API plan 52 operation
API plan 52 operation
(OP)
Hi all,
In our plant the reservoir of API plan 52 seal has a pressure switch (no level switch)and is vented through an orifice (2 mm) and a valve to the flare system, should the valve be close or open? how the seal malfunction is detected?
regards,
roker
In our plant the reservoir of API plan 52 seal has a pressure switch (no level switch)and is vented through an orifice (2 mm) and a valve to the flare system, should the valve be close or open? how the seal malfunction is detected?
regards,
roker





RE: API plan 52 operation
If you have manual valve and 2 mm orifice, the valve should be open. When seal leaks, pressure will rise and pressure switch will generate alarm.
Problem of this arrangement is that, when outboard seal is leaking no alarm is generated. You have to depend on field operator observation to monitor outboard seal performance.
RE: API plan 52 operation
thanks for your reply, how do you observe outboard seal leaking? is plan 52 only for the seal near the impeller (or process fluid being pumped)?
regards,
roker
RE: API plan 52 operation
RE: API plan 52 operation
My experience on many of these installations has been that over time, the level in the pot will rise and will require intervention by the operator to drain the pot to an acceptable level. Declaring the inner seal failed depends on the frequency of pot draining. Draining a 3 gallon pot down every few days may be acceptable depending on the service. Leak rates high enoungh to activate the pressure alarm probably aren't.