The purpose of a seal support system is to provide seal fluid to the mechanical seal of a pump/agitator. This fluid can be a gas or a liquid, but importantly must maintain fluid conditions like pressure, temperature, and flow to ensure proper and long-term performance of the mechanical seal.
Seal support systems are essential components used to maintain the proper environment for mechanical seals in pumps and rotating equipment. These systems help ensure the longevity and reliability of the seals by providing necessary cooling, lubrication, and pressure control. Here are some key points about seal support systems:-
Purpose: The primary function of a seal support system is to supply a fluid (either gas or liquid) to the mechanical seal to regulate the conditions in which the seal operates. This helps prevent leakage and reduces friction and heat.
Components: These systems typically include reservoirs, heat exchangers, filters, pumps, and various instrumentation to monitor and control the fluid conditions such as pressure, temperature, and flow.
Types:
There are various types of seal support systems, each designed for specific applications and process conditions. Common types include:-
Plan 11: Flushes the seal with process fluid.
Plan 23: Uses a heat exchanger to cool the seal flush fluid.
Plan 52: Uses a buffer fluid in a reservoir to pressurize the seal.
Plan 53A/B/C: Uses a barrier fluid system with different configurations for pressurization.
Applications:
Seal support systems are used in industries such as oil and gas, chemical processing, pharmaceuticals, and food and beverage, where maintaining the integrity of mechanical seals is critical to the operation.
Benefits: Properly designed and maintained seal support systems can significantly reduce the probability of seal failure, minimize downtime, and lower maintenance costs.