Mechanical Seal Piping Plans

Single Seals plans 01, 02, 11, 13, 14, 21, 23, 31, 32, 41
Dual Seals plans 52, 53A, 53B, 53C, 54
Quench Seals plans 62, 65
Gas Seals plans 72, 74, 75, 76
 Mechanical Seal Piping Plans

Flowserve recognizes that one of the most effective ways to achieve long,
uninterrupted mechanical seal life is to create a healthy environment around
the seal faces. Piping plans help keep mechanical seals running cool and
clean, promote safe handling of dangerous fluids, and extend the operational
availability of rotating equipment. This reference book provides a concise
summary of the most essential piping plans used successfully in today’s
process plants.

Each plan shows all the standard and optional auxiliary components referenced
in ISO 21049 / API Standard 682 and recommended by Flowserve. Consult
your local Flowserve sales engineer to identify the right solution that satisfies
your application requirements.
Page Layout

Seal End View Piping Plan Layout What, Why, and Where
• Viewed from drive end • Illustrated schematic • Describes piping plans,
• Shows preferred gland of auxiliary components their purpose, and
connection orientation typical applications

flowserve.com

What
pressure source, Pressurized barrier fluid circulation through reservoir.
normally open Fluid is circulated by a pumping ring in the dual seal assembly.
outlet pressure indicator
(low) Why
seal
Isolate process fluid.
end view
pressure switch Zero process emissions.
Plan 53A

Plan 53A
(high)
inlet liquid fill, Where
normally closed level switch (high) Used with dual pressurized seals (”double”).
High vapor pressure fluids, light hydrocarbons.
reservoir level indicator Hazardous/toxic fluids.
level switch (low) Heat transfer fluids.
Dirty/abrasive or polymerizing fluids.
cooling coils Mixers/agitators and vacuum service.
cooling out cooling in
Preventative Maintenance - Reference Appendix B
Piping loop must self-vent to reservoir locate at highest elevation.
drain, Pressurize reservoir at all times, maximum gas charge 150 - 200 psi (10 - 14 bar).
normally Barrier fluid must be compatible with process.
closed Reservoir level gage indicates both inboard and outboard seal leakage.

Pump Cross-section Mechanical Seal Preventative Maintenance

• Simplified centrifugal • Shows typical seal • Provides general tips to
pump shown for all plans arrangements improve reliability and for
troubleshooting
 seal
end view
Plan 01

internal porting
 flowserve.com

What
Internal seal chamber flush from pump discharge.
Operates similar to Plan 11.

Why
Seal chamber heat removal.
Seal chamber venting on horizontal pumps.

Plan 01
Reduce risk of freezing/polymerizing fluid in exposed Plan 11 piping.

Where
Custom seal chamber, most likely an ANSI/ASME pump.
Clean, moderate temperature fluids.
Used with single seals, rarely with dual seals.

Preventative Maintenance
Flush typically can not be directed over seal faces and seal heat removal is limited.
Calculate flush flow rate based on head loss through internal porting.
 seal
end view
Plan 02

open throat seal chamber shown

 flowserve.com

What
Dead-ended seal chamber with no flush.

Why
No fluid recirculation needed.

Where

Plan 02
Large bore/open throat seal chambers in moderate temperature services.
Cooling jacket seal chambers in high temperature services.
Clean fluids.
Top-entry mixers/agitators with dry seals.

Preventative Maintenance
Process must have adequate boiling point margin to avoid vaporization.
Cooling fluid in seal chamber jacket may be needed at all times in hot services.
Horizontal equipment must be self-venting.
Often used in combination with steam quench, Plan 62.
 inlet

seal
end view
Plan 11

orifice
 flowserve.com

What
Seal flush from pump discharge through orifice.
Default single seal flush plan.

Why
Seal chamber heat removal.
Seal chamber venting on horizontal pumps.

Plan 11
Increase seal chamber pressure and fluid vapor margin.

Where
General applications with clean fluids.
Clean, non-polymerizing fluids.

