Installation, Operation & Maintenance Instructions
2
API PLAN 74
SEAL SYSTEMS
John Crane adopts the ‘Design For the Environment’ (DFE)
principle in making this product. Using this product will benefit
the environment directly by:
• Reducing waste of precious resources through decreasing
the risk of leakage and minimizing energy consumption
• Preventing pollution through controlling harmful
emissions to the atmosphere and ground contamination
• Preserving valuable materials through the use of high
quality durable materials
2.3.2 Recycling
Product refurbishment
This product has been designed for long life.
Disposal
When the product is considered to be beyond economical repair and
potential reuse, it should be disposed of by environmentally beneficial
means. The product can be disassembled with ease.
Scrapped components
These should be handled with extra care due to possible contamination.
They should be recycled through local industrial recycling plants.
Packaging
All packaging materials used are made from recyclable,
environmentally friendly materials.
When in doubt or for further information and advice on this subject,
please consult John Crane.
3. Transportation and Storage
Transport and store the system where possible in its original packaging.
It is necessary to protect and preserve the integrity of the equipment
between shipment and installation/start-up at site. This is particularly
important when extended periods of storage are envisaged.
Plan 74 systems may be shipped first to the rotating equipment vendor
to be mounted on the rotating equipment baseplate complete with the
connecting pipework. In this event follow the instructions as given in the
rotating equipment IOM.
Plan 74 systems, which are to be mounted off the rotating equipment
baseplate, shall be shipped directly to site and shall be packed in
suitable crates or cases to protect them from damage during shipment.
All openings to the system are closed and sealed for shipping. In this
event follow the following instructions.
On arrival at site and before unloading for storage, a visual inspection
of the crate/case should be carried out for signs of damage during
shipment. In the event of any damage the crate/case must be opened,
and the contents thoroughly examined for signs of equipment damage.
If any seals are broken, then the system is assumed to be contaminated
and shall be cleaned accordingly.
If the parts are considered acceptable with no visual signs of damage,
the crate/case should be properly closed again prior to storage.
After checking for shipment damage, the following recommendations
should be undertaken to prevent deterioration arising from long term
storage.
• Plan 74 system should be replaced in their original packaging and if
possible the crate/case should be stored away from direct sunlight, in
a well-ventilated building with a hard floor.
• Temperature control is not normally necessary, but large temperature
fluctuations (>40°C/72°F) should be avoided.
• If stored outdoors, it is recommended that the crate/case be placed on
square timber bearers resting on a concrete or similar hard surface.
• The crate/case must then be wrapped with waterproof tarpaulin to
prevent ingress of water and dirt.
• Loose components or accessories in the case should be stored as
above, after proper itemization.
• A weekly visual external inspection of the protection and preservation
should be undertaken and any deficiencies noticed should be corrected
without delay.
• The system must be stored far from backwater to avoid the MIC
phenomenon (microbial corrosion).
NOTE Should water, condensation, sand, dirt or other contaminant
enter the system, through package/tarpaulin damage or
improperly positioned covers, the cause of the problem must
be eliminated and the equipment thoroughly dried and cleaned
before re-storing
If used system parts are to be transported to the manufacturer or a third
party they have to be cleaned, decontaminated and require safe handling
instructions externally attached.
ATTENTION The system normally does not require any preservatives;
it is resistant against most environmental conditions.
Ensure preservatives and cleaning agents do not affect
the elastomers.
4. Description of the System
4.1 Function of the system
Where rotating machines (pumps, fans or mixers) work with hazardous
fluids, it is common practice to install double mechanical seals which
prevent leakage of the process fluid escaping into the surrounding
environment.
Non contacting dry running gas seals are frequently used for this
purpose.
The barrier fluid is a clean dry gas, normally Nitrogen, constantly
supplied to the mechanical seal inter-space from a reliable source at a
pressure greater than 2 bar (30 psi) above the product pressure.
The Plan 74 control panel includes a coalescing filter to ensure that the
final barrier gas supply to the seal is free of particulates and moisture.
Seal operating pressure is set by adjusting the control Plan 74 control
panel regulator in conjunction with the system pressure transmitter LCD
read-out (and/or pressure gauge if fitted).
Gas flows are visually monitored using the panel mounted flow
transmitter and pressure transmitter to provide a common signal
indicating either excess gas consumption and/or loss of gas supply
pressure.
