe run

The riser (hot) pipe MUST NOT SAG. This cannot be overemphasised; the slightest sag can prevent flow. The pipe run must always go upwards.

priming the seal

Before filling the vessel, disconnect the return pipe at the vessel. Slowly fill the vessel until barrier fluid is seen at the end of the return pipe. Re-connect
the pipe to the vessel and continue to fill until the desired level is reached (above the minimum barrier fluid level mark).
On vertical pumps, there is a danger that when the system is filled a pocket of air may be trapped in the seal. When this happens, the outboard faces will
run dry and may be irreversibly damaged.

commissioning checks
Fill and pressurise the system, check for and eliminate any leaks.
Run the pump (or mixer etc.), and check which pipe gets hot. Reverse pipe connections if necessary on horizontal porting - reset seal on vertical porting.
Run the system normally for several hours to reach equilibrium temperatures, periodically checking seal inlet and outlet temperatures. The riser
temperature must not exceed 70C (158F), and also the feed/riser temperature difference should not exceed 25C (77F). Above 70C (158F) site safety
code may dictate guarding.
With pressure systems, check the fluid level does not fall during operation.

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f4s10 range
thermosyphon seal support systems

f4s10 system installation

horizontal distance
between seal &
vessel should be
3' (1m) maximum

level MUST be
above minimum level MIN FLUID
LEVEL
should be 2' (0.7m) minimum
vertical distance between
seal & vessel

no sags in riser

riser (hot)

use fittings with

unrestricted
bores
1/2" (12mm) pipe
seal (minimum)

no sags from
seal port
feed line
prime seal first for (cold)
vertical shafts

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 f4s10
range

Todays environmental issues demand that industry commits to a

reduction in energy consumption. The balanced mechanical seal
design absorbs less power than both unbalanced seal designs and
traditional pump packing.

As leakage is eliminated, corrosion problems to pumps and

bearings are substantially reduced, as are costs associated with
expensive product loss.

Most packing must leak to survive, whereas seals should be leak

free. This reduces environmental contaminants and disposal costs.

first4seals plc, mount street, bradford, west yorkshire. bd3 9sn united kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 1274 720775 Fax: +44 (0) 1274 729022
email: [email protected] - web: www.first4seals.com
Copyright 2011 first4seals plc
DOC / F4S 5248 05/2011
Reference Issue L - UK/US - F4S10 - 01

first4seals and f4s10 are Trademarks of first4seals plc

Viton, Kalrez - DuPont Dow Elastomers, Aflas - Asahi Glass Co., Chemraz - Greene Tweed.