Preventative Maintenance
Use an orifice with a minimum 0.125" (3 mm) diameter.
Calculate flow rates to size orifice for adequate seal chamber flow.
Increase boiling point margin with proper orifice and throat bushing sizing.
Flush should be directed over seal faces with piping at 12 O’clock position.
Typical failure mode is a clogged orifice - check temperatures at pipe ends.
 outlet

seal
end view
Plan 13

orifice
 flowserve.com

What
Recirculation from seal chamber to pump suction through orifice.
Standard flush plan on vertical pumps.

Why
Continuous seal chamber venting on vertical pumps.
Seal chamber heat removal.

Plan 13

Where
Vertical pumps.
Seal chamber pressure is greater than suction pressure.
Moderate temperature fluids with moderate solids.
Non-polymerizing fluids.

Preventative Maintenance
Vent piping loop prior to starting vertical pumps.
Use an orifice with a minimum 0.125" (3 mm) diameter.
Calculate flow rates to size orifice for adequate seal chamber flow.
Reduce seal chamber pressure with proper orifice and throat bushing sizing.
Typical failure mode is a clogged orifice - check temperatures at pipe ends.
 outlet

seal
end view
Plan 14

inlet

orifices
 flowserve.com

What
Seal flush from pump discharge and recirculation to pump suction with orifices.
Combination of Plan 11 and Plan 13.

Why
Continuous seal chamber venting on vertical pumps.
Seal chamber heat removal.

Plan 14
Increase seal chamber pressure and fluid vapor margin.

Where
Vertical pumps.
Clean, non-polymerizing fluids at moderate temperatures.

Preventative Maintenance
Use an orifice with a minimum 0.125" (3 mm) diameter.
Calculate flow rates to size orifice for adequate seal chamber flow.
Increase boiling point margin with proper orifice and throat bushing sizing.
Flush should be directed over seal faces.
Vent piping loop prior to starting vertical pumps.
Typical failure mode is a clogged orifice - check temperatures at pipe ends.
 vents,
normally closed
inlet

cooling out
seal
end view
Plan 21

cooler cooling coils

orifice cooling in
temperature
indicator
drain,
normally
closed
 flowserve.com

What
Seal flush from pump discharge through orifice and cooler.
Cooler added to Plan 11 flush increases heat removal.

Why
Seal cooling.
Reduce fluid temperature to increase fluid vapor margin.

Plan 21
Reduce coking.

Where
High temperature service, typically less than 350°F (177°C).
Hot water over 180°F (80°C).
Clean, non-polymerizing fluids.

Preventative Maintenance
Seal cooler and piping must have air vents at highest elevation - vent before starting.
When using 682 Seal Cooler, pipe with series flow to maximize heat transfer.
Use an orifice with a minimum 1/8" (3 mm) diameter.
Calculate flow rates to size orifice for adequate seal chamber flow.
Increase boiling point margin with proper orifice and throat bushing sizing.
Regularly monitor cooler inlet and outlet temperatures for signs of clogging or fouling.
 vent, normally closed

outlet
cooling out
seal
end view

inlet
Plan 23

cooler cooling coils

temperature
indicator
cooling in

drain,
normally
closed
 flowserve.com

What
Seal flush from internal pumping device through cooler.
Standard flush plan in hot water services.

Why
Efficient seal cooling with low cooler duty.
Increase fluid vapor margin.

Plan 23
Improve water lubricity.

Where
High temperature service, hot hydrocarbons.
Boiler feed water and hot water over 180°F (80°C).
Clean, non-polymerizing fluids.

Preventative Maintenance - Reference Appendix A
Seal cooler and piping must have air vents at highest elevation - vent before starting.
When using 682 Seal Cooler, pipe with parallel flow to minimize head loss.
Seal chamber requires close clearance throat bushing to isolate process fluid.
Tangential seal gland taps should enter at bottom and exit at top.
Regularly monitor cooler inlet and outlet temperatures for signs of clogging or fouling.
Process fluids with iron should flow through magnetic separator before cooler.
 inlet

seal
end view
Plan 31

cyclone separator
 flowserve.com

What
Seal flush from pump discharge through cyclone separator.
Centrifuged solids are returned to pump suction.

Why
Seal chamber heat removal.
Solids removal from flush and seal chamber.

Plan 31

Where
Dirty or contaminated fluids, water with sand or pipe slag.
Non-polymerizing fluids.

