Abstract
In my experience, pump mechanical seal failures are the number 1 rotating machinery reliability issue. Severe mechanical seal reliability issues have caused process unit shutdowns when both the main and auxiliary pump seals had issues. In addition, I have seen costly plant fires caused by mechanical seal failure. It is essential to understand mechanical seal designs and the API (American Petroleum Institute) flush plans. Procure the latest edition of API 610 (centrifugal pumps) and API 682 (pumps shaft sealing systems) to assure proper seal and flush system selection. Set up a means to monitor seal condition, identify bad actor seal installations, and work with the seal vendor to resolve them. In the last 20years or so, pump mechanical seal vendors have greatly improved the reliability of their seals. Pump mechanical seal design is challenging, and it is essential that the end users inform the vendors of any differences between “Data Sheet” seal parameters and actual field operating values. This chapter then will present the key design, installation, and monitoring issues I have encountered in over 45years of pump mechanical seal design and field troubleshooting.
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