New Developments In Standby Seals For Applications For Environmental Sensitive Duties

Abstract

Over the years, close attention has been paid in process facilities to the pumping of light hydrocarbons. Leakage of these products can and do cause environmental and health threatening situations. Since attention has been paid in the past, and at the present time, legislation has been passed to limit production emissions. Even more stringent regional and national limits are being debated that could have far reaching effects in the refining and petrochemical industries. The problems of viable mechanical seal designs for light hydrocarbons are addressed. Effective types of seals used on light hydrocarbon duties are outlined. The advantages and disadvantages of using single, tandem, and double seal designs on these duties will be discussed. The criteria set up by the Environmental Protection Agency and the South Coast Air Quality Management District can be a researcher’s nightmare, but herein, these guidelines, and how they apply to the mechanical sealing industry, are addressed. How the different types of seals; single, tandem and double do or do not meet EPA and SCAQMD limits are addressed.