Preventative Maintenance
Cyclone separator works best on solids with a specific gravity twice the process fluid.
Seal chamber pressure must be nearly equal to suction pressure for proper flows.
Piping should not include an orifice and is not expected to vent the seal chamber.
Typical failure mode is clogged separator or pipes - check temperatures at pipe ends.
 inlet

seal
end view
Plan 32

pressure flow control

indicator valve
check
temperature flow
indicator valve
indicator from clean source,
(optional) normally open
(optional)
strainer
 flowserve.com

What
Seal flush from an external clean source.

Why
Seal chamber heat removal.
Process and solids removal from seal chamber.
Increase seal chamber pressure and fluid vapor margin.

Plan 32

Where
Dirty or contaminated fluids, paper pulp.
High temperature service.
Polymerizing and/or oxidizing fluids.

Preventative Maintenance
Use throat bushing sized to hold pressure or maintain flow velocity.
To restrict dirty process fluid, regulate injection flow rate.
To increase fluid vapor margin, regulate injection pressure.
Injection fluid must be compatible with process fluid.
Regularly monitor control system for closed valves or signs of plugging.
 vents,
normally closed
inlet

seal
cooling out
end view
Plan 41

cooler cooling coils

cyclone
separator cooling in
temperature
indicator
drain,
normally
closed
 flowserve.com

What
Seal flush from pump discharge through cyclone separator and cooler.
Combination of Plan 21 and Plan 31.

Why
Seal cooling.
Solids removal from flush and seal chamber.

Plan 41

Where
High temperature service, typically less than 350°F (177°C).
Dirty or contaminated fluids, water with sand or pipe slag.
Non-polymerizing fluids.

Preventative Maintenance
Seal cooler and piping must have air vents at highest elevation - vent before starting.
When using 682 Seal Cooler, pipe with series flow to maximize heat transfer.
Cyclone separator works best on solids with a specific gravity twice the process fluid.
Seal chamber pressure must be nearly equal to suction pressure for proper flows.
Typical failure mode is clogged separator or pipes - check temperatures at pipe ends.
 vent,
normally open

outlet pressure indicator

orifice
seal
end view pressure switch
(high)
inlet liquid fill,
Plan 52

level switch (high)

normally closed
reservoir level indicator
level switch (low)

cooling coils
cooling out cooling in

drain,
normally
closed
 flowserve.com

What
Unpressurized buffer fluid circulation through reservoir.
Fluid is circulated by a pumping ring in the dual seal assembly.

Why
Outboard seal acts as a safety backup to the primary seal.
Zero to very low process emissions.

Plan 52
No process contamination is allowed.

Where
Used with dual unpressurized seals (“tandem”).
High vapor pressure fluids, light hydrocarbons.
Hazardous/toxic fluids.
Heat transfer fluids.

Preventative Maintenance - Reference Appendix B
Piping loop must self-vent to vapor recovery/flare system near atmospheric pressure.
Process vapor pressure is generally greater than reservoir pressure.
Buffer fluid must be compatible with process leakage.
Primary seal leakage is indicated by increased vent pressure.
Reservoir level indicator shows outboard seal leakage.
 pressure source,
normally open
outlet pressure indicator
seal pressure switch
end view
(low)
Plan 53A

inlet liquid fill,

level switch (high)
normally closed
reservoir level indicator
level switch (low)

cooling coils
cooling out cooling in

drain,
normally
closed
 flowserve.com

What
Pressurized barrier fluid circulation through reservoir.
Fluid is circulated by a pumping ring in the dual seal assembly.

Why
Isolate process fluid.
Zero process emissions.

Plan 53A

Where
Used with dual pressurized seals (“double”).
High vapor pressure fluids, light hydrocarbons.
Hazardous/toxic fluids.
Heat transfer fluids.
Dirty/abrasive or polymerizing fluids.
Mixers/agitators and vacuum service.

