Development of a single mechanical seal equipped with API Piping Plan 11/66A for large mainline crude oil pipeline pump
A major Oil and Gas midstream company came to Eagle Burgmann with a request to design a single mechanical seal for a large crude oil pipeline pump. They explained that a major seal failure resulted in a large crude oil spill to the ground. This caused an environmental and economic impact for the Midstream company. The overriding message we were given was to engineer and design a seal that would not easily fail catastrophically and be able to contain the leakage.
CRITICAL DESIGN FACTORS
. The single mechanical seal has to ensure a stable operation across a wide range of operating conditions
. Seal faces that cannot break under any circumstance, even for reasons such as such as installation errors, bearing failures, pressure surges, etc.
. The containment system on the outboard side of the seal must be capable to handle the maximum pump pressure of 1450 PSIG in the seal housing and prevent oil from leaking into to the environment.
OPERATING CONDITIONS
Pumped fluid: Crude oil + Diluted Bitumen
Seal chamber pressure range: 40 to 1450 PSIG
Discharge pressure: 1986 PSIG
Shaft diameter: 6.10”
RPM range: 720 to 1980
Temperature range: 10 to 70°C
Density: 0,87 to 0,93 kg/dm³
Vapor Pressure: 0,93 bara
Viscosity: 71Cst
CHALLENGE
Crude oil pipeline applications can be very different from the typical 'process' pump in a hydrocarbon processing plant. There are a number of peculiarities regarding pipeline pumps related to the size of the equipment, process medium and plant operation that make these applications a challenge:
1. A pipeline will have two or more pumping units in a pump station in series.
2. Each station may be equal in terms of design and operation but with different normal operating conditions to suit geographical location, terrain between upstream and downstream stations, etc.
3. Duty conditions can change from station to station; operation at variable conditions; pumps running at maximum and/or minimum duty points are likely to be common operating modes.
RESULTS
- Seals have been running since 2014
- Robust seal design of which the seal faces cannot break
- Use face materials with good lubrication properties
- Full containment of leakage to the environment is possible up to 1450 PSIG
- Safety like a dual mechanical seal
- No expensive, elaborate supply system needed
- Early detection of excessive leakage, i.e. seal troubles through a simple pressure measurement by a PIT
Let us help you
Our products are used wherever safety and reliability count: in the industries of oil & gas, refineries, petrochemicals, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food, power, water and many more. About 6,000 employees contribute their ideas, solutions and dedication every day to ensure that customers around the globe can rely on our seals. With our modular TotalSealCare Service, we emphasize our strong customer orientation and offer custom-tailored services for every need. Rely on excellence.
Contact
EagleBurgmann Industries LP
10035 Brookriver Drive, Houston, TX 77040
Kent Prichard
Midstream Market Manager
Phone +1 713 206 1280
E-Mail: kent.prichard@eagleburgmann.com