Dry Gas Seal Failure due to Axial Sub-synchronous Vibration on a Hydrogen Recycle Gas Compressor.

Abstract

Approximately 6 months after commissioning a new hydrotreater hydrogen recycle gas compressor the site experienced a dry gas seal failure. The investigation revealed wear of the primary seal dynamic sealing element due to movement thought to be caused by design and installation issues. The onset of a second failure indicated the root cause had not been identified. Further investigation discovered the compressor was experiencing high axial vibration during operation ultimately causing the seal failures. This case study will present the data from each failure, monitoring methods used, analysis conducted, options evaluated and the corrective action taken to resolve the problem.