Advice on plan 53A installation
Advice on plan 53A installation
(OP)
I am looking for some advice regarding the installation of an API Plan 53A system. We have a vertical mounted in-line mixer operating at 3 bar. The mixer is blending food flavouring and colourant into a fat and sugar slurry. The original single seals with an atmospheric static oil quench, continually failed due to a build up of sugar on the seal faces. Our supplier is planning to fit Fluiten C2D double mechanical seals with a plan 53A reservoir. The supplier recommends that normal oil level in the reservoir tank is 1 metre above the seal. The problem is, there is limited headroom where the mixers are installed, and the maximum oil level that we can achieve is 60 – 70cm above the seal. What effect is the lower oil level likely to have on the performance of the seals?





RE: Advice on plan 53A installation
Johnny Pellin
RE: Advice on plan 53A installation
The concern here is because, circulation of the barrier fuid in the closed-loop system is important to ensure sufficient lubrication and remove heat from the seal face. Typically, seal flush rate of 2~3LPM is required for a 80mm seal, and this flush rate can be calculated using the API 682 formula. I do not think that a pumping ring is applicable for your case, because pumping ring will require speed of 1400rpm min in order to be effective. Since your equipment is in-line mixer, probably the speed will be low. Therefore, you will have to go for a circulation pump for this case. For your case, your circulation pump might have to be FDA approval, subjected to your client's requirement. You may pm me if you require recommendation on the circulation pump. If your Plan 53A system do not meet the height requirement, then this seal may not be operating in an ideal condition. Shall there be seal failure, seal vendor will have to come in and rectify the seal supply system or add in a new circulation pump.
RE: Advice on plan 53A installation
RE: Advice on plan 53A installation
Johnny Pellin
RE: Advice on plan 53A installation