API Seal

14845 West 64
th
Avenue, Arvada, Colorado 80007 USA Tel: 303-425-0800 Fax: 303-425-0896 www.sundyne.com

Bulletin No. 40.2.58

Sunflo Pump Seal Plans
EFFECTIVE: APRIL 11, 2006 Rev: A

An overriding majority of pump problems are not with the pump, but with the mechanical seals. Pump mechanical
seals need three conditions for successful operation:

1. Clean Liquid
2. Cool Liquid
3. Low Pressure Liquid

The single seal auxiliary kit drawings are used to provide any one or all of these requirements for single seal pumps.
Process fluid is altered to satisfy the mechanical seal, and then reunited with the main stream inside the pump. There
is no loss in net flow rate, and no contamination of the process from external sources.

The environmental seal plans should be employed based on past experience and common sense. Many applications
will not require that an auxiliary system be used for the mechanical seal. However, when a customer inquires about a
harsh service or experiences repeated seal failures, it is important to supply the proper environmental seal kit. Consult
the factory whenever necessary.

Although these kits will resolve a majority of seal problems, the following guidelines apply to double and tandem seals
used for severe services.

DOUBLE SEAL APPLICATIONS

Double seals should be used whenever the single seal auxiliary kits prove unsuccessful. Hot water applications (in
excess of 260F (127C)) always require double seals. Water services between 180F (82C) and 260F (127C)
can use double seals if process cooling cannot be tolerated. Conversely, the single seal cooling plans 21 & 41 can
be used with double seals above 260F (127C) as long as the heat exchanger is resized for adequate cooling and
the buffer outlet can be plumbed into the pump suction line. Finally, double seals are an excellent method for
sealing hazardous or poisonous liquids that cannot leak into the workmens environment. Double seals must have
a pressurized buffer system (15 psig (1 bar) above seal cavity pressure) that circulates approximately 2 gpm (7.6
l/m) of process compatible buffer fluid. A Plan 53 is normally used with double seals. The buffer fluid should be
cool water, seal oil, or some other liquid that is easy for the mechanical seals to handle.

TANDEM SEAL APPLICATIONS

Tandem seals may be used instead of a single seal for leak detection and backup. Typically, an atmospheric buffer
system is employed with provision for self-circulation or forced circulation of to 2 gpm (1.9 to 7.6 l/m) required to
control the seal temperature. The buffer may be cool water, oil or other suitable non-volatile liquid.

Field Engineering Bulletin
Title: Sunflo Pump Seal Plans Rev A
Bulletin No. 40.2.58 Page 2 of 13

A description of the auxiliary seal kit numbering system will aid in selecting the proper seal kit.

KF XX XX XX

Kit, Flush
(Single seals only)

Similar to API Plan
11

12

13
Pump Model Number
21 FL = P-1000

23

= P-1500 Varies
Note 1

31 UT = P-2000

32

SP = P-3000

41

52

53

Note 1: Varies based on process conditions, heat exchanger, etc. Refer to individual kit drawings for specific
information about orifice sizing, flush flow rate, maximum pressure, and maximum temperature limits.

SEAL FLUSH PLANS
Below is a brief description of the seal flush plans available for Sunflo pumps.

PLAN 11

This kit circulates process fluid from the pump discharge, through an orifice, then
into the seal cavity. It maintains an ample supply of gas-off when the seal
cavity pressure is below atmospheric pressure. Plan 11 is recommended when
vacuum can be detected in the seal flush port during pump operation. This
occasionally occurs on low suction pressure units (less than 20 psig (1.4 bar))
that do not have an inducer.

PLAN 12

Plan 12 is similar to plan 11 except a filter or strainer is added to the flush line.
This kit is used to provide a clean seal flush in the event the product contains
abrasives or fouling material which cannot be removed by a centrifugal
separator. Satisfactory seal life may be achieved by filtering to a maximum
particle size of two microns. The orifice must be sized to allow 1 to 2 gpm (3.8
to 7.6 l/m) of clean product flow into the seal flush port. This kit may be helpful
in machine tool coolant service and paper shower service (where the water
contains wood pulp).


