Pump Seal Plans
Pump Seal Plans
Pump Seal Plans
Experience In Motion
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.
Page Layout
Seal End View
Illustrated schematic
of auxiliary components
pressure source,
normally open
Plan 53A
outlet
pressure gage
seal
end view
pressure switch
inlet
liquid fill,
normally closed
reservoir
cooling out
cooling in
drain,
normally closed
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.
Plan 53A
What
Pressurized barrier fluid circulation through reservoir.
Fluid is circulated by a pumping ring in the dual seal assembly.
Pump Cross-section
Mechanical Seal
Preventative Maintenance
Simplified centrifugal
pump shown for all
plans
Plan 01
seal
end view
internal porting
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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
What
Internal seal chamber flush from pump discharge.
Operates similar to Plan 11.
Plan 02
seal
end view
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What
Dead-ended seal chamber with no flush.
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.
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
Why
No fluid recirculation needed.
inlet
Plan 11
seal
end view
orifice
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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
What
Seal flush from pump discharge through orifice.
Default single seal flush plan.
outlet
Plan 13
seal
end view
orifice
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What
Recirculation from seal chamber to pump suction through orifice.
Standard flush plan on vertical pumps.
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
Why
Continuous seal chamber venting on vertical pumps.
Seal chamber heat removal.
outlet
Plan 14
seal
end view
inlet
orifices
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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
What
Seal flush from pump discharge and recirculation to pump suction with orifices.
Combination of Plan 11 and Plan 13.
vents,
normally closed
inlet
cooling out
Plan 21
seal
end view
cooler
orifice
cooling coils
cooling in
temperature
indicator
drain,
normally
closed
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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
What
Seal flush from pump discharge through orifice and cooler.
Cooler added to Plan 11 flush increases heat removal.
vent,
normally closed
outlet
cooling out
Plan 23
seal
end view
inlet
cooler
cooling coils
temperature
indicator
cooling in
drain,
normally
closed
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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
What
Seal flush from internal pumping device through cooler.
Standard flush plan in hot water services.
inlet
Plan 31
seal
end view
cyclone separator
flowserve.com
What
Seal flush from pump discharge through cyclone separator.
Centrifuged solids are returned to pump suction.
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
Why
Seal chamber heat removal.
Solids removal from flush and seal chamber.
inlet
Plan 32
seal
end view
pressure
indicator
temperature
indicator
(optional)
flow control
valve
flow
indicator
(optional)
check
valve
strainer
from clean
source,
normally
open
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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
What
Seal flush from an external clean source.
vents,
normally closed
inlet
cooling out
Plan 41
seal
end view
cooler
cyclone
separator
temperature
indicator
cooling coils
cooling in
drain,
normally
closed
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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
What
Seal flush from pump discharge through cyclone separator and cooler.
Combination of Plan 21 and Plan 31.
vent,
normally open
outlet
Plan 52
seal
end view
pressure indicator
orifice
pressure switch
(high)
inlet
liquid fill,
normally closed
reservoir
cooling out
cooling in
drain,
normally
closed
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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
What
Unpressurized buffer fluid circulation through reservoir.
Fluid is circulated by a pumping ring in the dual seal assembly.
Plan 53A
outlet
seal
end view
inlet
pressure source,
normally open
pressure indicator
(low)
pressure switch
(high)
liquid fill,
normally closed
reservoir
cooling coils
cooling out
cooling in
drain,
normally
closed
flowserve.com
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
What
Pressurized barrier fluid circulation through reservoir.
Fluid is circulated by a pumping ring in the dual seal assembly.
pressure
indicator
vent,
normally closed
Plan 53B
outlet
pressure switch
(low)
pressure source,
normally closed
seal
end view
inlet
finned (alternative
pipe reservoir)
bladder
accumulator
temperature indicator
drain,
normally
closed
liquid fill,
normally closed
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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
What
Pressurized barrier fluid circulation with bladder accumulator.
