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John Crane Introduces the Type 93AX Coaxial Separation Seal

In an exciting advancement for the energy and process industries, John Crane, a leader in rotating equipment solutions, has launched the Type 93AX Coaxial Separation Seal. This innovative dry gas sealing technology aims to reduce emissions, enhance equipment reliability, and lower operational costs significantly. According to the company's insights, the strategic design of the Type 93AX is rooted in direct customer feedback, demonstrating a solid commitment to addressing real-world challenges faced by customers across the oil, gas, power generation, and clean energy sectors.

Key Features of the Type 93AX Coaxial Seal

One of the most striking benefits of the Type 93AX is its remarkable efficiency. It has been shown to reduce nitrogen consumption by up to 80% in comparison to traditional radial separation seals. This efficiency gain not only supports sustainability efforts but also translates to substantial cost savings for companies that employ this technology.

Designed for Resilience

The Type 93AX stands out due to its robust design, which continues to function effectively even in multiple failure scenarios. This is particularly crucial in industries where unplanned downtime can lead to staggering financial loss. In fact, Deloitte estimates that unplanned downtime costs the global process industries around $50 billion each year. The Type 93AX is specifically engineered to counteract these statistics by maintaining operational performance even in adverse conditions.

The innovative design incorporates three different operational modes that allow it to adapt automatically in failure situations, which minimizes disruption and ensures that operational integrity is upheld. These modes include:
1. Standard Operation: Offers positive oil ingress mitigation through non-contacting operation.
2. Separation Gas Loss: Continues to maintain oil control during loss of separation gas, preserving system performance.
3. Dry Gas Seal Failure: Restricts gas leakages, maintaining seal integrity during compressor shutdown scenarios.

Addressing Contamination Risks

Research highlights that contamination is one of the leading causes of dry gas seal failures, resulting in increased maintenance needs and operational downtime. The Type 93AX effectively prevents oil ingress from the compressor bearing chamber, which significantly lowers the risk of contamination. By doing so, it supports continuous operations, ensuring reliability for businesses that rely on these crucial systems.

Sustainability Focus

The Type 93AX not only aids operational efficiency but also contributes to sustainability goals. As the global population increasingly emphasizes greener practices, the ability to cut nitrogen usage dramatically lessens the demand on nitrogen generation systems, which are a significant energy and cost burden. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), enhancing industrial efficiency could realize up to a 12% reduction in global energy usage by 2040, underlining the importance and relevance of solutions like the Type 93AX.

Customer Testimonials and Market Reach

Mike Eason, Chief Technology Officer at John Crane, reinforces the effectiveness of the Type 93AX by stating, “Our customers demanded a separation seal that boosts safety and efficiency. The Type 93AX meets these needs through engineering designed for real-world challenges, minimizing operational expenditures (OPEX) and capital expenditures (CAPEX) while shrinking environmental impacts.”

Moreover, the seal is compatible with John Crane's existing dry gas seal portfolio and is supported by an extensive global network that includes over 200 facilities in more than 50 countries. This international reach allows customers to obtain the Type 93AX as part of a bundled first-fit order or as a standalone product tailored to specific needs.

For detailed insights, customers can visit John Crane's official announcement.

About John Crane

With over 100 years of experience and innovation in rotating equipment solutions, John Crane is an integral part of the Smiths Group plc—a top-tier industrial technology company listed on the FTSE 100. Recognized for their comprehensive approach to combining traditional energy with cleaner alternatives, John Crane is paving the path towards a sustainable energy future. Their impressive revenue of over £1.1 billion in the fiscal year 2024 showcases their position as a beacon of reliability and efficiency in the industry.