PLAN 13

Plan 13 is similar to plan 11 except the flow exits the seal chamber and returns
to the pump suction. This auxiliary seal kit recirculates liquid and entrained
vapors from the seal cavity chamber, through a tubing orifice, then back to the
pump suction. The amount of recirculation is regulated by the 0.12 inch (3.05
mm) tubing inside diameter and the length specified on each kit drawing. This kit
provides maximum circulation around the mechanical seal face and helps to
ensure that liquid, not vapor, is available at the seal faces. Plan 13 is
recommended for light hydrocarbon services and any other time the process
vapor pressure is above atmospheric pressure. It can be helpful whenever a
centrifugal separator is ineffective; such as saltwater processes and applications
involving suspended wood particles. Refer to the Plan 31 description for further
details.

PLAN 21

Plan 21 is similar to plan 11 except with cooling. This auxiliary seal kit causes the
vapor pressure of fluid in the seal cavity to be below atmospheric pressure when
the remainder of the pumpage is not. Allowance is made for friction reheating the
fluid as it crosses the mechanical seal face so that the fluid remains in the liquid
phase. A small portion of liquid is tapped off the pump discharge then forced
through an orifice, heat exchanger, and to the seal cavity. The heat exchanger
must be located downstream of the orifice to avoid using expensive, high
pressure heat exchangers. The cool seal flush reduces scuffing on the seal faces
and chipping on the inside diameter of the seal nose. Hot water applications
between 180F and 230F (82C and 110C) use a 2x9 cooler (Young 201 or
equal); between 230F and 260F (110C and 127C) requires a 3x9 cooler
(Young 301 2 pass or equal); above 260F (127C) use double seals.

PLAN 23

This kit circulates process fluid with a pumping ring in the seal chamber to a heat
exchanger and back to the seal chamber. This kit offers efficient seal cooling with
low cooler duty. This kit is good for high temperature applications such as hot
hydrocarbons and boiler feed water.


PLAN 31

Plan 31 is similar to plan 11 except an abrasive separator is added to the flush
line. This kit provides clean fluid to the mechanical seal. Generous internal
clearances in Sunflos allow the pump to pass particles as large as 400
microns, but the seal needs to be protected from abrasion. The centrifugal
separator removes 95% of harmful particulates that are heavier than the
process density, and can increase seal life threefold. Dirty fluid is orificed from
the pump discharge into the separator where an additional 60 psig (4.1 bar)
pressure drop occurs. Clean process liquid rises to the top and enters the seal
compartment via an unrestricted path. Concentrated dirty fluid recirculates
back to the pump suction through an orifice sized to accommodate seal cavity
pressure rise. Union orifices must be used to simplify replacement of eroded
orifice plates. The centrifugal separator eliminates scratches on the seal face
and chipping on the outside diameter of the seal nose. It is effective only if
suspended solids can separate out of a process sample in less than ten
minutes. Dissolved solids (saltwater), and low density particulates (wood pulp
and paper fines) need either a cool, clean external flush or Plan 13.

PLAN 32

This kit provides the seal flush from a clean external source. Plan 32 is used
when the process is difficult to condition in a way that provides sufficient cooling
and lubrication to the seal. It is beneficial when the process contains components
which may cause abrasive wear or impede the free movement of the seal. Seal
chamber pressure will increase as well as fluid vapor margin. This kit is good for
high temperature and dirty service applications.

PLAN 41

Plan 41 is a combination of plans 21 and 31. This auxiliary seal kit combines the
cooling capability of Plan 21 with cleaning provided by Plan 31. Process fluid is
cleaned first to reduce fouling downstream in the heat exchanger. Orifice sizing is
based on the centrifugal separators requirement because pressure drop in the
heat exchanger is negligible. The centrifugal separator can effectively clean the
process if suspended solids settle out of a sample in less than ten minutes. It will
not work against wood pulp and paper fines or dissolved solids such as saltwater.
A 2x9 heat exchanger adequately cools water processes that are between 180F
and 230F (82C and 110C). A 3x9 2 pass heat exchanger is used for water inlet
temperatures between 230F and 260F (110C and 127C). Water above 260F
(127C) requires double seals.


PLAN 52

This kit provides an atmospheric buffer between the tandem seals.
Normally, this is required for environmental protection reasons. The
buffer kit may be vented to a flare stack through an orifice with an
upstream pressure switch which will alarm should the primary (inboard)
seal fail.

