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Scope
This Mobil Engineering Practice Tutorial (EPT) is limited to dry running type shaft seals for centrifugal type gas compressors. These seals are commonly referred to as "Dry Gas Se als." Dry gas seals require no liquid lubrication whereas the more conventional compressor seals require a supply of seal oil.
Version 0
EPT 07-T-07
Table of Contents
Scope................................................................................................................................................... 1 1. References.................................................................................................................................. 5 1.1. 1.2. 1.3. 2. 3. MEPSMobil Engineering Practices............................................................................ 5 Mobil Data Sheets .......................................................................................................... 5 APIAmerican Petroleum Institute ............................................................................... 5
General ........................................................................................................................................ 5 Seal Application Considerations .......................................................................................... 6 3.1. 3.2. 3.3. 3.4. 3.5. 3.6. 3.7. 3.8. 3.9. Operating Data ................................................................................................................ 6 Maximum Allowable Operating Conditions ................................................................. 6 Seal Conversion Justification........................................................................................ 7 General Contractor for Feasibility Study.....................................................................8 Selection of Dry Gas Seal Manufacturer.....................................................................8 Rotor Dynamics Analysis Study................................................................................... 8 Required Remachining of Shaft and End Covers...................................................... 9 Proposed Control System Design ................................................................................ 9 Additional Requirements ................................................................................................ 9
4.
Seal Design Considerations.................................................................................................. 9 4.1. 4.2. 4.3. 4.4. 4.5. 4.6. O-Ring Seal Location .....................................................................................................9 Shaft-to-Sleeve Clearance ..........................................................................................11 Tolerance Rings ............................................................................................................11 Placement and Design of Anti-Rotation Devices.....................................................11 Bidirectional or Unidirectional Design........................................................................12 Seat Rings......................................................................................................................12
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Shaft Lock Nut Design .................................................................................................13 Overspeed Spin Testing of Seal Ring .......................................................................13 Balancing Procedure for Rotating Sub -Assembly ...................................................13
4.10. Expected and Guaranteed Leakage Rates ..............................................................13 4.11. Impeller Side Labyrinth Seal .......................................................................................14 4.12. Start-Up Under Vacuum Conditions ..........................................................................14 4.13. Oil Separation Seal.......................................................................................................15 4.14. Supply Responsibility ...................................................................................................15 4.15. Documentation ..............................................................................................................15 5. Control System Design.........................................................................................................16 5.1. 5.2. 5.3. 6. Simplicity of Design ......................................................................................................18 Definitions ......................................................................................................................18 Control Subsystems .....................................................................................................18
Factory Test .............................................................................................................................22 6.1. 6.2. 6.3. 6.4. 6.5. 6.6. Operating Conditions ....................................................................................................22 Overspeed Spin Test....................................................................................................22 Balancing ........................................................................................................................22 Seal Testing Procedure ...............................................................................................23 Disassembly Inspection ...............................................................................................23 Compressor Testing (Mechanical and Performance) .............................................23
7. 8. 9.
Packaging and Shipment......................................................................................................24 Remachining End Covers and Rotor.................................................................................24 Installing Dry Gas Seals ........................................................................................................24 9.1. 9.2. Preparation ....................................................................................................................24 Rotor Installation ...........................................................................................................25
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Seal Installation.............................................................................................................25 Non-Drive End Seal Assembly Installation ...............................................................26 Oil Separation Seal.......................................................................................................30 Thrust Bearing ...............................................................................................................30 Shaft Lock Removal .....................................................................................................31 Journal Bearing .............................................................................................................31 Drive End Seal ..............................................................................................................31
10. Commissioning and Operation ...........................................................................................31 10.1. Separation Air/Gas .......................................................................................................31 10.2. Static Leakage...............................................................................................................32 10.3. Pre-Lubrication..............................................................................................................32 10.4. Start-Up ..........................................................................................................................32 10.5. Control System Adjustment.........................................................................................32 10.6. Data Collection..............................................................................................................32 10.7. Leakage..........................................................................................................................33 10.8. Maintenance ..................................................................................................................33 11. Seal Removal...........................................................................................................................33
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1.
References
The following publications form a part of this EPT. Unless otherwise specified herein, use the latest edition.
1.1.
1.2.
1.3.
2.
General
The conversion of centrifugal compressors from lubricated type shaft seals to dry gas seals and specification of dry gas seals for a new compressor shall be in accordance with requirements of this MEP, unless superceded by more stringent local regulations. Refer to MP 15-P-09 for additional reference.
