Reciprocating Packing & Dampener Problem
Reciprocating Packing & Dampener Problem
(OP)
Hello Everyone,
Appreciate your advise, input and experince on following problem which I am facing for the past few months.
We have two triplex plunger pumps that repeatedly fails. We experiencing plunger packing leak, dampener broken and required frequent shutdown, max 2 weeks.
We monitor the dampener (Flowguard). It seem that the pressure is decreasing and later failed due to in adequate pre-charge. We believe there is some kind of loose connection while pump is running.
The plunger packing also frequently leak. It need change every 3 - 5 wk. Packing is made from braided peak.
I don't know how is this relate but if dampener working well, the packing is ok. Once the dampener broke, the packing will follow.
Pump is serving glcyol (TEG) at 80 barA & 140 deg Cel.
Appreciate if you guys can tell me what is happening, what need to be change, what type of packing is suitable, what type of bladder is suitable since we have keep changing this parts for every months.
Appreciate your advise, input and experince on following problem which I am facing for the past few months.
We have two triplex plunger pumps that repeatedly fails. We experiencing plunger packing leak, dampener broken and required frequent shutdown, max 2 weeks.
We monitor the dampener (Flowguard). It seem that the pressure is decreasing and later failed due to in adequate pre-charge. We believe there is some kind of loose connection while pump is running.
The plunger packing also frequently leak. It need change every 3 - 5 wk. Packing is made from braided peak.
I don't know how is this relate but if dampener working well, the packing is ok. Once the dampener broke, the packing will follow.
Pump is serving glcyol (TEG) at 80 barA & 140 deg Cel.
Appreciate if you guys can tell me what is happening, what need to be change, what type of packing is suitable, what type of bladder is suitable since we have keep changing this parts for every months.





RE: Reciprocating Packing & Dampener Problem
Come back with more details if possible.
Immediate steps would be to talk with Flowguard about diaphragm material compatibility with the process fluid and if your dampener is the proper size for the application.
RE: Reciprocating Packing & Dampener Problem
Info required:
1. the piston size is (Bore x stroke) 2.1/2" to 2.1/4" x 3.1/2" ,
2. the piston material is Tunsten Carbide coated SS,
3. packing style and design is normal type 4 pcs per plunger. Not a V type
Pump is running 24hr x 7d - non stop. Scenario of damperner failure as I mentioned earlier, pressure decrease then burst. if we maintain pre-charge pressure by weekly charging, damperner will last.
For packing, first we can see an increase drop of glycol leak. After a while (day or two) this drop will get worst and we can see fluid folwing out from stuffing box.
Last week we also observe pitting at plunger while changing the packing.
Thanks
RE: Reciprocating Packing & Dampener Problem
I would follow unclesyd's advice and contact Flowguard directly on +44(0) 1663 745976.
RE: Reciprocating Packing & Dampener Problem
I agree the membrane is ok but what is the reason of pressure decrease and why the packing leak so frequent.
RE: Reciprocating Packing & Dampener Problem
RE: Reciprocating Packing & Dampener Problem
If you do, what type of packing and membrane you are using. I will use same one as try-an-error.
RE: Reciprocating Packing & Dampener Problem
If the accumulator is undersized then the bladder may be exhausting gas regularly and emptying the bottle.
RE: Reciprocating Packing & Dampener Problem
I personally haven't like to use stainless steel as a plunger material. If we used SS it was material like 17/4 or 420 and most of the time it was hard chrome plated or nitrided if the process would allow it.
Is the WC2 flaking off or is it a true corrosion pit?
Have you checked the whole shaft for TIR?
Are there any micro-cracks in WC2?
RE: Reciprocating Packing & Dampener Problem
RE: Reciprocating Packing & Dampener Problem
Pump model is Wheatley HP100L. Packing needs replacement from 10 to 30 days. We're using Zero emission packing sets that are Tandem Sets (2 sets of packing that create a barrier between them to capture trace emissions).
Selection of packing looks right to me so plan is to confirm all dimensions are OEM to eliminate plunger or stuffing box problems. There is only damper in the Discharge line. There is no damper in the suction line but not sure how it may affect.
I'd appreciate your comments and ideas. Thanks.
RE: Reciprocating Packing & Dampener Problem
It would pay you to start a new thread and red flag this post.
You will get much more response to your post by doing this.
PS
You scared me to start with as the few Wheatley pumps That I've been acquainted with were water pumps.
RE: Reciprocating Packing & Dampener Problem
Can "symd" update the actions taken for reliability improvement ?
RE: Reciprocating Packing & Dampener Problem
RE: Reciprocating Packing & Dampener Problem
TEG @ 85 Deg C, Disc. pr. 120 Bar. Failure is not chemical attack on rubber, but lose of pressure loss over few days / weeks. Also packing life is few weeks only.
RE: Reciprocating Packing & Dampener Problem
We change bladder to free maintenance type.
RE: Reciprocating Packing & Dampener Problem
Can you please elaborate "free maintenance type" ?
We are thinking to implemet preventive packing adjustment every month and replacement every 3 month. What is your experience ?
Thanks for reply.
RE: Reciprocating Packing & Dampener Problem
damperner mfr is Performance Pulsation Control. Instead of bladder type, it is fully mechanical internal design creating some kind of flow that reduce damperning effect.
Please search website for details
If you do not have a problem with damperner, why dont you try different type of packing. It is cheap and worth trying. You may start with teflon which is proven for min 3 months. Do not buy from pump manufacturer but direct from packing manufacturer. It will cost less than US10 per pcs.
by the way, what brand you pump is?. We have another pump serving condensate, brand is WEPUKO. no problem for past 1.5yrs, since commissioned. Very queit. SO for all new pumps, we go by WEPUKO as much as we can.