The kit should have three main features:

1. Alarm / shutdown for an increase in buffer pressure (loss of primary
seal).
2. A means to ensure that loss of buffer is detected.
3. Circulation is assured through the seal area by proper self-circulating
design, or by the use of a circulating pump.

NOTE: If the liquid flashes to vapor as it goes across the seal face,
damage is expected to occur. A pressurized buffer should then be used.

PLAN 53

This kit provides a pressurized buffer between double or tandem seals. A
double seal is required when no leakage is allowed to atmosphere across the
inboard seal. In this case, buffer pressure is held above the seal cavity
pressure. With a tandem seal, pressure may be applied to the buffer to
prevent the process fluid from flashing across the inboard seal as a small
amount of normal leakage passes into the buffer.

The kit should have two main features:

1. A means to ensure that loss of buffer is detected.
2. Circulation is assured through the seal area by proper self-circulating design
or by the use of a circulating pump.


ORIFICES

1. The single slug type orifice (part OR01AA03) is to be used for applications with differential heads less than 1000
feet (304.8 meters).

2. Multiple bushing orifices (parts OR01AA04, OR01AA05, OR01FA03) are to be used on applications with
differential heads greater than 1000 feet (304.8 meters).
a. The minimum number of orifices (stages) is two per assembly and the maximum is seven.
b. The optimum number of orifices is four to six. Note that one of the orifices is the retainer to hold in the other
orifice discs. When determining the actual number of orifices required, the retaining orifice must be included
in the total.

3. The following orifice diameters are available.
Orifice Diameter Orifice Diameter
.078 in (1.98 mm) .281 in (7.14 mm)
.094 in (2.39 mm) .312 in (7.92 mm)
.109 in (2.77 mm) .375 in ( 9.53 mm)
.125 in (3.18 mm) .437 in (11.10 mm)
.156 in (3.96 mm) .500 in (12.70 mm)
.187 in (4.75 mm) .562 in (14.27 mm)
.218 in (5.54 mm) .625 in (15.88 mm)
.250 in (6.35 mm) .687 in (17.45 mm)

4. Seal cavity pressure rise is not to be confused with seal cavity pressure. The pressure rise above suction
pressure is listed in the instruction manuals for each product line. If the customers specific gravity varies much
from 1.0, use the equation below to convert pressure rise to head, then apply the correct specific gravity to
recalculate seal cavity pressure rise. Add the customers seal cavity pressure. This seal cavity pressure is the
value used for orifice sizing as noted on the kit drawings.

SINGLE STAGE ORIFICE SIZING
Orifice sizing used to limit the flow in a seal flush application is based on the equation:

D =

Q
12 H

Where: D = Orifice diameter, inches
Q = Seal flush flow rate, gpm
H = Orifice head loss, feet
D =

Where: D = Orifice diameter, mm
Q = Seal flush flow rate, l/m
H = Orifice head loss, meters

Further: H = 2.31 x P
S.G.

Where:

P = Orifice pressure drop, psi
S.G. = Process specific gravity

Further: H = 10.21 x P
S.G.

Where:

P = Orifice pressure drop, bar
S.G. = Process specific gravity
H = Orifice head loss, meters

Q
.128 H

After calculating the exact orifice diameter, round it off to the nearest numbered drill size. For example, a 0.0666
inch (1.69164 mm) calculated orifice size should be specified and manufactured as 0.067 inches (1.7 mm) #51
Twist Drill.
MULTI-STAGE ORIFICE SIZING
Orifice sizing used to limit the flow in a seal flush application is based on the equation:

D =
Q
19.61Cd H

Where: D = Orifice diameter, inches
Q = Seal flush flow rate, gpm
Cd = Orifice coefficient

D =
Q
0.2087Cd H

Where: D = Orifice diameter, mm
Q = Seal flush flow rate, l/m
H = Orifice head loss, meter
Cd = Orifice coefficient

1. Determine the required bypass flow and differential head.
Example: 10 gpm @ 1770 feet OR 37.85 l/m @ 539.5 meters

2. On the sizing graphs determine which orifice sizes are candidates for the application by following vertically up
the flow line to observe which head loss curves are intersected.
Example: Diameter Head loss in feet/stage Head loss in meters/stage
.312 in (7.92 mm) 60 18.3
.281 in (7.14 mm) 95 29.0
.250 in (6.35 mm) 160 48.8
.218 in (5.54 mm) 280 85.3
.187 in (4.75 mm) 500 152.4
.156 in (3.96 mm) 1000 304.8

