Acceptable m/seal leakage rates?

[jet1749]

Our operators are requesting guidance on acceptable mechanical seal leakage rates (I know this seems a contradiction in terms!)Typically interested in API hydrocarbon pumps. I am aware that this has implications with COMAH DSEAR and environmental considerations etc. But one mans drip is another mans raging torrent, any one have any references or sources?

 

[Rotator]

Suggest that you contact the mechanical seal vendor, as they should be able to advise expected leakage rates for the specific application, and provide guidance on what leakage rate indicates serious damage to the seal.

 

[FACS]

Mechanical seals don't leak.

Packing seals leak, but a mechanical seal shouldn't.

Charlie

http://www.facsco.com

 

[Scipio]

Actually mechanical seals do leak, without leakage across the seal face there's nothing lubricating the ring faces and they burn out. Rotator's right, check with the seal manufacturer, the leakage rate depends on a lot of things, like seal chamber pressure, seal face velocity, fluid properties, closing force, etc. If the seal is done correctly, the leakage rate should be almost insignificant (drops per day kind of rate), but there will be a leak.

 

[FACS]

Actually, Scipio, you corrected me correctly.

My mechanical seals never leak because I vent them.

this may help.

http://www.imo-pump.com/TechArticles/sealeak.pdf

Charlie

http://www.facsco.com