Preventative Maintenance - Reference Appendix B
Piping loop must self-vent to reservoir located at highest elevation.
Pressurize reservoir at all times, maximum gas charge 150 - 200 psi (10 - 14 bar).
Barrier fluid must be compatible with process.
Reservoir level indicator shows both inboard and outboard seal leakage.
 vent,
normally closed
pressure
indicator
outlet
pressure switch
pressure source, (low)
seal
end view normally closed
Plan 53B

finned (alternative
inlet pipe reservoir)
bladder
accumulator

liquid fill,
temperature indicator normally closed
drain,
normally
closed
 flowserve.com

What
Pressurized barrier fluid circulation with bladder accumulator.
Fluid is circulated by a pumping ring in the dual seal assembly.

Why
Isolate process fluid.
Zero process emissions.

Plan 53B
Higher pressure than Plan 53A.

Where
Used with dual pressurized seals (“double”).
High vapor pressure fluids, light hydrocarbons.
Hazardous/toxic fluids.
Heat transfer fluids.
Dirty/abrasive or polymerizing fluids.

Preventative Maintenance - Reference Appendix B
Piping loop must be fully vented before starting.
Accumulator must be pressurized at all times, usually by gas charge.
Barrier fluid must be compatible with process.
Regularly monitor barrier pressure - manually add barrier fluid when pressure decays.
 vent,
level indicator
normally closed
level switch (low)
outlet pressure relief
cooling out
valve
seal liquid fill,
end view
normally
Plan 53C

closed pressure indicator

inlet
cooling pressure switch
coils (low)
cooling in

temperature drain,
indicator normally
closed
 flowserve.com

What
Pressurized barrier fluid circulation with piston accumulator.
Fluid is circulated by a pumping ring in the dual seal assembly.

Why
Isolate process fluid.
Zero process emissions.

Plan 53C
Higher pressure than Plan 53A.
Dynamic tracking of system pressure.

Where
Used with dual pressurized seals (“double”).
High vapor pressure fluids, light hydrocarbons.
Hazardous/toxic fluids.
Heat transfer fluids.

Preventative Maintenance - Reference Appendix B
Piping loop must be fully vented before starting.
Reference line must tolerate process contamination without plugging.
Barrier fluid must be compatible with process.
Reservoir level indicator indicates both inboard and outboard seal leakage.
 outlet

seal
end view
Plan 54

inlet

from / to external
circulating system
 flowserve.com

What
Pressurized barrier fluid circulation by external system.

Why
Isolate process fluid.
Zero process emissions.
Seal cannot induce circulation.

Plan 54

Where
Used with dual pressurized seals (“double”).
High vapor pressure fluids, light hydrocarbons.
Hazardous/toxic fluids.
Heat transfer fluids.
Dirty/abrasive or polymerizing fluids.
Mixers/agitators.

Preventative Maintenance
Piping loop must be fully vented before starting.
Circulating system must be pressurized and energized at all times.
Barrier fluid must be compatible with process.
Circulating system level indicator shows both inboard and outboard seal leakage.
 inlet

seal pressure
end view indicator
(optional) steam trap
Plan 62

drain drain, (steam quench)

normally
open check valve

quench,
normally
open
 flowserve.com

What
External quench on atmospheric side of seal.
Quench fluids typically steam, nitrogen, or water.

Why
Prevent solids buildup on atmospheric side of seal.
Prevent icing.

Plan 62

Where
Used with single seals.
Oxidizing fluids or fluids that coke, hot hydrocarbons.
Crystallizing fluids or fluids that salt out.
Caustic.
Cold fluids less than 32°F (0°C).

Preventative Maintenance
Quench inlet should be on top of gland with outlet/drain on bottom.
Quench pressure should be limited to 3 psi (0.2 bar) or less.
Use throttle bushing on atmospheric side of seal to direct quench flow to seal drain.
Monitor regularly, checking for closed valves, blocked lines, and steam trap condition.
 seal block
end view
valve, level switch
normally (high)
Plan 65

open overflow
chamber

for proper orientation

Drain - see end view
bypass
line
orifice

drain,
normally
open
 flowserve.com

What
External drain with leakage detection on atmospheric side of seal.

Why
Leakage collection for process leakage or quench fluid.
Safety indicator for primary seal to detect failure.

Plan 65
Where
May be used alone or with Plan 62 quench.
Used with close clearance throttle bushing.
Useful with single seals in remote locations and critical services.

