Reverse rotation on pumps

• Oct 14, 2013

• #2

flexibox

Mechanical

Jun 23, 2007

343

AU

Most pump seals are bi-directional. They do not have directional grooves unless you have a gas seal. What type of seal do you have? Any drawings?

If it is multi spring normal seal should be ok. Are you experiencing seal failures?

 

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• Oct 15, 2013

• Thread starter
• #3

Midan

Mechanical

Jan 17, 2012

11

NZ

Actually we are still in FEED stage and studying the possibility of seal failure due to reverse rotation.
Most of our selection is for plan 53B which I believe will have no issue as in all cases it is working on the clean barrier fluid, but for other seal plans like 11, 13 or 31. I need to get more information and experiences especially from operators and seal manufacturers.
I remember once I found pump vendor who supplies a reverse rotation protection device but I recall it has its problems and constrains.

 

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• Oct 17, 2013

• #4

Pumpsonly

Mechanical

Mar 25, 2011

373

MY

As Flexibox put it, most seals now are using multi spring design and is bi-directional.
Single coil spring seals are uni-directional.

 

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• Oct 17, 2013

• #5

flexibox

Mechanical

Jun 23, 2007

343

AU

As most seals are dual pressurised I think you should ensure the seals are suitable for reverse pressure conditions should it ever occur.

 

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