Type 28 Principles of Operation

Mating Ring
OUTER

LAND

DIAMETER
SPIRAL
GROOVE

GROOVE
DIAMETER
INNER
DIAMETER

ROTATION RELATIVE
TO PRIMARY RING

Type 28 Principles of Operation

Uni-Directional Spiral Groove
Direction of Rotation

Sealing Dam

Gas is Compressed &

Pressure increases to
set Gap.

Gas is induced
towards the
center.

Type 28 Principles of Operation

Normal Operation
Approx. Gap = 0.003mm
Closing Force

Opening Force

Compression

Expansion
Spring Load
and Hydrostatics

Reduced Gap

Closing Force

Increased
Opening Force

Increased Gap

Closing Force

Reduced
Opening Force

Normal Operation
Approx. Gap = 0.003mm

Closing Force

Opening Force

Compression

Expansion
Spring Load
and Hydrostatics

Analytical Tool
CSTEDY (steady state) & CTRANS (transient )

Type 28 Principles of Operation

Bi-Directional Spiral Groove
Direction of Rotation

Gas is Compressed &

Pressure increases to
set Gap.
Sealing Dam

Gas is induced
towards the
center.

Typical Tandem Arrangement

2 Purge
Secondary
Vent

Filtered Process Gas

Primary Vent

Bearings

Process
Gas

Pressure: 125barG
Speed: 200m/Sec.

Temperature: -20 To +200

Gases: All

Application: Process Gas Compressors

Operational Guidelines
GAS QUALITY:
The gas quality feeding the seal should be clean and dry.
This will provide an environment for optimum performance
and longevity. It is generally recommended that a 2 micron
(absolute) coalescing filter be incorporated in the seal supply
gas line to prevent contamination from liquid and particles.

SEAL GAS SUPPLY FLOW:

The seal gas supply flow must be sufficient enough to
ensure that the seal is supplied with filtered gas during
operation with the remainder going back into the compressor.
This will provide an ideal sealing environment to maintain
the optimum performance of the seals.

Operational Guidelines
LEAKAGE TRENDS:
Seal performance is monitored through leakage trends.
Occasional spikes in the leakage are no cause for alarm.
Such spikes be a result of a process variation, shaft
movement, pressure, temperature, and / or speed changes.
A trend of leakage, however, may give forewarning of a seal
problems. Please consult John Crane International if there
are any concerns.

Operational Guidelines
REVERSE ROTATION:
Reverse rotation should be avoided at Uni-directional seal.
Short periods of reverse rotation of speeds less 1000 RPM
can be tolerated, however, the seal may require
refurbishment and should definitely be inspected after such
a run.

REVERSE PRESSURE:
Reverse pressure under static conditions will result in an
increase in static leakage. Under dynamic conditions,
reverse pressure can result in major damage to the seal
components.

Operational Guidelines
LIQUID CONTAMINATION:
While the T28 Gas Seal is practically able to cope with
contamination from light liquids, it is basically not
recommended to have contamination with liquids
especially for bearing oil that is not recommended.

SLOW ROLL:
It is recommended that continuous speeds below 500 rpm
are avoided. This gives a wide safety margin over the
speed at which a 3 micron running gap is achieved. It also
provides an improved capability to cope with fluctuations
within the machine as a stiffer fluid film is generated.

Operational Guidelines
TURNING GEAR:
Turning gear operation at speeds such as 5 - 12 rpm with
pressure on the system has not been detrimental to the
gas seal. However, it is better to minimize duration to
minimize potential wear.

DECOMPRESSION:
The gas seal decompression rate is typically
recommended at 8 bar/minute for the seal having
elastomer O-rings for secondary seal locations. Faster
decompression rates may be accommodated upon
review of the specific application.
For pressures lower than 30barG, not limit is applicable.

Operational Guidelines
VIBRATION:
The gas seal has a relatively high tolerance level for
vibration. It is capable of surviving vibration levels that
exceed the machine's operating limits. Experience has
shown gas seals to survive vibration levels of 100
microns peak to peak.

INSTALLATION:
Although the seals are robust in operation they can
easily be damaged by incorrect assembly, fitting or
handling. It is therefore recommended that the seals are
fitted by a EETC service engineer or John Crane
International trained engineer.