3. Since the optimum number of orifices (stages) is four to six, determine which size is closest to the optimum
number.
Example: 1770 feet = 6.32 stages OR 539.5 meters = 6.32 stages
280 feet/stage 85.3 meters/stage

1770 feet = 3.54 stages* OR 539.5 meters = 3.54 stages*
500 feet/stage 152.4 meters/stage
* Note: number is below optimum

4. The correct number of orifices then is the nearest whole number.
Example: Nearest whole number to 6.32 is 6. Therefore 5 orifices and 1 retaining orifice for 6 total orifices.

5. Determine the actual flow by dividing the total head loss by the number of orifices and then read flow from the
sizing graph knowing head loss per stage and orifice diameter.
Example: 1770 feet = 295 feet OR 539.5 meters = 89.9 meters
6 6
On the sizing graph, follow 295 feet (89.9 meters) horizontally to the .218 (5.54mm) head loss line. Drop down
and read the flow of 10.3 gpm (39.0 l/m).


Orifices can be purchased directly from Sundyne Corporation. The part number definition is:

ORO1AA 03 XX XXX

Basic Part
Number
Configuration

NPT

Material

AA = Low Carbon Steel

DB = 316 Stainless
Steel

Orifice Diameter, Inches
(Example 375 = .375 diameter)

ORO1AA XX XX X X

Basic Part
Number
Configuratio
n

04 = 1 NPT

05 = 1 Flanged

Material


DB = 316 Stainless Steel


Orifice Diameter,
Inches

(Per table on orifice drawing)

Quantity of Orifices

ORO1FA03 XX XXX X X

Basic Part
Number
Material

DB = 316 Stainless Steel

Orifice Diameter, Inches
(Example 375 = .375 diameter)
Nipple Type
N = 1/2 NPT
S = 1/2 Socket Weld

Quantity of Orifices


Multi-Stage Orifice Sizing Graph - Sizes .078" to .312"
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
1000
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40
By-Pass Flow (gpm)
D
i
f
f
e
r
e
n
t
i
a
l

H
e
a
d

(
f
t
)
.
0
7
8
.
0
9
4
.
1
0
9
.
1
2
5
.
1
5
6
.
1
8
7
.
2
1
8
.
2
5
0
.
2
8
1
.
3
1
2

Multi-Stage Orifice Sizing Graph - Sizes .375" to .687"
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
1000
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150
By-Pass Flow (gpm)
D
i
f
f
e
r
e
n
t
i
a
l

H
e
a
d

(
f
t
)
.
3
7
5
.
4
3
7
.
5
0
0
.
5
6
2
.
6
8
7
.
6
2
5

Orifice Sizing Graph - Sizes 1.98mm to 7.92mm
0
30
60
90
120
150
180
210
240
270
300
05
1
0
1
5
2
0
2
5
3
0
3
5
4
0
4
5
5
0
5
5
6
0
6
5
7
0
7
5
8
0
8
5
9
0
9
5
1
0
0
1
0
5
1
1
0
1
1
5
1
2
0
1
2
5
1
3
0
1
3
5
1
4
0
1
4
5
1
5
0
By-Pass Flow (l/m)
D
i
f
f
e
r
e
n
t
i
a
l

H
e
a
d

(
m
)
1
.
9
8
2
.
3
8
2
.
7
6
3
.
1
7
3
.
9
6
4
.
7
5
5
.
5
4
6
.
3
5
7
.
1
4
7
.
9
2


Orifice Sizing Graph - Sizes 9.53mm to 17.45mm
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
180
200
220
240
260
280
300
3
0
6
0
9
0
1
2
0
1
5
0
1
8
0
2
1
0
2
4
0
2
7
0
3
0
0
3
3
0
3
6
0
3
9
0
4
2
0
4
5
0
4
8
0
5
1
0
5
4
0
5
7
0
By-Pass Flow (l/m)
D
i
f
f
e
r
e
n
t
i
a
l

H
e
a
d

(
m
)
9
.
5
3
1
1
.
1
0
1
2
.
7
0
1
4
.
2
7
1
7
.
45
1
5
.
9

API Seal

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

API Seal

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

14845 West 64

You might also like