Mechanical Seal Piping Plans

Pocket Guide — API 682 4th Edition

INTRODUCTION INBOARD DUAL QUENCH AND SECONDARY DUAL GAS USEFUL

AND PIPING KEY SEALS SEALS OUTBOARD CONTAINMENT SEALS INFORMATION
SEALS
 PIPING PLAN PIPING PLAN
Plan 01 Inboard seals – internal flush Plan 54 Dual seals, pressurized – external pressurized barrier system/source
Plan 02 Inboard seals – no flush Plan 55 Dual seals, unpressurized – external, unpressurized buffer system/source
Plan 03 Inboard seals – circulation between seal chamber and pump created by design Plan 61 Quench seals – quench connection for purchasers use
of the seal chamber Plan 62 Quench seals – external quench on atmospheric side of seal
PIPING PLAN

PIPING PLAN
Plan 11 Inboard seals – by-pass from discharge with orifice Plan 65A Outboard seals – atmospheric leakage collection/detection for condensing
Plan 12 Inboard seals – by-pass from discharge with strainer & orifice leakage with failure detection by excess flow into system
Plan 13 Inboard seals – flush through seal chamber through orifice to suction Plan 65B Outboard seals – atmospheric leakage collection/detection for condensing
Plan 14 Inboard seals – by-pass from discharge through seal chamber back to suction leakage with failure detection by cumulative leakage into system
Plan 21 Inboard seals – by-pass from discharge through orifice & heat exchanger Plan 66A Outboard seals – external leakage detection arrangement with throttle bushings
Plan 22 Inboard seals – by-pass from discharge through strainer, orifice & heat exchanger Plan 66B Outboard seals – external leakage detection arrangement with orifice plug
Plan 23 Inboard seals – closed loop circulation through heat exchanger Plan 71 Secondary containment seals – tap connection for purchasers use
Plan 31 Inboard seals – by-pass from discharge through abrasive separator Plan 72 Secondary containment seals – low pressure buffer gas injected to outer seal cavity
Plan 32 Inboard seals – external flush source to seal Plan 74 Dual gas seals – pressurized barrier gas system for dual gas seals
Plan 41 Inboard seals – by-pass from discharge through abrasive separator & heat exchanger Plan 75 Secondary containment seals – Leakage collection system for condensing
Plan 51  Quench seals – Dead-ended atmospheric quench blanket or mixed phase leakage
Plan 52 Dual seals, unpressurized – external reservoir unpressurized liquid buffer Plan 76 Secondary containment seals – secondary containment seal vented to flare
Plan 53A Dual seals, pressurized – external reservoir pressurized liquid barrier or collection system
Plan 53B Dual seals, pressurized – liquid barrier through heat exchanger & pressurized Plan 99 Single seals, dual seals, quench seals, secondary containment seals &
by accumulator dual gas seals – defines an engineered piping plan not defined by any existing plans
Plan 53C Dual seals, pressurized – liquid barrier through heat exchanger with differential pressure
tracking piston accumulator
 INTRODUCTION

A primary factor in achieving highly reliable, effective sealing performance is to API 682 standard has connections and symbols for the seal chamber and gland
create the best fluid environment around the seal. Selection of the right piping plan plate based upon the seal configuration. It is recommended that the latest edition
INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION
and associated fluid control equipment requires a knowledge and understanding of of the standard be reviewed for up-to-date requirements when this standard is
the seal design and arrangement, fluids in which they operate and of the rotating mandated for a piece of rotating equipment. The intent of this booklet is to illustrate
equipment to which they are fitted. Provision of clean, cool face lubrication, effective the common connections that are utilized for the various piping plans, regardless of
heat removal and consideration of personnel and environmental safety, leakage the equipment type, and therefore generic names for connections are used. The end
management and controlling system costs are among the specific factors that must user and/or equipment manufacturer may have specific requirements that dictate
be considered. API has established standardized piping plans for seals that provide what connections are to be supplied and how they are to be labelled. In a piping
industry guidelines for various seal arrangements, fluids and control equipment. plan illustrated, the “Flush” connection noted for the inboard seal of a dual seal may
The illustrations included are based upon API 682 4th Edition. originate from a number of suitable sources. For example, the “Flush” for piping
plans 11/75 or 32/75 may be the product (Plan 11) or an external source (Plan 32).
The following pages illustrate and describe features of these plans as an aid to
help determine what support system requirements will maximize the performance
reliability of your fluid handling rotating equipment application.
 PIPING KEY BEST PIPING PRACTICES
ORIFICE STRAINER
Minimize piping line losses.
PI PRESSURE INDICA
TOR LIT
LEVEL TRANSMITTER Use large radius bends.
WITH LOCAL INDICATOR
HEAT Tangential outlet ports.
BLOCK VALVE
EXCHANGER TEMPERA TURE FLOW TRANSMITTER WITH Verify shaft rotation direction.

PIPING PLAN
TI INDICATOR FIT LOCAL INDICATOR Slope horizontal runs upward (40 mm/m (1/2 in/ft)).
PIPING KEY

F
CHECK VALVE COALESCING PRESSURE SWIT
CH
Install drain at lowest piping point.
LI LEVEL INDICA
TOR PSL LOW
FILTER Flush is recommended whenever possible.
FLOW Use forced circulation where possible.
REGULATING FI FLOW INDICATOR LSH LEVEL SWIT
CH HIGH Cooling is recommended for buffer/barrier fluid.
VALVE
RESERVOIR
Always properly vent the system prior to start-up.
FM FLOW METER LSL LEVEL SWIT
CH LOW Always verify pressure and/or level switch set points.
PRESSURE
CONTROL Check system for leaks.
VALVE PRESSURE TRANSMITTER
PIT
WITH LOCAL INDICATOR
FSH FLOW SWITCH HIGH Check compatibility of buffer/barrier fluid with the end product.
PISTON
PRESSURE ACCUMULATOR Long radius bends shall be used to minimize friction losses and elbows should be avoided.
DIFFERENTIAL HLA - HIGH LEVEL ALARM
RELIEF PDIT PRESSURE TRANSMITTER SET POINT Elbows shown in sketches are for illustrative purposes only.
VALVE WITH LOCAL INDICATOR
LLA - LOW LEVEL ALARM
Use 20mm (¾") interconnecting piping/tubing for plans where flow is produced by an internal
BLADDER TEMPERATURE SET POINT circulation device (pumping ring or scroll).
ACCUMULATOR TIT TRANSMITTER WITH LOCAL
CYCLONE
INDICATOR NLL - NORMAL LIQUID LEVEL Use 12mm (½") interconnecting piping/tubing for plans where flow is produced by pump
SEPARATOR
differential pressures.
API 682 BEST PIPING PRACTICES INBOARD SEALS - PLAN 23 ILLUSTRATED DUAL SEALS - PLAN 53A ILLUSTRATED