Fluid is circulated by a pumping ring in the dual seal assembly.
level indicator
outlet
vent,
normally closed
Plan 53C
cooling out
seal
end view
liquid fill,
normally closed
inlet
cooling
coils
cooling in
temperature drain,
normally
indicator
closed
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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
What
Pressurized barrier fluid circulation with piston accumulator.
Fluid is circulated by a pumping ring in the dual seal assembly.
outlet
Plan 54
seal
end view
inlet
from / to external
circulating system
flowserve.com
What
Pressurized barrier fluid circulation by external system.
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
Why
Isolate process fluid.
Zero process emissions.
Seal cannot induce circulation.
inlet
Plan 62
seal
end view
drain
pressure
indicator
(optional)
drain,
steam trap
normally
(steam quench)
open
check valve
quench,
normally
open
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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
What
External quench on atmospheric side of seal.
Quench fluids typically steam, nitrogen, or water.
block
valve,
normally
open
for proper orientation
Plan 65
seal
end view
level
switch
(high)
orifice
drain,
normally
open
overflow
chamber
bypass
line
flowserve.com
What
External drain with leakage detection on atmospheric side of seal.
Where
May be used alone or with Plan 62 quench.
Used with close clearance throttle bushing.
Useful with single seals in remote locations and critical services.
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
Why
Leakage collection for process leakage or quench fluid.
Safety indicator for primary seal to detect failure.
1 - drain
2 - vent
3 - gas inlet, normally open
4 - filter drain, normally closed
vent
inlet
seal
end view
Plan 72
B
A
3
drain
C
2
1
4
E
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
coalescing filter
regulator
pressure indicator
pressure switch (low)
orifice
flow indicator
flow switch (high)
check valve
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What
Unpressurized buffer gas control system.
Containment seal support typically with nitrogen buffer gas.
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
Why
Zero to very low process emissions.
Safety backup to primary seal.
Plan 74
inlet
seal
end view
E
D
drain
A
2
1
B
C
3
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.
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
Why
Isolate process fluid.
Zero process emissions.
level
indicator
vent,
normally
open
orifice
for proper orientation
drain
Plan 75
seal
end view
pressure switch
(high)
pressure
indicator
isloation
valve
drain,
normally
closed
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What
Drain from containment seal cavity to liquid collector and vapor recovery.
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
Why
Leakage collection for zero to very low process emissions.
Safety indicator for primary seal.
vent,
normally
open
vent
Plan 76
seal
end view
orifice
drain
drain,
normally
closed
pressure indicator
pressure switch (high)
drain,
normally
closed
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What
Vent from containment seal cavity to vapor recovery.
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
Why
Leakage collection for zero to very low process emissions.
Safety indicator for primary seal.
Appendix A
What
Minimize restrictions in piping systems
Why
Optimum flow rate for best piping plan performance
Where
Closed loop auxiliary systems with internal flow
induction, good practice everywhere
Vertical
Equipment
1.5 - 2 ft.
(0.45 - 0.6 m)
Horizontal
Equipment
low point
drain
3 ft. (0.9 m) max
Vertical
Equipment
Appendix B
1.5 - 2 ft.
(0.45 - 0.6 m)
Horizontal
Equipment
low point
drain
4 ft. (1.2 m) max
Airfin Coolers
Accessories
TM
Seal Cooler
682
Seal Cooler
Reservoirs
Compact design
dual coil seal
cooler
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Circulator
Refill Cart
Gas Barrier
Control Panel
Hydraulically charged
reservoir for dual
seals.
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
Accessories
Combination flush
flow regulator and
meter.
Plan 32
Magnetic Separator
Cyclone Separator
Orifice
Plug and plate
style flush line
orifices.
Plan 23
Plans 31 & 41
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SLD
DuraClear
Family of reliable
steam traps for
quench flows.
Quench lubrication
device with
synthetic grease.
Synthetic lubricants
from barrier fluid to
bearing oil.
Plan 62
Plan 62 modified
Bearing Gard II
& BGM
Accessories
Gestra
Steam Trap
Bearing frame
protection devices.
Notes
Notes
Notes
Notes