COMPONENTS

Dry Gas Seals

Dry gas seals, an alternative to Iso-sleeve™ and Iso-carbon® seals, eliminate the need for oil supply systems.
A dry gas seal is a mechanical seal that uses a sealing gas to create a barrier between the process gas and the
atmosphere. Dry gas seals are non-contacting, dry-running, mechanical face seals comprising a rotating mat-
ing ring and a stationary primary ring. When operating, grooves in the mating ring generate a fluid-dynamic force,
causing the primary ring to lift off the mating ring and create a running gap between the two surfaces. Inboard of
the dry gas seal, an inner labyrinth seal separates the process gas from the gas seal. A sealing gas, typically filtered
process gas, is injected between the inner labyrinth seal and the gas seal, filling the lift-off void. Dry gas seals do
not require a seal oil system; however, they do require a supply of clean, dry buffer gas at all compressor operating
points. A dry gas seal is not a standalone item. To ensure proper functionality, they are always configured with a
process side labyrinth seal, a gas seal cartridge, a separation seal cartridge, and a buffer gas system.

Benefits of the Dry Gas Seal Dry Gas Seal STANDARD Retrofit Package includes
ŒŒ Minimizes process gas leakage rates the following:
ŒŒ Reduces power consumption (mechanical losses): ŒŒ Two (2) dry gas seal cartridges
higher efficiency ŒŒ Two (2) buffer seals
ŒŒ Increases reliability with fewer shutdowns with less ŒŒ One (1) rotor shaft machining
unplanned expenses
ŒŒ One (1) low speed rotor balance
ŒŒ Eliminates maintenance costs associated with seal oil
ŒŒ Gas seal buffer system
system
ŒŒ One (1) set of assembly/disassembly tooling
ŒŒ Eliminates the need to dispose of contaminated seal
oil (environmental advantage) ŒŒ Standard Documentation Package: Wiring diagram,
P&ID, outline, IOM, manufacturing data record
book, inspection and test plans, instrument index,
equipment datasheets updated assembly drawings
and installation and removal instructions.
Dry gas seals are available in a variety of configurations (single, double opposed, and tandem) to suit all applications. The
tandem style seal configuration is the most common for process gas service.

Dry Gas Seals Sealing Pressure Application Limits

Configuration Application Sealing Pressure
Double opposed seal Low pressure, hazardous gas < 250 psig

Single seal Low pressure < 400 psig

Tandem seal Most popular seal, multiple arrangements < 1,200 psig

Single seal, high pressure* Higher pressure design < 1,800 psig

Tandem seal, high pressure Higher pressure design < 2,900 psig
*Seal design and component materials can be tailored to specific higher pressure applications or corrosive processes.

Iso- Iso-
Carbon® Sleeve™
Application Description Dry Gas
Cartridge Cartridge
Seal Seal

Gas cleanliness depends on where the gas is in its processing, upstream or midstream. There can
Natural Gas be a wide range of pressures. Natural gas can be dirty and wet, but can be handled easily once
purified.
3 3

The gas is typically dirty and close to its dew point; it can condense easily to a liquid state. Applica-
Wet Gas tion pressures are very low. Oil seals are tolerant of dirty, hazardous gas since they use oil as a
“buffer.”
3

The gas is typically dirty and close to its dew point; it can easily condense to a liquid state. Applica-
Hydrogen Recycle tion pressures range from moderate to high. Oil seals are tolerant of dirty, hazardous gas since they
use oil as a “buffer.”
3 3*

This gas starts out as a liquid, but evaporates as it passes through an expansion valve. The vapors
Ethylene Refrigeration are then compressed for condensation. There are low inlet pressures and a high risk of product
contamination. It is important to maintain a clean and oil-free process.
3

*Often requires a booster system for startup and/or additional gas conditioning as part of the buffer gas system.

901 North Fourth Street

Jeannette, PA 15644-1473
Phone: 724-527-2811
Fax: 724-600-8442
Email: info@elliott-turbo.com

www.elliott-turbo.com

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