Dry gas seals are basically mechanical face seals

consisting of a mating (rotating) ring and a primary (stationary) ring During operation, grooves in the mating ring generate a fluiddynamic force causing the primary ring to separate from the mating ring, thus, creating a "running gap" between the two rings.

A sealing gas is injected into the seal, providing the working fluid for the running gap and the seal between the atmosphere or flare system and the compressor internal process gas.

Dry Gas Seal Arrangement

Typical Dry gas seal

Seal Face of Dry gas

Theory of Non-Contact

Demo

Lift off of stationary ring achieved by increased pressure at the taper portion.

Dry Gas Seal Arrangement in K-2115/K-4115

Dry Gas Seal Arrangement in K-2115/K-4115

PRIMARY SEAL GAS SUPPLY

FROM COMPRESSOR DISCHARGE

F1
FIT
PCV

FLARE

START UP SUPPLY N2

FIT

F2
SECONDARY & SEPARATION GAS SUPPLY N2

PCV

Dry Gas Seal Supply Console - P&ID

Understanding Seal Gas Supplies to Dry Gas Seal Primary Seal

Primary Seal Gas is, typically, Filtered gas from the compressor discharge side, injected in to the Seal Chamber (the primary inboard seal chamber) A major part of the this injected gas will flow back to the compressor through the inner labyrinth at the process gas side. This achieves the prevention of emissions from the compressor to the atmosphere. A small quantity of gas will pass thro the dynamically separated gap of seal faces to the intermediate chamber between the inboard &outboard seals Since this cavity is vented, the rate ( quantity per minute) of gas flowing out is measured downstream.

This is the indication of the leakage rate of the seal.

A minimum rate of leakage will be always present. Increase in the rate of leakage beyond design limits indicates reduced seal performance/ Efficiency

Understanding Seal Gas Supplies to Dry Gas Seal Secondary Seal ( Containment seal )
from primary seal chamber Nitrogen is injected in to this secondary Seal Chamber The Secondary Seal Functions as a safety seal to avoid emissions to atmosphere in case of excessive leakage in the primary seal Secondary Seal is a backup seal which seals the leakage

Separation seal ( Barrier seal)

This seal also works in conjunction with a separation labyrinth situated between the bearing housings and Seal Chambers The separation gas is also Nitrogen, injected in to the separation labyrinth The main purpose of Separation gas supply is to prevent the oil in the bearing side from entering the seal Chamber. Presence oil in the seal chamber will cause damage to the Dry gas seal components

Operational Guide Lines Dry Gas Seals

Seal Gas Supply Quality

The Quality of Gas fed to the seals must be clean and DryCoalescing Filters to filter 2 microns shall be used in the Dry gas Supply Console. Pressure Drop across the Filters shall be monitored and filters must be renewed to achieve good seal performance

Seal Gas Supply flow

The seal gas supply flow must be sufficient enough to ensure that the seal is Supplied with sufficient filtered gas during operation with excess gas going back in to the Compressor casing. This is will provide an ideal sealing environment to maintain the optimum seal performance

Seal Gas Leakage Trends

Seal performance is monitored through leakage trends. Occasional Spikes In the leakage due process parameter variations, shaft movement, speed changes are no cause for alarm. But persistent trend of higher leakage may give a forewarning of seal problems

Operational Guide Lines Dry Gas Seals

Reverse Rotation
Reverse Rotation should be avoided as it will damage the delicate parts of a Dry Gas Seal

Reverse Pressure
Reverse pressure under static condition will result in an increase in static leakage. Under Dynamic condition, reverse pressure can result major damage to the Dry Gas Seal System components.

Slow Roll
In Turbine Driven compressors Slow roll below 1000 rpm be avoided. The separation of seal faces will not be achieved under such condition. Seal faces will be running with contact which will damage the geometry of the grooves in the seal face