API 682 BEST PIPING PRACTICES

High-point vent Note: Long radius bends shall be used to
minimize friction losses and elbows should
be avoided. Elbows shown in sketch are for
illustrative purposes only.
Normally Note: The total length of connection piping
open between the mechanical seal and the auxiliary
40 mm/m / ½" per foot system should not exceed 5 m (16.4 ft).
min. slope

Flush Flush outlet to Horizontal 40 mm/m /½"

inlet heat exchanger Equipment per foot min. Slope 1m
36"
450-600 mm
Shaft (18-24") Barrier outlet
Gland Property of
Note: The total length of John Crane
connection piping between the
mechanical seal and the auxiliary
Vertical
Vertical Equipment
Equipment CW shaft system should not exceed 5 m
rot. shown Flush inlet to seal (16.4 ft).
CW shaft Shaft
Horizontal Note: Long radius bends shall Gland
rot. shown
Property of Equipment Low point be used to minimize friction
John Crane drain valve losses and elbows should be
avoided. Elbows shown in sketch Drain valve
are for illustrative purposes only. Barrier
Barrier inlet
Low-point drain valve inlet
 INBOARD SEALS
• No external flush Description: Plan 01 is an internal recirculation from the pump discharge area of
• Quench optional the pump into the seal chamber, similar to a Plan 11 but with no exposed piping.
Advantages: No product contamination and no external piping, which is
Internal flush porting advantageous on highly viscous fluids at lower temperatures to minimize the
risk of freezing that can occur with exposed piping.
PLAN 01

PLAN 01
General: This flush plan should only be used for clean products as dirty products
can clog the internal line. Not recommended on vertical pumps.
Quench/Drain

Quench

Property of Drain
John Crane
Gland end view
 INBOARD SEALS
Optional heating/cooling • No flush - normal Description: Plan 02 is a non-circulating flush plan where adequate vapor
inlet/outlet • Vent/Flush suppression can be assured.
(If req'd) plugged
Large bore seal • Quench optional Advantages: Solids are not continually introduced into the seal chamber, no external
chamber is • Ensure seal hardware is required.
recommended chamber is fully
PLAN 02

PLAN 02
vented
General: Most commonly used on large bore pumps or hot process pumps utilizing
Flush, plugged
a cooling jacket. The use of a Plan 62 with a steam quench can also provide some
additional cooling on hot applications. Success on hot applications depends upon
Flush,
Quench/Drain plugged keeping the cooling jacket clean which is prone to fouling.

Vent if
required
Quench

Drain
Property of
John Crane
Gland end view
 INBOARD SEALS
• Quench optional Description: Plan 03 is circulation between seal chamber and pump created by
• Tapered bore design of the seal chamber.
seal chambers
are self-venting Advantages: Circulation for cooling and venting of the seal is achieved by design of
the seal chamber geometry or flow enhancement features.
PLAN 03

PLAN 03
Large tapered bore
General: Commonly used on ASME/ANSI or specialized ISO 3069 tapered bore seal
seal chamber. Flow chambers, without a throat bushing, for applications where there is not significant
modifiers may be
incorporated. heat generated by the seal or where solids may collect in a traditional seal chamber.
Flush Flush
plugged
Quench/Drain

Quench

Property of Drain
John Crane
Gland end view
 INBOARD SEALS
Orifice
• Quench optional Description: Plan 11 is the most common flush plan in use today. This plan
takes fluid from the pump discharge (or from an intermediate stage) through an
orifice(s) and directs it to the seal chamber to provide cooling and lubrication to
By-pass from
discharge the seal faces.
Advantages: No product contamination and piping is simple.
PLAN 11

PLAN 11
General: If the seal is set up with a distributed or extended flush, the effectiveness
Flush
of the system will be improved.
Quench/Drain Flush

Quench

Property of Drain
John Crane
Gland end view
 INBOARD SEALS
Strainer
• Quench optional Description: Plan 12 is similar to Plan 11, except that a strainer is added to the
flush line.
Bypass from Advantages: No product contamination and solids are removed from the flush
discharge
Orifice
stream keeping the seal clean.
PLAN 12

PLAN 12
General: If the seal is set up with a distributed or extended flush, the effectiveness
of the system will be improved. This plan should be equipped with a differential
Cleanout
trap pressure indicator or alarm to alert the user that the strainer is clogged.
Flush Flush Note: API 682 4th edition comments “This plan has not been proven to achieve a
Quench/Drain 3-year operating life.”

Quench

Property of Drain
John Crane
Gland end view
 INBOARD SEALS
Orifice • Quench optional Description: In a Plan 13 the flow exits the seal chamber and is routed back to pump
suction. Standard arrangement for vertical and high head pumps.
Return
to suction
Advantages: With a Plan 13 it is possible to control seal chamber pressure with
proper sizing of the orifice and throat bushing clearance.
PLAN 13

PLAN 13
Flush outlet General: Typically Plan 13 is used on vertical pumps since they have the discharge
at the top of the pump where the seal is located. Because of the difference in flow
patterns, Plan 13 is not as efficient in removing heat as a Plan 11 and thus requires
Flush
Quench/Drain outlet a higher flow rate.

