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  • 1.  Plan 53B barrier pressure increased by 1-1.5 barg after pump start-up

    Posted 05-29-2023 11:57 PM
      |   view attached

    Greetings, Gentlemen,

    I have noticed an unusual behavior in one of our centrifugal pumps (BB2 2-stage) equipped with a mechanical seal using a back-to-back arrangement and employing the Plan 53B seal flush plan.

    During standby conditions, the Plan 53B pressure measures approximately 17.5 to 18 barg. However, upon starting the pump, within a few hours, the seal pressure increases by 1 to 1.5 barg.

    REFER ATTACHED TREND

    I would like to inquire if anyone has experienced a similar phenomenon. This occurrence is specific to this particular pump, as we have several other pumps utilizing the Plan 53B system.

    Your insights and expertise on this matter would be greatly appreciated



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    Vaibhav Sharma BTech
    Reliability Engineer
    Saudi Aramco
    RAS TANURAH
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    Attachment(s)

    pdf
    Trend.pdf   298 KB 1 version


  • 2.  RE: Plan 53B barrier pressure increased by 1-1.5 barg after pump start-up

    Posted 05-30-2023 01:44 PM

    Hi Vaibhav,
    This may be due to the thermal effect of plan 53B bladder expansion while pumps start and barrier fluid gains temperature. 
    Survey the seal chamber inlet and outlet barrier fluid temperature for further figures out.



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    Muhammad Nadeem
    Reliability Engineer Rotating Equipments
    Yanbu
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  • 3.  RE: Plan 53B barrier pressure increased by 1-1.5 barg after pump start-up

    Posted 05-31-2023 06:01 AM

    Greetings,

    Yes, you are right. It is one of the possibilities. However, it is occurring only in this pump, and not in other pumps with different services and models that also have Plan 53B. This is what surprises me.



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    Vaibhav Sharma BTech
    Reliability Engineer
    Saudi Aramco
    RAS TANURAH
    ------------------------------



  • 4.  RE: Plan 53B barrier pressure increased by 1-1.5 barg after pump start-up

    Posted 07-20-2023 08:23 AM
    Edited by sergio galvan vargas 07-20-2023 08:24 AM

    Hi valbhay:

    During a recent review, I noticed that the venting system might require a more detailed evaluation.

    As you know, proper venting plays a crucial role in the performance and safety of Seal Plan 53b. Inadequate venting could lead to issues such as pressure buildup, leaks, and potentially damage to system components.



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    sergio galvan vargas
    Barrancabermeja
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