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3.
3.1.
Operating Data
The operating conditions for the subject application shall be recorded on the Mobil Data Sheets for this MEP.
3.2.
3.2.2.
Hydrocarbon Service
For large size centrifugal compressors in hydrocarbon service, the sealing pressure is normally the limiting parameter for the application of dry gas seals.
3.2.3.
3.2.4.
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most popular arrangement for centrifugal compressors in gas processing service. In a tandem seal, the first seal carries the whole load and the second seal is a safety backup.
3.3.
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Dry Gas Seals for Centrifugal Compressors 6. Maintainability 7. Operability 8. Operating costs
3.4.
3.5.
3.6.
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3.7.
3.7.2.
3.8.
3.9.
Additional Requirements
The feasibility study shall also include the following: 1. Full size layout drawings showing the proposed dry gas seal installed in the seal cavity 2. Full size machining drawings for remachining the shaft and the seal cavity, if required 3. Total cost and delivery for all new materials 4. Estimated downtime for retrofit
4.
4.1.
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placement of the O-ring in the end shoulder is preferred over placing the O-ring in the bore of the seal where it can be cut during installation.
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4.2.
Shaft-to-Sleeve Clearance
4.2.1. Eccentricity Reduction
The clearance between shaft and sleeve, Figure 3, Item 6, shall be kept to a minimum to reduce eccentricity that can cause unbalance due to the relatively heavy weight of the tungsten carbide ring.
4.2.2.
Allowable Tolerances
There shall be sufficient clearance between the shaft and sleeve to ensure that assembly shall be possible in the field under unfavorable conditions. The seal capsule drawing shall show allowable tolerances for the shaft outside diameter and sleeve inside diameter.
4.3.
Tolerance Rings
Some seal manufacturers install tolerance rings (Figure 3, Item 7) in the inside of the seal sleeve to keep the seal concentric with the shaft. The tolerance ring is a strip of corrugated stainless steel metal. If the tolerance ring is too loose, it cannot maintain concentricity. If the tolerance ring is too tight, installing the seal shall be difficult. Request that the vendor show the minimum diameter of the tolerance ring corrugations and the amount of interference or crush (percentage).
4.4.
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4.5.
4.5.2.
Bidirectional Seals
Bidirectional type seals are being offered by more vendors and have the advantage that one seal can be used as a spare for either end and there is no danger of installing a seal in the wrong end. However, the performance of bidirectional seals is said to be less reliable and tolerant than unidirectional seals. On easy applications, bidirectional seal performance may be acceptable.
4.6.
Seat Rings
4.6.1. Material
Tungsten carbide is the most popular material for seat rings, although silicone carbide has a better heat dissipation rate. Both tungsten carbide and silicone carbide are very brittle. Some seal manufacturers are considering using ductile metal with a hard surface coating. Other manufacturers are considering composite materials with carbon fibers, etc.
4.6.2.
Shroud
The seat ring (tungsten carbide, etc.) shall be surrounded by a shroud made from ductile steel. The purpose of the shroud is to contain the pieces of the tungsten carbide ring if it shatters in service.
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4.6.3.
Drive Pins
A pin or key is required to drive the tungsten carbide ring. In the past, keys were used between the sleeve and the inside bore of the tungsten carbide ring. This was the worst design because the pin hole caused a stress riser in the bore of the ring. The next design was to use pins on the back side (face) of the carbide ring. This was better, but the latest development, and the best, is to drive the tungsten carbide from its outer surface with pins or flats between the inside of the shroud and the outside of the tungsten carbide.
4.7.
4.8.
4.9.
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(0.0198 P + 0.1)
D N 203 10,000
Where L = standard liters per minute P = sealing pressure, kPag D = seal nominal diameter, mm N = operating speed, RPM
Customary Units:
D (0.0045P + 0.1)
N 8.0 10,000
Where L = standard cubic feet per minute P = sealing pressure, psig D = seal nominal diameter, inch N = operating speed, RPM
4.10.2.
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4.13.1.
4.13.2.
4.15. Documentation
The seal manufacturer shall supply a cross sectional drawing of the seal assembly and detailed installation and operating instructions. The compressor manufacturer shall supply: Drawings showing how the seal assembly and associated parts such as labyrinth seal, barrier seal, etc. fit into the seal cavities at both ends of the compressor Detailed installation instructions and complete bills of material
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All special tools and fixtures that are required to install or remove the dry gas seals Drawings showing the proper installation of the tools Written instructions explaining the use of the tools
Request a drawing showing all of the following: Flange connections for the previous seal oil connections Connections to be plugged New services for the remaining ports. Flange or pipe size and pressure ratings
4.15.1.
