John Crane Revolutionizes Pipeline Efficiency with New Seal
Introducing the Type 8628VL Mechanical Seal
John Crane has recently launched a groundbreaking product, the Type 8628VL mechanical seal, tailored to tackle the intricate challenges faced by the oil and gas industry, specifically in the context of ethane and ethylene pipelines. Recognizing the need for improved sealing integrity under fluctuating pressure and temperature conditions, this innovative seal utilizes advanced spiral groove non-contacting technology to offer exceptional reliability and efficiency, along with a strong commitment to environmental standards.
The Importance of Addressing Multiphase Challenges
Ethane pipelines face drastic challenges as they frequently shift between different fluid phases—liquid, vapor, and supercritical—which can jeopardize the performance of traditional seals. The Type 8628VL is ingeniously designed with dual non-contacting seal faces in a tandem configuration, effectively addressing these complexities. Supported by credible research, this design causes the seal faces to provide a superior hydrodynamic lift, impressive resilience to phase changes, and function without wear in dynamically changing fluid environments.
Successful Field Trials on the U.S. Gulf Coast
A leading ethane transmission company encountered significant operational hurdles while managing phase changes during pumping due to pressure variations along the U.S. Gulf Coast. Ethane typically exists in a liquid state at near 18°C (65°F) and 40 bar (580 psi), yet transitions into vapor at approximately 32°C (89°F). This conversion posed serious sealing and reliability challenges, which negatively affected overall uptime and the longevity of seals.
To combat these issues, the operator integrated four Type 8628VL seals into their ethane pump apparatus, which had been performing inconsistently under ~1100 psi. After three months of continuous operation, even amidst intermittent shutdowns, the improvements were crystal clear:
- Non-contacting performance across all phases – accommodating liquid, vapor, and supercritical transitions.
- Extremely low leakage rates encountered.
- Zero failures over the trial period.
A senior reliability engineer involved noted, "The performance meets our expectations—consistent, reliable, and robust. Our confidence in uptime has significantly increased lately." This deployment not only enhanced service turnaround times but also provided better local service center support, cut down refurbishment durations, and reduced the costs linked with complex refurbishment processes.
Benefits of the Type 8628VL Seal
John Crane's Type 8628VL seal offers an array of benefits that position it ahead of traditional seals:
- Enhanced Reliability: This seal boasts a lifespan that is nearly double that of conventional wet seals employing liquid barrier fluids, achieving a mean time between repair (MTBR) of 48 months or more.
- Efficiency and Sustainability: Requiring only 2-3 gallons per minute (GPM) of flush fluid—much less than the 10-30 GPM needed for sealing systems with contacting faces—this seal minimizes operational costs while supporting higher environmental standards.
- Lower Operating Costs: Designed for minimal maintenance needs, it targets an MTBR of over 48 months, making it a cost-efficient choice.
- Simplified Supporting Systems: With dual unpressurized configurations, the seal’s design eliminates the need for complex API Plan 54 or 53B systems, reducing the requirement for liquids and cooling water typically needed in traditional setups.
Looking Ahead in a Changing Market
Mike Eason, Chief Technology Officer at John Crane, shared his thoughts on the seal’s potential: "Unlike hybrid or contacting seals, the Type 8628VL ensures pure non-contacting operation, even amidst rapid phase changes. This innovation represents a promising step forward for the sector." Eason also emphasized the company’s dedication to expanding their products to meet both customer reliability and energy transition objectives. The Type 8628VL exemplifies John Crane's pledge to innovate towards greater efficiency and sustainability, contributing to the goal of zero greenhouse gas emissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Type 8628VL mechanical seal?
The Type 8628VL is a cutting-edge mechanical seal designed specifically for enhancing the performance of ethane and ethylene pipelines.
How does the Type 8628VL improve pipeline operations?
This seal improves operations by maintaining sealing integrity under variable pressure and temperature conditions, thereby increasing reliability and reducing leakage.
What are the key benefits of using the Type 8628VL seal?
Key benefits include enhanced reliability, lower operating costs, sustainability through reduced flush fluid requirements, and simplified sealing support systems.
Where has the Type 8628VL been successfully implemented?
It has been successfully installed and tested on equipment along the U.S. Gulf Coast, with significant improvements noted in performance metrics.
What future developments can be expected from John Crane?
John Crane plans to continue expanding their product lineup to meet evolving customer needs in reliability and energy transition, focusing on innovative designs that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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