Quench

Drain
Property of
John Crane
Gland end view
 INBOARD SEALS
Orifice
• Quench optional Description: Plan 14 is a combination of Plans 11 and 13. Flush is taken off of
Bypass from pump discharge, sent to the seal chamber, and piped back to pump suction.
discharge
Orifice Advantages: Cooling can be optimized with the flush directed at the seal faces.
Return
to suction Plan 14 allows for automatic venting of the seal chamber.
PLAN 14

PLAN 14
General: Often used on vertical pumps to provide adequate flow and vapor pressure
Flush outlet margin independent of throat bushing design.
Flush
outlet
Quench/Drain

Flush inlet Quench

Drain Flush inlet

Property of
John Crane Gland end view
 INBOARD SEALS
• Quench optional Description: Plan 21 is a cooled version of Plan 11. The product from pump discharge
is directed through an orifice, then to a heat exchanger to lower the temperature before
Orifice being introduced into the seal chamber.
Vent, plugged
Heat exchanger
Advantages: Process fluid cools and lubricates the seal, therefore no dilution of process
stream. Cooling improves lubricity and reduces the possibility of vaporization in the
PLAN 21

PLAN 21
Bypass from
discharge seal chamber.
Cooling water
connections Flush outlet General: Plan 21 is not a preferred plan, either by API or many users, due to the high
heat load on the heat exchanger. Plan 23 is preferred.
Flush Flush
TI Drain plugged
Temperature
indicator
Quench/Drain Quench

Property of Drain
John Crane
Gland end view
 INBOARD SEALS
• Quench optional Description: Plan 22 is a modified version of a Plan 21 with the addition of a strainer
before the orifice.
Orifice
Heat exchanger
Vent, plugged Advantages: No product contamination, and solids are removed from the flush stream
keeping the seal clean.
PLAN 22

PLAN 22
Strainer Disadvantage: Plan 22 should be used with caution as strainers can clog and result in
Cooling water seal failure.
connections Flush outlet
General: If the seal is set up with a distributed or extended flush, the effectiveness of
the system will be improved. This plan should be equipped with a differential pressure
Flush Flush
TI Drain plugged indicator or alarm to alert the user that the strainer is clogged.
Temperature
indicator NOTE: API 682 4th edition comments “This plan has not been proven to achieve a
Quench/Drain Quench 3-year operating life.”

Property of Drain
John Crane
Gland end view
 INBOARD SEALS
• Quench optional
Description: Plan 23 is a closed loop system using a pumping ring to circulate product
Vent, normally closed Cooling water through a heat exchanger and back to the seal chamber.
vent, plugged
Heat exchanger
Advantages: More efficient than a Plan 21 and less chance of heat exchanger fouling.
Reduced temperature improves lubricity and improves vapor pressure margin.
23
PLAN23

PLAN 23
General: Preferred plan for hot application. Close clearance throat bushing is
Cooling water
Flush outlet connections recommended to reduce mixing of hot product with cooler closed loop system.
PLAN

TI
Cooling water
Flush inlet drain, plugged Flush outlet
shown for CW
Temperature shaft rotation
Pumping indicator
ring Quench/Drain Quench

Property of
John Crane Drain Flush inlet
Gland end view
 INBOARD SEALS
• Quench optional Description: Plan 31 is a variation of Plan 11, where an abrasive separator is added to
the flush line. In this plan, the product is introduced to the abrasive separator from the
discharge of the pump.
Advantages: Unlike a strainer or filter, the abrasive separator does not require
cleaning. Solids are removed from the flush stream keeping the seal clean.
PLAN 31

PLAN 31
Bypass
from
discharge Abrasive/cyclone General: This plan should be used for services containing solids that have a specific
separator
gravity at least twice that of the process fluid. Typically the separator requires a
Return minimum pressure differential of 1 bar (15 psi) to operate properly. Orifices may be
to suction Flush used to optimize flow rates and separation efficiency.

Flush
Quench/Drain Quench

Property of Drain
John Crane
Gland end view
 INBOARD SEALS
Flow-control valve •Quench optional Description: Plan 32 uses a flush stream brought in from an external source to
the seal. This plan is almost always used in conjunction with a close clearance
throat bushing.
Pressure Flow indicator (optional)
indicator Strainer Advantages: The external flush fluid, when selected properly, can result in vastly
extended seal life.
PLAN 32

PLAN 32
Valve, normally open

General: When an outside flush source is used, concerns regarding product dilution
and/or economics must be considered by the user.
TI Clean-out trap Flush

Temperature
Flush indicator (optional)
Check valve
Quench/Drain Quench

Drain
Property of
John Crane Gland end view
 INBOARD SEALS
•Quench optional Description: Plan 41 is a combination of Plan 21 and Plan 31. In Plan 41, product
Heat exchanger from pump discharge is first put through an abrasive separator and then to the heat
Abrasive/cyclone separator
Vent, plugged exchanger before being introduced to the seal chamber.
Advantages: Solids are removed and product temperature is reduced to enhance the
seal’s environment.
PLAN 41

PLAN 41
Cooling water
Bypass connections General: Plan 41 is typically used on hot services with solids however, depending on
from
discharge the temperature of the process, operating costs can be high. Orifices may be used to
Drain, plugged optimize flow rates and separation efficiency.
Return Flush
to suction
TI
Temperature
indicator
Quench
Flush
Quench/Drain

Drain
Property of
John Crane
Gland end view
 To collection system OUTBOARD SEALS, QUENCH
Description: Plan 51 external reservoir providing a dead-ended blanket of fluid to
the quench connection of the gland. Typically used with an auxiliary sealing device.
Make-up buffer liquid Note: Per API 682, this piping plan
fill, normally closed is only recommended for vertical Advantages: Can be used to retard/prevent crystallization or icing on atmospheric
pumps, but in practice has also
been used on horizontal pumps. side of seal.
PLAN 51

PLAN 51
General: Careful selection of auxiliary sealing device required to prevent escape of
blanket fluid from reservoir.
May not be possible to achieve a 3-year operating life dependant on type of auxiliary
Orifice Flush sealing device used.
Flush To seal, normally closed

Quench
Quench inlet

Drain, plugged
Property of
John Crane Gland end view
 To collection system
DUAL SEALS, UNPRESSURIZED
Pressure transmitter
with local indicator Normally open Description: Plan 52 uses an external reservoir to provide buffer fluid for the outer seal
Note: A buffer fluid drain is
Orifice located on the low point of the of an unpressurized dual seal arrangement. Flow is induced by a pumping ring.
buffer inlet (not illustrated).
2-valve manifold See Best Piping Practices.
Level gauge Advantages: In comparison to single seals, dual unpressurized seals can provide
Make-up barrier liquid fill, reduced net leakage rates as well as redundancy in the event of failure.
normally closed
PLAN 52

