Multiple sealing options in universal housings

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Dec 11, 2001

Gaspac compressor gas seals offer a range of innovative solutions to problems including hang-up, reverse rotation and pressurisation, and centring of rotating components

The Flowserve range of Gaspac compressor gas seals for the oil and gas industries offer a range of innovative solutions to problems including hang-up, reverse rotation and pressurisation, and centring of rotating components.

Within universal housings, they also offer alternative seal face patterns, either 'O' ring or PTFE 'J' ring dynamic secondary seal arrangements, standard or advanced features to achieve rotating face centring and concentricity with the seal shaft sleeve, together with single or double seal arrangements including tandem seals either with or without interstage labyrinths.

The Flowserve unidirectional APG (advanced pattern groove) face seal pattern is considered to be a breakthrough in dry-running gas seal face technology.

It outperforms traditional spiral groove designs by providing lift-off at lower speeds, low-pressure hydrostatic lift and better film stiffness performance.

The optional bidirectional face seal pattern SMT (symmetrical T-groove) provides increased protection and can operate with both clockwise and anti-clockwise rotation.

Hydrodynamic lift-off is achieved at peripheral speeds as low as 6.6ft/sec, with minimum effects of leakage and parasitic horsepower requirements.

The dynamic secondary seals can be fitted with spring energised 'O' rings which resist extrusion or the incidence of explosive decompression, with operation up to 105 bar (1500psig).

The optional PTFE 'J' ring seal arrangement extends operating performance up to 230 bar (3300psig) within a temperature range of -100deg to +230deg C (-148degF to + 446degF).

Operating speeds for both options are up to 200 metres/sec (650ft/sec).

A spiral ring is utilised to achieve centring of the rotating face and concentricity with the seal shaft sleeve.

This provides even force distribution and minimises radial stresses.

For higher speeds and where enhanced dampening characteristics are required, conventional 'O' rings can be supplemented by captive engineered centring strips.