5.
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5.1.
Simplicity of Design
The design of the control system shall be as simple as possible. One of the main advantages of dry gas seals is to increase the reliability of the compressor by eliminating the complex seal oil system. Keep the control system as simple as possible.
5.2.
Definitions
Seal Gas is introduced between the impeller labyrinth and the dry gas seal capsule. The main requirements of the seal gas are that it is clean and dry in order to keep the seal faces clean. Separation Gas is introduced between the dry gas seal and the bearings to prevent migration of oil into the seals and to prevent process gas leakage to atmosphere.
5.3.
Control Subsystems
The dry gas seal control system is composed of the Seal Gas Subsystem and Separation Gas Subsystem.
5.3.1.
Decide whether compressor dis charge gas shall be the source for the seal gas or whether some other (possibly cleaner) source shall be used for the seal gas. Enter information on the Mobil Data Sheets for this MEP. Verify that the seal gas temperature is within the temperature limits set by the seal manufacturer. An alternate source of seal gas shall be employed when the compressor is shutdown. This shall prevent the introduction of foreign material into the seal during down time and during the time the compressor is being started and pressurized. If an alternate seal gas supply is to be used during downtime, provide a double check valve arrangement. As a result, the compressor discharge pressure shall automatically come into service when the compressor discharge pressure becomes hig her than the alternate supply.
5.3.1.2.
In the past, the most popular method of controlling seal gas flow was to use a pressure control valve to set the seal gas pressure at 70100 kPag (1015 psig) above compressor gas reference pressure. However, variations in the labyrinth clearance caused large variations in seal gas flow rates. Recycling large quantities of seal gas is inefficient and is not
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required. It is only necessary to have a small positive flow of seal gas across the labyrinth to prevent contamination of the dry gas seal. The more efficient way to control the seal gas flow is to install small diameter flow orifices in the lines before the seal gas enters the compressor. Typical diameter for these orifices is approximately 0.125 in. This allows the pressure control valve to work against known orifice opening (0.125 in) rather than working against a labyrinth seal, which continually wears and changes through the life of the compressor. These two orifices also tend to equalize the seal gas flow to both ends of the compressor, which can sometimes be a problem on low-pressure compressors. This design was first seen on Solar Inc. compressors during 1997. The recommended method is to install a pressure control valve reference 1520 psi above balance piston reference pressure and to install small (approximately 0.125 in) orifices downstream of the control valve. See Figure 4.
5.3.1.3.
The seal gas filters shall have a 5-micron nominal rating. Use two filters with isolating valves so that one filter element can be replaced while the other is in service. The bowl of the filters shall be equipped with bleed valves vented to a safe area. Install a differential pressure indicator and alarm switch on the filters, such as the indicating switch manufactured by ITT-Barton. 5.3.1.3.1. Coalescing Type Filters
1. The filters shall be the coalescing type to capture any liquids. These coalescing type filters normally flow from inside to outside, which is the reverse of most oil filters. 2. Locate the coalescing filters downstream of the pressure-cut control valve to catch any liquids formed in the pressure reduction. 3. Perform flash calculations. If the calculations indicate that condensation shall occur in the filters, then drain traps shall be added to the bottoms of the filter housings.
5.3.1.4.
Install a differential pressure switch to sound an alarm if the seal gas pressure falls below suction pressure.
5.3.1.5.
Stainless steel tubing or pipe shall be used throughout the seal control system, but as a minimum, downstream of the filters.
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5.3.1.6.
Install a relatively small flow orifice in the primary leakage lines. The purpose of this orifice is to hold a slight load against the secondary seal face to keep the seal cool and functional. Another advantage of the flow orifice is to elevate the leakage pressure above any pressure spikes that may occur in the flare header.
5.3.1.7.
Install a pressure switch upstream of the needle valve in the primary leakage lines. Set this switch to sound an alarm if the leakage increases above normal levels. Experienced operators of dry gas seals prefer to have an alarm only (no shutdown) and to continue operating on the secondary seal until the problem can be investigated and the compressor shutdown manually, if required.
5.3.1.8.