PLAN 52
Cooling coils General: Cooling coils in the reservoir are available for removing heat from the
buffer fluid.
Cooling Level transmitter
water out with local indicator Flush
Buffer (not illustrated)
5-valve manifold outlet

Buffer
outlet Cooling water in
Buffer liquid drain,
normally closed
Buffer inlet
Note: Tangential porting Buffer inlet
Property of is unidirectional. Gland
illustrated is for CCW Gland end view
John Crane
Pumping ring rotation from drive end.
 Pressure source
DUAL SEALS, PRESSURIZED
Pressure transmitter
with local indicator Normally open Description: Plan 53A uses an external reservoir to provide barrier fluid for a
Note: A barrier fluid drain is
Orifice located on the low point of the pressurized dual seal arrangement. Reservoir pressure is produced by a gas, usually
barrier inlet (not illustrated).
2-valve manifold Level gauge See Best Piping Practices. nitrogen. Flow is induced by a pumping ring.
Make-up barrier liquid fill, Advantages: Reservoir size can be optimized dependent on flow rate. Wear particles
PLAN 53A

PLAN 53A
normally closed
settle to bottom of reservoir and do not get recirculated.
Cooling coils
General: Heat is dissipated by reservoir cooling coil. Barrier fluid is subject
Cooling Level transmitter
water out with local indicator to gas entrainment at pressures/temperatures above 21 bar(g)/300 psi(g) and
Barrier Flush 120°C/250°F. While API 682 4th edition suggests a limit of 10 bar(g)/150 psi(g)
5-valve manifold outlet
to avoid gas entrainment, properly selected barrier fluids can be used to the limit
Buffer suggested above.
outlet Cooling water in
Barrier liquid drain,
Flush normally closed
(when
specified) Buffer inlet
Note: Tangential porting Barrier inlet
is unidirectional. Gland
Property of illustrated is for CCW Gland end view
John Crane Pumping ring rotation from drive end.
 DUAL SEALS, PRESSURIZED
Cooling water connections Pressure transmitter
Note: A barrier fluid drain is with local indicator Description: Plan 53B uses an accumulator to isolate the pressurizing gas from the
located on the low point of the Vents,
barrier inlet (not illustrated). normally 2-valve manifold barrier fluid. A heat exchanger is included in the circulation loop to cool the barrier
See Best Piping Practices. closed Heat exchanger fluid. Flow is induced by a pumping ring.
Temperature Advantages: Should the loop be contaminated for any reason, the contamination is
indicator
PLAN 53B

PLAN 53B
(optional) Pressure indicator contained within the closed circuit. The make-up system can supply barrier fluid to
TI
(optional) multiple dual pressurized sealing systems.
Barrier 2-valve manifold
outlet General: The bladder accumulator isolates the pressurizing gas from the barrier fluid
Temperature
transmitter with
local indicator to prevent gas entrainment. The heat exchanger can be water-cooled, finned tubing or
Flush Bladder charge an air-cooled unit, based upon the system heat load.
(when Barrier connection Flush
inlet Barrier
specified) outlet
Property of
Accumulator
John Crane Pumping ring

Make-up barrier liquid

fill, normally closed Accumulator
isolation valve
Note: Tangential porting is unidirectional. Gland (optional) Barrier inlet
illustrated is for CCW shaft rotation from drive end. Gland end view
 DUAL SEALS, PRESSURIZED
Make-up barrier liquid fill, normally closed Description: Plan 53C uses a piston accumulator to provide pressure to the system. It
Vent, normally closed
Level transmitter Note: Tangential porting is uses a reference line from the seal chamber to provide a constant pressure differential
with local indicator unidirectional. Gland
illustrated is for CCW shaft over the chamber’s pressure. A water or air-cooled heat exchanger provides for barrier
Pressure relief valve
rotation from drive end. fluid cooling. Flow is induced by a pumping ring.
Cooling water
PLAN 53C

PLAN 53C
connections Heat exchanger Advantages: Provides a tracking system to maintain barrier pressure above seal
Differential pressure chamber pressure.
Piston accumulator transmitter with
local indicator
General: The heat exchanger can be water cooled, finned tubing or an air-cooled unit
Seal chamber
pressure based upon the system heat load. The reference line to the accumulator must be
reference line tolerant of process contamination without plugging.
TI
5-valve Barrier
manifold outlet Flush
Barrier
outlet
Temperature
Flush indicator (optional)
(when
specified) Barrier
inlet Barrier liquid drain,
normally closed
Property of Barrier inlet
John Crane Pumping ring Gland end view
 DUAL SEALS, PRESSURIZED
Description: Plan 54 utilizes an external source to provide a clean pressurized barrier
fluid to a dual pressurized seal.
Advantages: Can provide pressurized flow to multiple seal installations to reduce costs.
Positively eliminates fugitive emissions to atmosphere.
PLAN 54

PLAN 54
General: Plan 54 systems can be custom engineered to suit application requirements.
Systems can range from the direct connection from other process streams to complex
EXTERNAL API 614 systems.
Barrier Flush,
PRESSURIZED outlet when
specified
Barrier outlet BARRIER
SOURCE/SYSTEM

Barrier inlet

Barrier inlet
Property of
John Crane
Gland end view
 DUAL SEALS, UNPRESSURIZED
Description: Plan 55 utilizes an external source to provide a clean unpressurized buffer
fluid to a dual unpressurized seal.
Advantages: Can provide unpressurized flow to multiple seal installations to reduce
costs. Positively eliminates fugitive emissions to atmosphere.
PLAN 55

PLAN 55
General: Plan 55 systems can be custom engineered to suit application requirements.
EXTERNAL
Systems can range from the direct connection from other process streams to complex
UNPRESSURIZED
Buffer outlet/ API 614 systems.
BUFFER Flush (not illustrated)
SOURCE/SYSTEM
Buffer
outlet

Buffer inlet
Buffer inlet
Property of
John Crane Gland end view
 QUENCH SEALS
Description: Tapped connections for purchaser’s use. Typically this plan is used
when the purchaser may use a quench in the future.
General: Allows the user to connect tubing to the drain port and direct leakage to the
collection point. May be used with or without a steam deflector.
PLAN 61

