#USA #Slough #John Crane #Type 8628VL #mechanical seal

John Crane Launches Type 8628VL Mechanical Seal

In a remarkable advancement for the oil and gas sector, John Crane has introduced the next-generation Type 8628VL mechanical seal, specifically crafted to tackle the most challenging issues faced in ethane transmission pipelines. With an emphasis on reliability and environmental compliance, this innovative seal is set to redefine performance standards in an industry known for its demanding operational conditions.

Addressing Pipeline Challenges

Ethane pipelines often encounter unique challenges, notably frequent phase changes from liquid to vapor and supercritical states. These conditions can severely undermine traditional seal performance, leading to operational inefficiencies. The Type 8628VL ingeniously resolves this issue by employing dual non-contacting seal faces arranged in a tandem configuration. This design has been validated by peer-reviewed research published in Lubricants (MDPI), demonstrating its capability to provide superior hydrodynamic lift and resilience during phase transitions, thus helping to eliminate friction and wear that typically plague conventional seals.

Field Testing and Results

The initial deployment of the Type 8628VL occurred with a prominent ethane transmission company along the U.S. Gulf Coast, which faced significant operational difficulties managing phase changes during pumping activities, especially when pressure fluctuated. Ethane remains a liquid at around 18°C (65°F) and 40 bar (580 psi), transitioning to vapor at approximately 32°C (89°F). This shift not only created sealing issues but posed risks to uptime and the longevity of the seals.

After installing four Type 8628VL seals on ethane pump equipment, the results after three months of continuous operation were striking. The seals demonstrated:

• - Consistent, reliable performance across all phases: liquid, vapor, and supercritical.
• - Extremely low leakage rates.
• - Zero operational failures.

According to a senior reliability engineer from the customer site, “The performance is exactly what we hoped for — consistent, reliable, and robust. We now have full confidence in uptime.” The ramp-up in productivity was also accompanied by notable improvements in service turnaround times, reduced refurbishment costs, and overall lower maintenance needs, as the Type 8628VL effectively mitigated premature seal failures.

Key Benefits of the Type 8628VL

1. Enhanced Reliability: Outliving conventional wet seals with liquid barrier fluid nearly twice over, the Type 8628VL boasts a mean time between repair (MTBR) of up to 48 months or more.
2. Efficiency and Sustainability: Requiring only 2-3 gallons per minute (GPM) of flush fluid compared to the 10-30 GPM required by conventional contacting seal technology, it significantly reduces the size and costs associated with flush fluid systems.
3. Lower Operating Costs: Minimal maintenance requirements with MTBR targets of 48 months or more streamline operational expenditures.
4. Simplified Support Systems:** The dual unpressurized arrangement eliminated the need for complex API Plan 54 or 53B systems, meaning no liquid barrier fluids or cooling water are necessary.

Competitive Edge in the Market

Mike Eason, Chief Technology Officer at John Crane, stated, “Unlike hybrid or contacting seals, the Type 8628VL offers pure non-contacting operation, even during rapid phase transitions. This innovation marks a significant leap forward for our industry.” He further emphasized the company's commitment to continuous development of products aimed at enhancing customer reliability while championing energy transition goals and minimizing greenhouse gas emissions.

The launch of the Type 8628VL mechanical seal is not just an advancement in technology but a promising step towards a more efficient and sustainable future for the oil and gas industry. As the market evolves, innovations like the Type 8628VL will play a key role in addressing both operational challenges and environmental responsibilities.