API Piping Plan 13

REV 2.0 Definition:

A primary product seal flush plan that originates at the injection port on the primary seal flange and is piped to the suction line of the pump or some point that is at a lower pressure than the primary seal chamber.

Objective:
To lubricate the primary product seal and dissipate heat generated by this seal. This plan also results in a continuous vent to eliminate air or vapor in the primary seal chamber. API plan 13 is used when the primary seal chamber is at or near discharge pressure of the pump. The product flow originates at the seal and returns to the suction of the pump or some point at a lower pressure than the primary seal chamber. This plan can also be regulated to reduce the pressure in the primary seal chamber when required.

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) Open the vent line on the seal flush line to vent any air or vapor that is in the primary seal chamber. 5) Close the vent line when a good liquid flow is obtained. 6) Start pump per normal procedures. 7) Once running, check to make sure the seal flush line is the same temperature from its origin at the primary seal injection port on the primary seal flange to the suction or low pressure point on the pump. It should be the same temperature as the pump case. [Caution: Do not touch the seal flush line 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 to make sure it is the same temperature as the pump case from its origin at the injection port on the primary seal flange to the low pressure point. [Caution: Do not touch the seal flush line 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 on the 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 will be hot at the origin and at the low pressure point, 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 injection port connection on the primary seal flange. The line will cool as you slide your hand away from the origin of the seal flush line (i.e.. injection port on the primary seal flange). The heat you feel 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.