API Piping Plan 11

REV 1 Definition:
A primary product seal flush plan that originates at the discharge, or a pressure point on the pump higher than that of the stuffing box pressure, of the pump and is piped to the flush port on the primary seal flange or stuffingbox tap.

Objective:
To lubricate the primary product seal and dissipate heat generated by this seal. This plan can also be used to raise the pressure in the stuffing box when the required product vapor suppression margin is not present (suction pressure is at or near the vapor presssure of the liquid).

Line Up Procedure:
The following steps outline the checks required before, during and after start-up of the equipment. 1) Check to make sure any valves in the seal flush line are open. These lines should be free of valves, if possible. Otherwise, any valves in this line must remain open until the pump is pulled for repair. 2) Proceed with opening all valves for service. 3) Check for leaks around valves and orifice unions in the seal flush line. 4) Start pump per normal procedures. 5) Once running, check to make sure the seal flush line is the same temperature from its origin to the primary seal flush port on the primary seal flange. It should be the same temperature as the pump case. [Caution: Use caution if the pumping temperature is above 150F.]

Preventive Maintenance and Troubleshooting:

The primary seal flush line should be checked on normal operator rounds. This can be done by using a temperature indicator, and making sure it is the same temperature as the pump case from its origin to the flush port on the primary seal flange. [Caution: Use caution if the pumping temperature is above 150F.] The typical mode of failure in this flush plan is a clogged orifice or a closed valve in the seal flush line. During this mode, you will find the following when you check the seal flush line on a particular piece of equipment.

A Hot Service (seal flush line clogged)

When the seal flush line is clogged in a hot service, you will find the line cold. It may be hot at the origin and also at the flush port connection, but it will become cold as you move away from the connections.

A Cold Service (seal flush line clogged)

When the seal flush line is clogged in a cold service, you will find the line hotter at the seal flush port connection on the primary seal flange. The line will cool as you slide the temperature indicator toward the origin of the seal flush line (i.e.. discharge of pump, etc..). The heat that is radiating up the seal flush line and is generated by the mechanical seal. In other words, there is no flow in this line and therefore, heat is backing up through the line.

Solution
Upon finding the above situation, you should check for closed valves in the seal flush line. If no valves are present or they are open, tap on the orifice union in this line to see if it will open and flow properly. If the above attempts are unsuccessful, begin procedures to shut the equipment down in an orderly manner.

Shut Down Procedure:

Once the equipment has been prepared for maintenance, remove the seal flush line and check for foreign matter clogging the line. This matter will usually be found in the union housing the orifice that regulates flow in the seal flush line. In the event you cannot find a problem, contact your maintenance or BW/IP personnel for further assistance.