Preventative Maintenance
Drain must be on bottom of gland with downward-sloped piping.
Continuously drain to liquid recovery system.
Orifice downstream of level switch typically 1/4” (5 mm) must be oriented vertically.
Bypass line from overflow chamber must re-enter below orifice.
Piping may require heat tracing when used with solidifying fluids.
Monitor regularly, checking for closed valves, blocked lines, and working level switch.
 1 - drain
2 - vent
vent
3 - gas inlet, normally open
inlet 4 - filter drain, normally closed
seal
end view G B
H
A
Plan 72

drain 3
C
2
F D 4
1
A - coalescing filter
E B - regulator
C - pressure indicator
D - pressure switch (low)
E - orifice
F - flow indicator
G - flow switch (high)
H - check valve
 flowserve.com

What
Unpressurized buffer gas control system.
Containment seal support typically with nitrogen buffer gas.

Why
Zero to very low process emissions.
Safety backup to primary seal.

Plan 72

Where
Used with dual unpressurized containment seals (“tandem”).
High vapor pressure fluids, light hydrocarbons.
Hazardous/toxic fluids.
Clean, non-polymerizing, non-oxidizing fluids.
Used in combination with Plan 75 and/or Plan 76.

Preventative Maintenance
Clean, reliable, low pressure gas must be supplied to seal at all times.
Bottled gas supply is not recommended except as part of emergency backup system.
Primary seal leakage is indicated by pressure in the vent line.
Vent or drain are usually connected to low pressure vapor recovery/flare system.
 1 - upset drain, normally closed
2 - gas inlet, normally open
3 - filter drain, normally closed
inlet
seal
end view F E
G
D
Plan 74

drain

2 A B
1
C

3
A - coalescing filter
B - regulator
C - flow indicator
D - flow switch (high)
E - pressure switch (low)
F - pressure indicator
G - check valve
 flowserve.com

What
Pressurized barrier gas control system.
Gas seal support typically with nitrogen barrier gas.

Why
Isolate process fluid.
Zero process emissions.

Plan 74

Where
Used with dual pressurized gas seals (“double”).
High vapor pressure fluids, light hydrocarbons.
Hazardous/toxic fluids.
Services that do not tolerate liquid barrier seals.
Clean, non-polymerizing fluids.
Moderate temperature fluids.

Preventative Maintenance
Clean, reliable, pressurized gas must be supplied to seal at all times.
Barrier pressure is typically at least 25 psig (1.75 bar) above seal chamber pressure.
Flow indicator shows both inboard and outboard seal leakage.
Bottled gas supply is not recommended except as part of emergency backup system.
 isolation
valve vent,
pressure switch normally
seal
end view (high) open
pressure
level indicator
drain
Plan 75

indicator orifice

for proper orientation

Drain - see end view
level switch (high)
reservoir located
below seal drain port

drain,
normally
closed
 flowserve.com

What
Drain from containment seal cavity to liquid collector and vapor recovery.

Why
Leakage collection for zero to very low process emissions.
Safety indicator for primary seal.

Plan 75
Where
May be used alone or with Plan 72 on containment seals.
Fluids that condense at ambient temperature.
High vapor pressure fluids, light hydrocarbons.
Hazardous/toxic fluids.
Clean, non-polymerizing, non-oxidizing fluids.

Preventative Maintenance
Collection reservoir must be located below seal drain and downward-sloped piping.
Continuously vent collection reservoir to low pressure vapor recovery/flare system.
Drain collection reservoir to liquid recovery system as needed.
Primary seal leakage is indicated by increased vent pressure.
Monitor regularly for liquid level, valve settings, and low vent pressure.
 vent
vent,
normally open
seal
end view

orifice
Plan 76

drain pressure indicator

drain, pressure switch (high)
normally
closed
drain,
normally closed
 flowserve.com

What
Vent from containment seal cavity to vapor recovery.

Why
Leakage collection for zero to very low process emissions.
Safety indicator for primary seal.

Plan 76
Where
May be used alone or with Plan 72 on containment seals.
Fluids that do not condense at ambient temperature.
High vapor pressure fluids, light hydrocarbons.
Hazardous/toxic fluids.
Clean, non-polymerizing, non-oxidizing fluids.