PLAN 61
Flush
(not illustrated)
Quench inlet, plugged
Quench,
plugged
Drain

Drain, open - connected

Property of to metal tubing
John Crane Gland end view
Steam deflector
 QUENCH SEALS
Steam quench illustrated Description: Plan 62 is a common plan to improve the environment on the
Steam trap used Check Quench source valve, atmospheric side of single seals by quenching with steam, nitrogen or water.
on steam quench valve normally open
Advantages: Plan 62 is a low cost alternative to tandem seals.
The quench prevents or retards product crystallization or coking. Quenches can also
PLAN 62

PLAN 62
Pressure indicator provide some cooling.
Valve, normally open
General: Typical applications; steam quench on hot services to retard coking,
Flush nitrogen quench on cold or cryogenic service to prevent icing, or water quench to
(not illustrated)
Quench inlet prevent crystallization or accumulation of product on the atmosphere side of the
seal. May be used with or without a steam deflector.
Drain outlet Quench
For steam quenches a steam trap is recommended. A pressure indicator is optional.
Gland end view

Close
clearance Drain
Property of bushing
John Crane
Steam deflector Gland end view
 OUTBOARD SEAL
Description: Plan 65A is a liquid leakage detection plan normally used for single
Throttle bushing
seals. It utilizes a level transmitter on a reservoir to set off an alarm when excess
Property of leakage is detected.
John Crane
PLAN PLAN

Level transmitter
Advantages: Provides an alarmed indication of excessive seal leakage that can
65A

PLAN 65A
with local indicator shutdown equipment if necessary.
Flush
(not illustrated) General: The system includes a loop to by-pass the orifice to prevent high pressure
on the atmospheric side of the seal. The gland throttle bushing design should
PIPING

Quench Quench consider the fluid’s properties.

Flanged Flanged
orifice connection
Valve, locked open
Drain
To liquid collection system Gland end view
 INBOARD SEAL
Description: Plan 65B is a liquid leakage detection plan normally used for single
Throttle bushing
seals. It utilizes a level transmitter on a reservoir to set off an alarm when the
Property of reservoir is full.
John Crane
PLAN PLAN

Level transmitter Advantages: Provides an alarmed indication that can shutdown equipment
65B

PLAN 65B
with local indicator if necessary.
Flush
(not illustrated) General: The system includes a loop to by-pass the isolation valve to prevent high
pressure on the atmospheric side of the seal. The gland throttle bushing design
PIPING

Quench
Quench should consider the fluid’s properties.
Valve,
normally
closed
Flanged Flanged
Valve, locked open connection connection
Drain
To liquid collection system Gland end view
 INBOARD SEAL
Description: Plan 66A is a leakage detection plan for single seals, commonly
applied in pipeline applications. It utilizes a pressure transmitter to monitor
seal leakage and set off an alarm when leakage becomes excessive or in the
case of seal failure.
PLAN PLAN

PLAN PLAN
66A

66A
Pressure transmitter Advantages: Utilizes a throttle bushing inboard of the drain port to restrict the
with local indicator flow of excessive leakage to drain, allowing a pressure increase to be monitored
or trigger an alarm on seal failure.
PIPING

PIPING
Flush 2-valve manifold General: Leakage from the drain port should be collected and piped to a
Flush liquid recovery system or sump. Gland throttle bushings should consider
Sensing port
Quench/Drain Sensing the fluid properties.
port/
Quench

Property of
John Crane
Drain
Gland end view
 INBOARD SEAL
Description: Plan 66B is a leakage detection plan for single seals, commonly applied
in pipeline applications. It utilizes a pressure transmitter to monitor seal leakage and
set off an alarm when leakage becomes excessive or in the case of seal failure.
PLAN PLAN

PLAN PLAN
Advantages: Utilizes an orifice plug in the drain port to restrict the flow of excessive
66B

66B
Pressure transmitter leakage to drain, allowing a pressure increase to be monitored or trigger an alarm
with local indicator
on seal failure.
General: Leakage from the drain port should be collected and piped to a liquid
PIPING

PIPING
Flush 2-valve manifold recovery system or sump. The orifice plug should consider the fluid properties.
Flush
Sensing port
Quench/Drain Sensing
Orifice plug port/
Quench

Property of
John Crane Drain
Gland end view
 SECONDARY CONTAINMENT SEALS
Description: Tapped connections for purchaser’s use. Typically this plan is used
when the purchaser may use buffer gas in the future.
Advantages: Allows the user to add a buffer gas in the future.
PLANPLAN
71

PLAN 71
Flush (shown CSV shown
PIPING

Flush plugged) plugged

shown Containment seal vent
plugged (CSV) and containment (GBI)
seal drain (CSD), plugged plugged

Gas buffer
inlet (GBI)
plugged
CSD plugged
Property of Gland end view
John Crane
 SECONDARY CONTAINMENT SEALS
Description: Plan 72 for secondary containment uses an external low pressure
System components
1 Shut-off valve, norm. open buffer gas, usually nitrogen, regulated by a control panel that injects it into the
5
2 Coalescing filter outer seal cavity.
3 Pressure-control valve
PLANPLAN

8 4

4 Flow transmitter with Advantages: Introduction of a buffer gas like nitrogen reduces fugitive emissions,
6 local indicator prevents icing on cold applications, and provides for some cooling to the
72

PLAN 72
2
5 Pressure transmitter with
3
local indicator outboard seal.
6 2-valve manifold
7
General: Plan 72 is normally used with Plan 75 for primary seal leakage that is
PIPING

1 7 Check valve
8 Orifice condensing, or with Plan 76 for non-condensing leakage.
Gas buffer
supply inlet Vent Flush
(not illustrated)
Drain
Vent Gas
buffer
inlet

Property of
John Crane Drain
Gland end view
 DUAL GAS SEALS
System components Description: Plan 74 provides a pressurized gas, typically nitrogen, to dual gas
1 Shut-off valve, norm. open
seals through the use of a control panel that removes moisture, filters the gas
2 Coalescing filter
5
4 3 Pressure-control valve
and regulates the barrier pressure.
PLANPLAN