Leakage Measurements
Measuring the leakage from dry gas seals is difficult because the leakage rates are very low, in the order of 1 to 25 to 50 standard l/min (2 SCFM) per seal. Rotome ters could be suitable for this service, but some process plants prohibit rotometers because of safety concern about the glass or plastic windows. Also, rotometers do not give reliable service for long-term operation because they typically become dirty or fouled and give erratic readings. It is not necessary to precisely measure the leakage on a continual basis. Pressure indicators on the leakage line upstream of the needle valve give a general indication of the leakage rate. Once per month, or more frequently as required, a more precise measurement of the leakage can be obtained with a set of portable, calibrated rotometers. Use a set of approximately three rotometers with different flow ranges. Connect the rotometers with a flexible line (Swagelok). The readings from these calibrated rotometers can then be trended for preventive maintenance.
5.3.1.9.
Connect the primary vent to a collection header so that the leakage gas can be saved by recompressing. The small amount of leakage gas can be vented locally to the atmosphere through a separate vent pipe, if safety and environmental regulations permit such venting. Connect the leakage to a flare gas header. However, one problem with the flare header connection is that pressure spikes in the flare header may reflect back onto the seal control system and give false alarms. To avoid
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problems with pressure spikes in the flare header, install a check valve and relief valve to vent to the atmosphere. On compressors with very low suction pressure and/or high flare header pressures, it may be advantageous to equalize the seal cavity pressures at some intermediate pressure above suction pressure.
5.3.2.
5.3.2.2.
The separation gas supply can be controlled by a simple pressure regulator to hold approximately 2035 kPag (35 psig) pressure against the oil separation seal or labyrinth. The consumption of separation gas is normally very low (150 standard l/min [5 SCFM] per end), especially if carbon ring-type barrier seals are used. Optional pressure indicator and Pressure Switch Low (PSL) switch can be added to sound an alarm if the separation gas supply pressure fails. Design the system so that the separation air/gas shall continue to flow after shutdown to prevent post-lube or pre-lube oil from leaking into the dry seal assemblies.
5.3.2.3.
Secondary Leakage
The slight leakage from the secondary seal shall be piped to the atmosphere. This leakage stream is primarily separation gas (nitrogen) from the oil separation seal. Do not install any flow restrictions in the secondary leakage path, because flow restrictors shall prevent free venting and may force process gas leakage into the bearing housing. It is not necessary to measure the secondary leakage on a continual basis because the secondary leakage is primarily separation gas (nitrogen). The size of the secondary vent line shall be large tubing or pipe at least as large as the size of the secondary vent port on the compressor end cover.
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5.3.2.4.
Provide a manual drain valve from the low point in the chambe r between the dry gas seal and the oil separation seal. Periodically opening this valve shall indicate whether lube oil is leaking past the separation seal into the dry gas seal cavity.
6.
Factory Test
6.1. Operating Conditions
The following shall be agreed on before the start of the factory test.
6.2.
6.3.
Balancing
Dynamically balance each rotating component separately, then assemble all components and balance as an assembly per API STD 617. Verify that a half key is installed prior to balancing. Double-check the procedure by removing the seal from the balancing mandrel, indexing it 180 degrees, and checking the balance a second time.
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6.4.
Primary leakage at N rated and 50, 75, 100 and 125 percent Ps Secondary leakage at N rated and 50, 75, 100 and 125 percent Ps
Primary leakage at N maximum continuous and 100 percent Ps Primary leakage after 60 minute run at N rated and 100 Ps Secondary leakage after 15 minute run at N rated and 100 Ps Simulate emergency shutdown with rapid depressurization Repeat static leakage tests on primary and secondary
6.5.
Disassembly Inspection
Disassemble the seal assembly and inspect for abnormal contact patterns, rubs, scratches, etc.
6.6.
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7.
8.
9.
9.1.
Preparation
Verify that the outside surfaces of the shaft are smooth and free of burrs and deep scratches. Verify that all required chamfers are present to prevent cutting the O-rings. Measure the outside diameters of the shaft and compare with design dimensions. Check the anti-rotation key or keyway for correct location, height, etc. Remove any burrs or sharp corners that may hinder installation. Verify that a "K" is marked on the end of the shaft to show the orientation of the key. (This mark shall be beneficial when it is necessary to change the seal assembly at some time in the future.) Verify that the shaft lock nut fits the threads on both ends of the shaft.
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Verify that internal diameters and dimensions for all seal cavities are in accordance with design tolerance. Verify that the inside surface of the cavity is smooth and free of burrs, deep scratches and sharp edges that may cut the O-rings. Verify that all required chamfers and radii are present.
9.1.1.