Preventative Maintenance
Continuously vent to low pressure vapor recovery/flare system.
Vent piping should include a condensate drain.
Primary seal leakage is indicated by increased vent pressure.
Monitor regularly for valve settings, blocked lines, and low vent pressure.
 Single Seals - Plan 23 shown
What
Minimize restrictions in piping systems high point
vent
Why
Optimum flow rate for best piping plan performance

Where
Appendix A

Closed loop auxiliary systems with internal flow

induction, good practice everywhere

Vertical
Equipment
1.5 - 2 ft.
(0.45 - 0.6 m)

low point
Horizontal drain
Equipment
3 ft. (0.9 m) max
Good Piping Practices Dual Seals - Plan 53A shown
Minimize line losses
Use large diameter tubing
Only upward sloping lines
Use long radius bends

Appendix B
Minimize component losses
Optimize for thermosyphon
Check rotation direction
Test for leaks

Vertical
Equipment
1.5 - 2 ft.
(0.45 - 0.6 m)

low point
Horizontal drain
Equipment
4 ft. (1.2 m) max
 Airfin Coolers TM
Seal Cooler 682 Seal Cooler Reservoirs
Accessories

Forced air or natural Compact design Seal cooler for General duty and
convection seal coolers dual coil seal cooler complete API 682 API 682 compliant
specifications reservoirs

Plans 21, 23 & 41 Plans 21, 23 & 41 Plans 21, 23 & 41 Plans 53, 53A & 53B
 flowserve.com

Piston Gas Barrier

Circulator Refill Cart

Accessories
Accumulator Control Panel
Hydraulically charged Standalone dual seal Mobile cart to manually Complete control
reservoir for dual seals support system fill liquid reservoirs system for dual gas
seals

Plan 53C Plan 54 Plans 52 & 53 Plans 72 & 74

 Seal Gard I & II Orifice Magnetic Separator Cyclone Separator
Accessories

Combination flush Plug and plate Iron particle separator Solid particle separator
flow regulator and style flush line for seal flush used in dirty flush stream
meter orifices

Plan 32 Plans 11, 13, 14, & 21 Plan 23 Plans 31 & 41

 flowserve.com

Gestra ®
Bearing Gard II
SLD DuraClear

Accessories
Steam Trap & BGM
Family of reliable Quench lubrication Synthetic lubricants Bearing frame
steam traps for device with synthetic from barrier fluid to protection devices
quench flows grease bearing oil

Plan 62 Plan 62 modified Plans 52, 53 & 54

Notes
Notes
Notes
Notes
FTA160eng REV 06-10 Printed in USA
USA and Canada
To find your local Flowserve representative Kalamazoo, Michigan USA
and find out more about Flowserve Corporation Telephone: 1 269 381 2650
Telefax: 1 269 382 8726
visit www.flowserve.com
Europe, Middle East, Africa
Roosendaal, The Netherlands
Flowserve Corporation has established industry leadership in the design and manufacture of its products. When properly Telephone: 31 165 581400
selected, this Flowserve product is designed to perform its intended function safely during its useful life. However, the Telefax: 31 165 554590
purchaser or user of Flowserve products should be aware that Flowserve products might be used in numerous applications
under a wide variety of industrial service conditions. Although Flowserve can provide general guidelines, it cannot Asia Pacific
provide specific data and warnings for all possible applications. The purchaser/user must therefore assume the ultimate Singapore
responsibility for the proper sizing and selection, installation, operation, and maintenance of Flowserve products. The Telephone: 65 6544 6800
purchaser/user should read and understand the Installation Instructions included with the product, and train its employees
Telefax: 65 6214 0541
and contractors in the safe use of Flowserve products in connection with the specific application.

While the information and specifications contained in this literature are believed to be accurate, they are supplied for Latin America
informative purposes only and should not be considered certified or as a guarantee of satisfactory results by reliance Mexico City
thereon. Nothing contained herein is to be construed as a warranty or guarantee, express or implied, regarding any Telephone: 52 55 5567 7170
matter with respect to this product. Because Flowserve is continually improving and upgrading its product design, Telefax: 52 55 5567 4224
the specifications, dimensions and information contained herein are subject to change without notice. Should any
question arise concerning these provisions, the purchaser/user should contact Flowserve Corporation at any one of
its worldwide operations or offices.
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