4 Flow transmitter with

6 local indicator
Advantages: Lower costs and maintenance than systems used on dual pressurized
2
liquid systems. Leakage to atmosphere is an inert gas. Zero emissions.
74

PLAN 74
5 Pressure transmitter
3
with local indicator
7 6 2-valve manifold General: The barrier gas is usually a pressurized nitrogen line. For higher
1 7 Check valve
pressure applications the system pressure can be supplemented with a gas
PIPING

Gas barrier pressure booster/amplifier.

supply inlet Gas barrier
inlet

Gas barrier
inlet

Gas barrier outlet

Property of (normally closed)
John Crane
Gland end view
 SECONDARY CONTAINMENT SEALS
To vapor collection system Description: Plan 75 is a collection system used with secondary containment
Orifice
seals for process fluid that will condense at lower temperatures or is always in
a liquid state.
Valve, normally open Pressure transmitter
with local indicator
Property of Advantages: The collection reservoir contains a pressure transmitter to indicate
John Crane
2-valve manifold Level transmitter a build up in pressure from excessive primary seal leakage or failure.
PLAN 75

PLAN 75
with local indicator
Test
point General: Plan 75 can be used in conjunction with a gas purge from Plan 72.
(optional)
5-valve manifold
Flush
Drain CSV, (not
plugged illustrated)
Level
Drain valve, gauge
normally closed
To liquid-
collection Gas
system buffer
Leakage inlet,
collection CSD plugged
reservoir Gland end view
 To vapor recovery system SECONDARY CONTAINMENT SEALS
Description: Plan 76 is a system to divert non-condensing primary seal leakage to a
flare or vapor recovery system.
Pressure Advantages: Lower initial and maintenance costs than dual unpressurized seals

PLANPLAN
transmitter
with local using a Plan 52.
indicator
PLAN 76

76
General: Plan 76 can be used in conjunction with a gas purge from Plan 72.

PIPING
2-valve manifold
To drain,
normally closed, Containment seal vent Flush,
Vent not illustrated not illustrated
Flush
(when Valve Gas
specified) normally buffer
closed inlet
Property of
John Crane
Containment seal
drain, closed
Gland end view
 SINGLE SEALS, DUAL SEALS, QUENCH SEALS,
SECONDARY CONTAINMENT SEALS & DUAL GAS SEALS
Description: Plan 99 defines an engineered piping plan not defined by any
existing plans.
General: The description and requirements of this plan must be clearly defined
in specifications outside API 682 but wherever possible, applicable requirements
USE OF PLAN 99 TO BE
PLAN 99

PLAN 99
should be incorporated in the new piping plan.
DECIDED BY
PURCHASER OR WITH
PURCHASER’S
APPROVAL
USEFUL INFORMATION USEFUL INFORMATION USEFUL INFORMATION

USEFUL INFORMATION
Data included in this section is provided for guidance only and must not be used for DRIVE SCREW TIGHTENING TORQUES
performance calculations of individual seals. Seal and material performance can Socket Head Cup Point Set Screw Socket Head Cap Screw
vary with application, pressure, temperature and installation. For application specific Tightening Torques [Nm] (µ= 0.125 lubricated) Tightening Torques [Nm] (µ= 0.125 lubricated)
calculations consult John Crane. Thread High Tensile 316 ASTM Thread Steel Screw Steel Screw
Steel, St. Steel A453-
LUBRICANTS Gr 14.9 Gr A4/70 Gr 660 C
Size (Class 12.9) (316 A4-70)
The following lubricants are recommended by John Crane M4 2.3 1.5
M4 4.5 2
M5 9.4 4
Application Lubricant Note M5 4.5 3
M6 16 6,5
Elastomeric O-rings except DuPont™ Krytox® GPL 206 Apply thinly by hand M6 7.5 4
silicone rubber Dow Corning® 111 M8 38 16
M8 18 11
Glycerine M10 77 32
M10 36 16 30
O-rings of silicone rubber Glycerine Apply thinly by hand M12 135 55
M12 60 40 50
Elastomeric bellows Glycerine Apply by brush M14 215 90
1/4 - 20 8.8 4.5 6
Propylene Glycol M16 340 140
Soapy water 5/16 - 18 17.5 10
M20 663 275
Bolts, screws, nuts & DuPont Krytox GPL 206 Minimal application 3/8 - 16 30 13.5
fasteners Dow Corning 111 by brush or hand 7/16 - 14 48 32
Torques are for drive screws only and should not be
Nickel or silver based 1/2 - 13 69 45 applied to other screws in the seal assembly
anti-seize compounds
Dupont and Krytox are registered trademarks of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company.
Dow Corning is a Registered trademark of Dow Corning Corporation.
USEFUL INFORMATION USEFUL INFORMATION USEFUL INFORMATION

USEFUL INFORMATION
DRIVE SCREW TIGHTENING TORQUES TEMPERATURE LIMITATIONS OF FLEXIBLE MEMBERS
Socket Head Cup Point Set Screw (UNRC) Socket Head Cap Screw Temperature limits when used as:-
Tightening Torque [in-lb] [µ=0.125] Tightening Torque [in-lb] [µ=0.125] Bellows, Sliding Bellows, Sliding
Rubber
& Static O-Rings °C & Static O-Rings °F
Steel 316 SS Steel 316 SS Medium Nitrile Minus 40˚C to Plus 120˚C + Minus 40˚F to Plus 250˚F +
Size Size
ASTM-F912 ASTM-A193 ASTM-A574 ASTM-A193
Low Temp Nitrile Minus 55˚C to Plus 100˚C Minus 65˚F to Plus 212˚F
#10 33 18 #6 30 15 Neoprene Minus 40˚C to Plus 100˚C Minus 40˚F to Plus 212˚F
1/4" 78 40 #8 55 28 Fluorocarbon/Fluoroelastomer Minus 30˚C to Plus 205˚C † Minus 20˚F to Plus 400˚F †
5/16" 156 85 #10 80 40 Fluorocarbon GLT Minus 45˚C to Plus 205˚C † Minus 50˚F to Plus 400˚F †
3/8" 273 120 1/4" 180 95 EPDM Rubber Minus 40˚C to Plus 150˚C * Minus 40˚F to Plus 300˚F *
7/16" 428 280 5/16" 390 170 Fluorosilicone Minus 60˚C to Plus 175˚C Minus 75˚F to Plus 350˚F
1/2" 615 400 3/8" 700 300 Silicone Minus 55˚C to Plus 200˚C Minus 65˚F to Plus 390˚F
TFE-P/TFE-Propylene 0˚C to Plus 205˚C 32˚F to Plus 400˚F
7/16" 1125 485
HT-FFKM (was Perfluoroelastomer 1) Minus 20˚C to Plus 260˚C n Minus 4˚F to Plus 500˚F n
Torques are for drive screws only and should not be 1/2" 1700 750
LT-FFKM (was Perfluoroelastomer 2) Minus 20˚C to Plus 215˚C l Minus 4˚F to Plus 420˚F l
applied to other screws in the seal assembly 5/8" 3000 1270 + For water duties the upper limit is 100°C (212°F)
3/4" 5500 2260 † For water duties the upper limit is 135°C (275°F)
* Not for use in contact with hydrocarbon based products
n For water duties the upper limit is 90°C (194°F)
l For static Applications Minus 25ºC to Plus 215ºC (Minus 13ºF to Plus 420ºF)
These elastomeric materials have a limited tolerance to abrasion and movement
USEFUL INFORMATION USEFUL INFORMATION USEFUL INFORMATION

