Design Improvements Enhance Dry Gas Seal's Ability To Handle Reverse Pressurization.
Abstract
Within the past three years, refrigeration compressors operating intermittently at subatmospheric pressures have experienced two dry gas seal failures which have been attributed, either all or in part, to reverse pressurization of the seal. Failures of this type occur while operating at subatmospheric suction pressures and/or high seal vent pressures (flare header). These failures have resulted in significant production losses and maintenance costs. The design of the seal and buffer system controls, failure analysis, corrective actions implemented by seal design changes, and buffer gas control improvements are discussed herein. Emphasis is given to the seal manufacturer's advanced modelling capabilities and operating/ testing experience which has allowed refinements in the seal's design to tolerate reverse pressurization. Limitations of these design changes are also discussed.
Description
LecturePg. 149-156
Subject
TurbomachinesCollections
Citation
Mayeux, T. Paul; Feltman, Paul L. (1996). Design Improvements Enhance Dry Gas Seal's Ability To Handle Reverse Pressurization.. Texas A&M University. Turbomachinery Laboratories. Available electronically from https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /163457.