The emissions control is a critical topic for technicians and plant engineers whenever new plants or revamping have to be developed. Type of mechanical seal selected on a pump is very important for controlling emissions, that could be dangerous for environment, people and general safety of the plants. Fluiten has a wide range of solutions suitable for centrifugal pumps according to ISO and API standards, including all the categories stated by API 682 (I, II, III).

This solution developed by Fluiten technicians is simple, reliable and cost effective, since allows to limit the capex of first installation, which is generally heavily influenced by auxiliary systems installation. In this dual arrangement, secondary seal is suitable for dry running (2CW-CS) and allows containment of physiological leakage coming from the primary seal, which is working in wet conditions. When leakage from primary seal does not condense, gas leakage can be directed to the flare or to the gas treatment plant. If leakage is liquid or mixed phase (liquid and gas), they are directed to a small tank, where it is possible to know the leakage rate and, in case it is very high, to stop the pump safely.

This solution applied by API 682 standard, is suitable for light hydrocarbons, gasolines, solvents and liquids containing H2S (hydrogen sulphide):

• 50ppm-100ppm *: Possibility to select Plan 65 with secondary “segmental bushing” seal as an alternative to a secondary complete mechanical seal
• 100ppm-600ppm *: Plan 75 or Plan 76 with secondary dry running “mechanical” seal

Whenever H2S concentration is higher than 600ppm, for highly flammable liquids and operating temperatures above 176 ° C, Fluiten recommends a double pressurized seal with barrier fluid: API Plan 53A, 53B or 54.