USEFUL INFORMATION
TEMPERATURE LIMITATIONS OF FLEXIBLE MEMBERS INSTALLATION CRITERIA & LIMITS
Temperature limits when used as:- Installation Criterion Concentricity General value/Limit Remarks
Fully Constrained Ring Shaft to seal chamber Less than 125 µm (0.005") TIR TIR is sometimes also referred to
PTFE / Graphite Seat Rings (Total Indicator Reading) as Full Indicator Movement (FIM)
(i.e. Metal Bellows Packing)
Pure PTFE Minus 60˚C to Plus 260˚C Minus 20˚C to Plus 180˚C Shaft run out measured from Less than 25 µm (0.001") TIR
Minus 76˚F to Plus 500˚F Minus 4˚F to Plus 356˚F a casing mounted indicator
Run-out of sleeve outer Less than 25 µm (0.001") TIR
25% Glass Filled PTFE Minus 100˚C to Plus 280˚C Minus 50˚C to Plus 230˚C diameter to inner diameter
Minus 148˚F to Plus 536˚F Minus 58˚F to Plus 446˚F
Squareness of seal chamber Less than 0.5 µm/mm of seal
25% Carbon Filled PTFE Minus 80˚C to Plus 250˚C Minus 40˚C to Plus 200˚C face to shaft chamber bore (0.0005"/inch of
Minus 112˚F to Plus 482˚F Minus 40˚F to Plus 392˚F seal chamber bore)
Graphite/Stainless Steel Mesh Minus 212˚C to Plus 500˚C Centering of the seal is to be by a Less than 125 µm (0.005") TIR
Minus 350˚F to Plus 932˚F register fit. The register fit surface shall be
Graphite or Cranfoil Minus 212˚C to Plus 500˚C Minus 40˚C to Plus 400˚C concentric to the shaft
Minus 350˚F to Plus 932˚F Minus 40˚F to Plus 752˚F Shaft Axial Float/End play Less than 0.08 mm (0.003") TIR This is the maximum movement
during dynamic operation
NOTE: When using either FEP covered fluorocarbon o-rings or PTFE / Graphite seat rings, the seat must be Shaft tolerance h6
fitted with an anti-rotation pin. Shaft Surface Texture/Finish 1.6 µm Ra (64 µin Ra)
NOTE: The limits shown are for guidance only, and do not take into account any site experience.
USEFUL INFORMATION USEFUL CONVERSIONS USEFUL CONVERSIONS

USEFUL INFORMATION
LENGTH PRESSURE/HEAD
From To Multiply by From To Multiply by From To Multiply by From To Multiply by
inches mm 25.4 mm inches 0.03937 psi bar 0.06895 bar psi 14.5038
inches m 0.0254 m inches 39.37 psi kg/cm2 0.07031 kg/cm2 psi 14.2233
feet mm 304.8 mm feet 0.00328 psi N/m2(Pa) 6894.757 N/m2 psi 1.4504 x 10-4
feet m 0.3048 m feet 3.281 kg/cm2 bar 0.9807 bar kg/cm2 1.01972
yards m 0.9144 m yards 1.0936 atms. psi 14.6959 psi atms. 0.06805
miles km 1.6093 km miles 0.6214 atms. kg/cm2 1.03323 kg/cm2 atms 0.96784
µin mm 2.54x10-5 mm µin 39370 atms. bar 1.01325 bar atms. 0.98692
µin nm 25.4 nm µin 0.03937 N/m2 (Pa) bar 1x10-5 bar N/m2 1x105
kPa bar 0.01 bar kPa 100
AREA MPa bar 10 bar MPa 0.1
From To Multiply by From To Multiply by bar torr(mm Hg) 750.0638 torr(mm Hg) bar 0.001333
inches2 mm2 645.16 mm2 inches2 0.00155 psi ft(liquid) 2.307 ÷ SG ft(liquid) psi 0.4335xSG
feet2 m2 0.0929 m2 feet2 10.7639 psi m(liquid) 0.703 ÷ SG m(liquid) psi 1.4223xSG
yards2 m2 0.8361 m2 yards2 1.1960 bar ft(liquid) 33.4563 ÷ SG ft(liquid) bar 0.02989xSG
acres hectares 0.4047 hectares acres 2.4711 bar m(liquid) 10.19724 ÷ SG m(liquid) bar 0.09806xSG
miles2 km2 2.59 km2 miles2 0.3861 kg/cm2 m(liquid) 10 ÷ SG m(liquid) kg/cm2 0.1xSG
USEFUL INFORMATION USEFUL CONVERSIONS USEFUL CONVERSIONS