Cleaning
Remove any seal oil from internal passages with mineral spirits and/or hot steam and blow dry with compressed air. With compressed air, blow all cuttings and dirt from the cavity and from the drilled passages in the end cover.
9.1.2.
Check-Fit Components
Check-fit the seal cartridge on the shaft to verify that it shall fit. The internal tolerance strips may make installation difficult. Do not use hammers or knockers to install the seal as blows may crack the carbons. Check-fit the seal assembly in the cavity of the compressor end cover. Check fit the internal labyrinth seal. Verify that the anti rotation pin in the labyrinth is installed. Verify that the labyrinth shall go all the way "home," and shall not prevent the complete installation of the seal assembly.
9.2.
Rotor Installation
Install the rotor in the compressor and install the end covers. Install the seal drive key or keyway at the top position to facilitate seal installation. Space the rotor in the center of the stationary components.
9.3.
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Once the shaft is correctly spaced axially, lock the shaft in place with the fixture on the drive end of the shaft. Connect the seal gas and buffer gas connections to the end cover and blow the lines clean. Clean the inside surface of the cavity and the end of the shaft.
9.3.2.
9.4.
9.4.1.
O-Ring Exercising
The seal capsule shall be exercised prior to installation to minimize O-ring hang-up which possibly could cause high initial leakage. This exercising can be accomplished as follows: 1. Place the seal cartridge on a clean table with the installation plate facing up. 2. Loosen the inner row of socket head cap screws two complete revolutions. 3. Pull up on the installation plate until uniform contact is achieved with the socket head cap screws. 4. Push down on the installation plate and release/pull up five or six times. 5. Tighten the inner row of socket head cap screws. Loosen the outer row of socket head cap screws two complete revolutions. 6. Carefully rotate the seal assembly upside-down with the installation plate on the bottom. 7. Push down on the rotor (sleeve) and release/pull up five or six times.
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8. Carefully rotate the seal assembly so that the installation plate is on the top. 9. Tighten the outer row of cap screws.
9.4.2.
Tolerance Rings
Inspect the tolerance rings on the inside of the seal to verify that they are securely positioned in their grooves. Some tolerance strips are spot welded at each end, and some are secured with Super Glue, in accordance with the following procedure: 1. Remove the old tolerance ring and all traces of glue or spot-welding from the groove in the sleeve bore. 2. Carefully cut the new tolerance strip between waves to slightly longer than required. 3. Curl the tolerance ring to provide the best possible fit in the groove before glu ing. 4. Trim ends between waves to leave a gap of approximately 5 mm (0.2 in) between ends. 5. Chamfer both ends of the tolerance strip. 6. Clean both ends of the tolerance strip and the groove in the vicinity of the "T" (balance) mark with solvent that is supplied with the repair kit. 7. Position the tolerance strip so that the gap aligns with the "T" on the sleeve. 8. Glue one end of the strip in position by applying the activator portion of the glue to the five waves at one end of the strip. Use the minimum amount of glue. 9. Apply the hardener portion to the groove in the vicinity of the "T" mark (balance mark). 10. Hold the end of the strip in place until the glue dries, which takes approximately 60 seconds. 11. Glue the other end of the strip following the same procedure. Insure that the strip is tight in the groove during the gluing of the second end with no looping in the tolerance strip. Apply even pressure to the strip to hold it in the groove while the glue is drying.
9.4.3.
Preparation
Check the key or keyway inside the sleeve to verify correct width and radial dimension from centerline.
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Measure the thickness of the seal flange with a micrometer at two diagonally opposite locations and record these readings for reference later in this procedure. Check-fit the shaft lock nut to the end of the shaft sleeve. Verify that the threads in the nut are the correct direction (left hand or right hand). Verify that the small socket head cap screws in the face of the nut are below the surface and that the nut-mating surface is smooth and free of burrs. Install new O-rings on the outside of the seal assembly and lightly lubricate with silicone grease. Loosen the installation plate cap screws on the inner diameter one revolution to allow for slight radial movement. Clean the end of the shaft and cover the bearing journal and vibration probe areas with a teflon sleeve or wrap with masking tape. This covering shall protect these surfaces from damage while the seal is being installed. Check the orientation of the keyway in the shaft and verify that it corresponds with the orientation of the key in the seal sleeve. With a fine-line felt tip pin, mark two parallel lines from the sides of the keyway to the end of the shaft. These lines shall help to align the key with the keyway. Lubricate the ins ide of the cavity, the outside of the shaft and the inside of the seal sleeve with Rocol anti-seize spray or equivalent.
9.4.4.
9.4.5.
