Innovation in dry-gas seals for challenging conditions
For a longer life with less maintenance
The new RigiSeal design offers a simpler and more robust design to compensate for uncertainties in seal gas conditioning. These include uncertainty in dew point calculation due to changing gas composition, unexpected operational problems such as heater failure and seal gas booster failure, and unexpected process problems such as liquids in the compressor gas stream.
Lower operational costs result from the robust seal design, which reduces unplanned maintenance and increases mean time between outages (MTBO). The new seal arrangement also reduces nitrogen consumption. The simplified support system reduces initial costs and reduces maintenance requirements (lower CAPEX and lower OPEX).
Modular design adapts to your needs
Thanks to its modular design, the seal can be adapted on a case-by-case basis for existing machines as well as for new projects. The necessary seal features are defined according to the prevailing operating conditions and/or the result of the failure analysis. The following features can be applied.
Improved seal gas coating
Improved seal gas coating
The seal gas extraction point was previously located at the 180° bend of the return channel between diffuser and return channel, where most of the liquid and dirt are present due to the centrifugal forces. For the RigiSeal, we adopted a patented technology used for the MAN subsea compressors (used to extract gas to cool the electric motor) with the extraction point positioned laterally to the flow channel. This has the advantage of obtaining pre-filtered gas thanks to the centrifugal forces in the flow.
Smart seal
Smart seal
The smart seal gas labyrinth is an additional mechanical barrier for potentially dirty gas which restricts contamination from reaching the critical area of the seal. Together with the improved seal gas extraction feature, it reduces the need for additional filtration in the support system. A swirl pattern inside the seal further enhances the dirt-stopping capability.
Washing system
Washing system
The patented washing system is a key addition and a first for dry-gas seals. It is typically used when the system reaches a critical condition: washing fluid (naphtha) is injected directly at the seal’s critical area and then flushed with nitrogen. The washing system can be controlled online and can be used as frequently as needed, even in hot conditions.
DiamondFace coating
DiamondFace coating
DiamondFace is a very robust coating and is a necessary addition when using the washing feature. It prevents damage of seal faces by liquids and particles, heat, and friction. EagleBurgmann has used this coating for many years and it has reached the field proven status in many applications.
CobaSeal
CobaSeal
CobaSeal is another proven technology by EagleBurgmann. This coaxial separation seal is a pre-requisite for the new labyrinth backup seal feature. The coaxial design is immune to short term N2 supply failure and its contact- and wear-free operation ensures long service life. It enables the elimination of N2 buffers to intermediate labyrinth. Furthermore, the nitrogen consumption of the CobaSeal is extremely low.
Backup seal
Backup seal
This new backup sealing element was designed with the aim of eliminating the secondary seal stage in the current sense. It is based on a Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) sealing labyrinth sleeve. The PTFE compound has a thermal expansion rate close to aluminum and excellent wear and sliding properties. It is immune to hang-up problems and tolerates contamination.
RigiSeal feature overview
Technical details
| Operation range | |
| Shaft diameter | d = up to 410 mm (16.14") |
| Pressure | p = up to 450 bar (6,525 PSI) and more |
| Design-temperature | t = -200 °C … +230 °C (-328 °F … +446 °F) |
| Sliding velocity | vg = up to 227 m/s (744 ft/s) |
| Materials | |
| Seal face | Silicon carbide with DLC or DiamondFace coating |
| Seat | Silicon carbide with DLC or DiamondFace coating |
| Secondary seals | PTFE or FKM |
| Metal parts | 1.4006, 1.4313-QT650, 1.4418, 1.4542, Inconel® or other stainless steels |
National Association of Corrosion Engineers
NACE
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API 617
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API 692
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Talk to our experts
We will answer your questions about dry gas seals.
Mikael Adler
Senior Vice President - Head of Sales and Project Management Heat pumps
mikael.adler@man-es.com t +86 21 38919600-5115Explore more topics
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