USEFUL INFORMATION
VOLUME VOLUME FLOW RATE
From To Multiply by From To Multiply by From To Multiply by From To Multiply by
ft3 m3 0.028317 m3 ft3 35.3147 gals(Imp)/min liters/min 4.5461 liters/min gals(Imp)/min 0.21997
ft3 liters(dm3) 28.317 liters(dm3) ft3 0.035315 gals(US)/min liters/min 3.7854 liters/min gals(US)/min 0.26417
in3 m3 1.6387x10-5 m3 in3 61023.74 ft3/min liters/min 28.3168 liters/min ft3/min 0.03531
gallons(Imp) gallons(US) 1.20095 gallons(US) gallons(Imp) 0.83267 m3/hour liters/min 16.6667 liters/min m3/hour 0.06
barrels oil/day liters/min 0.1104 liters/min barrels oil/day 9.0573
gallons(Imp) m3 4.5461x10-3 m3 gallons(Imp) 219.9692
ft3/sec liters/min 1699.01 liters/min ft3/sec 5.886x10-4
gallons(Imp) liters(dm3) 4.54609 liters (dm3) gallons(Imp) 0.21997
gallons(US) m3 0.003785 m3 gallons(US) 264.1721
gallons(US) liters(dm3) 3.7854 liters (dm3) gallons(US) 0.26417
WEIGHT/FORCE
From To Multiply by From To Multiply by
barrels(bbl) oil gallons(Imp) 34.9723 gallons(Imp) barrels(bbl) oil 0.028594
lbsf kgf 0.4536 kgf lbsf 2.2046
barrels(bbl) oil gallons(US) 42 gallons(US) barrels(bbl) oil 0.02381 tons(long) kgf 1016.05 kgf tons(long) 9.842x10-4
barrels(bbl) oil m3 0.1590 m3 barrels(bbl) oil 6.2898 tons(short) kgf 907.19 kgf tons(short) 1.102x10-3
barrels(bbl) oil liters(dm3) 158.9873 liters(dm3) barrels(bbl) oil 0.006290 tons(long) tonne-force 1.016047 tonne-force tons(long) 0.9842
tons(short) tonne-force 0.9072 tonne-force tons(short) 1.1023
lbsf N 4.4482 N lbsf 0.2248
kgf N 9.8067 N kgf 0.10197
kiloponds N 9.8067 N kiloponds 0.10197
tonf(long) kN 9.96402 kN tonf(long) 0.10036
USEFUL INFORMATION USEFUL CONVERSIONS USEFUL CONVERSIONS

USEFUL INFORMATION
POWER DENSITY/SPECIFIC GRAVITY (SG)
From To Multiply by From To Multiply by From To Multiply by From To Multiply by
hp kW 0.7457 kW hp 1.34102 lbs/ft3 kg/m3 16.01846 kg/m3 lbs/ft3 0.06243
hp(metric) also kW 0.7355 kW hp(metric) 1.35962 grms/cm3 kg/m3 1000 kg/m3 grms/cm3 0.001
PS, CV or ch lbs/gal(US) kg/m3 119.8264 kg/m3 lbs/gal(US) 0.008345
Btu/hr kW 2.9307x10-4 kW Btu/hr 3412.1416
ft.lbf/sec kW 0.001356 kW ft.lbf/sec 737.5621 API GRAVITY - OAPI
141.5 141.5
API =
o
SG - 131.5 SG =
TORQUE API + 131.5
o

From To Multiply by From To Multiply by

lbf.ft N.m 1.3558 N.m lbf.ft 0.73756 Degrees Baumé
lbf.in N.m 0.112985 N.m lbf.in 8.85075
145 145
ozf.in N.m 0.007062 N.m ozf.in 141.6119 Bé = 145-
o
SG =
SG 45 - oBé
kgf/m2 N.m 9.80665 N.m kgf/m2 0.10197

The above oBé formulae apply to solutions denser than water

USEFUL INFORMATION USEFUL CONVERSIONS USEFUL INFORMATION

USEFUL INFORMATION
VISCOSITY - DYNAMIC & KINEMATIC VISCOSITY/TEMPERATURE - PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
From To Multiply by From To Multiply by
Temperature - °C
cPs N.sec/m2 0.001 N.sec/m2 cPs 1000
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400
cPs Pa.sec 0.001 Pa.sec cPs 1000 1000.00
lbf.sec/ft2 N.sec/m2 47.8803 lbf.sec/ft2 Pa.sec 47.8803
lbf.sec/ft2 cPs 47880.259 cPs lbf.sec/ft2 2.0885x10-5 A =
Gasoline
B =
Kerosine
cSt m2/sec 1.0 x 10-6 m2/sec cSt 1.0 x 106 F G H C =
Diesel (Refinery)
100.00 D =
Fuel #3 (Max)
ft2/sec cSt 9.2903 x 104 cSt ft2/sec 1.0764 x 10-5
E =
Fuel #5 (Min)
F =
Fuel #5 (Max)
195 135 Fuel #6 (Min)
approximately: cSt = 0.226xSSU - SSU 32 < SSU <100 cSt = 0.22xSSU - SSU SSU ≥100

Viscosity - cPs
G = Heavy Fuel Oil
E
Bunker C
10.00 H = Asphalt
D

B
1.00
A

0.10
USEFUL INFORMATION USEFUL INFORMATION USEFUL INFORMATION

USEFUL INFORMATION
SPECIFIC GRAVITY VS TEMPERATURE - PETROLEUM FRACTIONS
Specific Gravity

www.johncrane.com
Temperature - °C
North America Europe Latin America Middle East & Africa Asia Pacific
United States of America United Kingdom Brazil United Arab Emirates Singapore
Tel: 1-847-967-2400 Tel: 44-1753-224000 Tel: 55-11-3371-2500 Tel: 971-481-27800 Tel: 65-6518-1800
Fax: 1-847-967-3915 Fax: 44-1753-224224 Fax: 55-11-3371-2599 Fax: 971-488-62830 Fax: 65-6518-1803
If the products featured will be used in a potentially dangerous and/or hazardous process, consult your John Crane representative prior to their selection and use.
In the interest of continuous development, John Crane Companies reserve the right to alter designs and specifications without prior notice. It is dangerous to smoke
while handling products made from PTFE. Old and new PTFE products must not be incinerated. ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 Certified, details available on request.
All drawings are property of John Crane.
©2024 John Crane Revised 03/24 johncrane.com B-Mechanical Seal/Piping Plan Booklet