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Verify that the key and keyway between the shaft and seal are in alignment. The key shall be between the two parallel lines that were marked on the shaft. Install a shaft jack and center the shaft in the housing within 0.1 mm (.005 in). Use a short rod of the proper length to center the shaft, which is much faster than using micrometers.
9.4.6.
Seal Installation
1. Push the seal into place by hand until it engages with the housing. 2. Install four all-thread screws to pull the seal into the cavity. Do not use hammers or knockers to install the seal. 3. Install nuts on the four jack screws and tighten hand-tight. Take four readings (top, bottom, left and right) with a depth micrometer or dial caliper to verify that the seal face is parallel with the end cover. If the seal face is not parallel with the cavity, tighten one or two of the jack screw nuts to bring the seal into alignment. 4. Tighten all four nuts by one-half turn in sequence to pull the seal evenly into the cavity without cocking. Take readings frequently to verify that the seal is going in squarely. 5. Observe the key and keyway and verify that they are engaging properly as the seal is pulled into position. If not, it shall be necessary to remove the seal and reorient the sleeve slightly.
9.4.7.
9.4.8.
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9.4.9.
Cap Screws
Install the cap screws that hold the seal flange against the shoulder in the cavity. Cross-torque the screws in increments to the torque recommended by the compressor manufacturer. Verify that the axial distance from the seal flange to the shoulder on the shaft sleeve is correct in accordance with the drawings.
9.4.10.
9.5.
9.6.
Thrust Bearing
Install the thrust bearing assembly. Be careful not to shift the rotor axially when the thrust bearings are installed. If necessary, adjust the thrust bearing shims and spacers so that the shaft can keep its current axial position as defined by the locking fixture at the drive end. Take readings on the end of the shaft to verify that the rotor does not shift axially when the shaft locking fixture is removed.
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9.7.
9.8.
Journal Bearing
Install the journal bearing in accordance with instructions from the compressor manufacturer.
9.9.
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If the static leakage is excessive, bump the seal supply pressure and/or the leakage flows in an effort to break the seal free so that it shall seal properly. The seal is probably leaking because the seal faces became cocked during installation. If the seal will not hold a static pressure with minimal leakage, it shall be necessary to remove the seal cartridge and take corrective action.
10.3. Pre-Lubrication
With the seal gas and nitrogen separation gas flowing, start to pre-lube the compressor. Verify that the lube oil flow is adequate and normal. Open a drain valve from the bottom of the cavity between the dry gas seal and the oil separation seal and verify that no oil is present in this chamber.
10.4. Start-Up
Start the compressor in accordance with normal and safe practices. As the compressor discharge pressure increases, the supply from the compressor discharge shall normally take over and replace the supply from the start-up alternate seal gas supply.
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Dry Gas Seals for Centrifugal Compressors 2. Filter differential pressure, filter in service, A or B.
3. Primary leakage and pressure for both ends. Take the flow readings with a calibrated, portable rotometer. 4. Nitrogen pressure to separation seals. Oil leakage: Yes or no, drive end or non-drive end.
10.7. Leakage
If lube oil is leaking past the separation seal, investigate and stop the oil leak. After 24 hours of operation, test the operation of the secondary seals by closing the primary leakage needle valves and imposing the full seal pressure against the secondary seals. Measure the secondary leakage with a portable rotometer. (Realize that most of the secondary leakage is actually nitrogen from the separation seals.) Continue taking the readings hourly for the next two days. Continue taking the readings once per shift for the next two weeks. Continue taking the readings once per day for the next two months.
10.8. Maintenance
Take primary leakage readings once per month with a portable set of calibrated rotometers. To verify that it is still sealing properly, close the primary leakage block valve and place the full load against the secondary seal. After the secondary seals are tested, return to normal seal operation. When the compressor is shut down, it is recommended that the seal gas continue to flow. This shall prevent contamination of the seal faces by any foreign material that may occur as the compressor is blown down and pressurized. It is recommended that the separation air/gas (nitrogen) continue to flow when the compressor is shut down so that no lube oil from pre-lube or post-lube shall leak into the dry gas seal assemblies.
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4. Install four jack screws through the seal flange and jack against the shoulder of the seal cavity. Turn each jack screw one-half turn in sequence to withdraw the seal evenly and prevent cocking. 5. When the seal cartridge is removed, tighten all screws in the installation plates. 6. Place the seal in a clean plastic bag and place in the special shipping container provided with the new seal. Do not place any other loose items in the container which may damage the seal during transportation.
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