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EagleBurgmann develops dry gas seals for LNG production equipment
sealing
TECHNOLOGY
ISSN 1350-4789 August 2011
www.sealingtechnology.info
EagleBurgmann develops dry gas seals for LNG production equipment
M
anufacturer of mechanical seals EagleBurgmann Germany GmbH & Co Kg has developed a class of dry gas seals for the extremely cold operating conditions that occur when liquid natural gas (LNG) is produced and shipped. These seals, designed for long-life reliability at the low operating temperatures at which liquefaction of natural gas occurs, have passed rigorous tests and been approved by major manufacturers of LNG compressors, says the firm. The global abundance of natural gas juxtaposed with the high cost of liquefying and ‘‘regasifying’’ it for shipping to overseas markets is driving producers towards ever-larger economies of scale in LNG production, and manufacturers of LNG production equipment are scaling up their products accordingly. EagleBurgmann’s LNG family includes seals for ‘‘super sized’’ compressors that are being developed for the largest LNG plants. The company claims that its biggest seal – with a nominal diameter of 390 mm – is the largest, dry gas seal available, and is validated for temperatures as low as -170°C. This seal is based on a similar design to that of a 390-mm seal developed by the firm for a steel-mill
EagleBurgmann Germany GmbH & Co Kg’s dry gas seals operate reliably at the extremely low operating temperatures at which liquefaction of natural gas occurs.
co-generation plant in China (see feature article, starting on page 8). This dry gas seal, which has been operating successfully since the end of 2009, is rated for temperatures up to 250°C. Full-scale development of dry gas seals with a nominal size of 390 mm started in 2005 as part of a qualification programme for a major manufacturer of compressors. Developing and making a large LNG seal presented particular challenges as it is not possible to simply scale up a smaller, standard seal, says the company. The design and selection of materials has to take into account the potential distortions that can occur under harsh operating conditions – to ensure a reliable sealing function, even under extreme temperature ranges. To assure zero leakage, EagleBurgmann engineers selected a tandem concept that includes an intermediate labyrinth. Together with the dynamic sealing element, secondary sealing elements, based on PTFE, ensure high operational safety. The sliding faces employ silicon carbide together with a diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating. The selection of these materials for sliding faces is essential for reliable operation when dry nitrogen is present. Under harsh operating conditions alternative materials, such as carbon, tend to be affected by extreme wear, which lowers reliability. In addition, because of their high rotating mass these huge compressors take a long time to come to rest, so each seal has to be robust enough to operate at a low speed for a significant period when the seal face elements, which are normally separated, begin touching. EagleBurgmann manufactures seals for the full range of LNG process machinery – ones with large diameters for compressors and small diameters for equipment used in production and on board LNG tankers. Contact: EagleBurgmann Germany GmbH & Co Kg, Aeussere Sauerlacher Strasse 6–10, 82515 Wolfratshausen, Germany. Tel: +49 8171 23 0, Fax: +49 8171 23 1214, Web: www.eagleburgmann.com
Contents Contents
News EagleBurgmann develops dry gas seals for LNG production equipment
1
UK-launched service produces seals rapidly
2
Mechanical seal rings are made from carbon-graphite materials
2
Latest aerospace sealing technology on show in Paris
3
FKM blend is compatible with synthetic oils across a range of temperatures
4
Sealants speed up production in photovoltaic industry
4
Low-friction engine seal reduces CO emissions and fuel consumption
16
Company News Ford recycles tyres and soybean oil in the engine compartment
5
3M to acquire sealants manufacturer
5
Finnish nuclear power plants use Nofirno sealing system
6
Publications of Interest Tutorial covers roundness filters and harmonics
6
Rising costs drive down profit margins in the UK seals and gaskets industry
6
Meetings Update Call for papers issued for Silicone Elastomers 2012
7
Recently Published Papers
7
Features World’s largest dry gas seal helps keep Wuhan power plant running Ultrasonic tightening Regulars Bob’s Bit In Brief
8 10
3 5, 7
Patents
12
Events Calendar
16
ISSN 1350-4789/11 1350-4789/10 © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. This journal and the individual contributions contained in it are protected under copyright by Elsevier Ltd, and the following terms and conditions apply to their use: Photocopying Single photocopies of single articles may be made for personal use as allowed by national copyright laws. Permission of the publisher and payment of a fee is required for all other photocopying, including multiple or systematic copying, copying for advertising or promotional purposes, resale, and all forms of document delivery. Special rates are available for educational institutions that wish to make photocopies for non-profit educational classroom use.
TECHNOLOGY
ISSN 1350-4789 August 2011
www.sealingtechnology.info
EagleBurgmann develops dry gas seals for LNG production equipment
M
anufacturer of mechanical seals EagleBurgmann Germany GmbH & Co Kg has developed a class of dry gas seals for the extremely cold operating conditions that occur when liquid natural gas (LNG) is produced and shipped. These seals, designed for long-life reliability at the low operating temperatures at which liquefaction of natural gas occurs, have passed rigorous tests and been approved by major manufacturers of LNG compressors, says the firm. The global abundance of natural gas juxtaposed with the high cost of liquefying and ‘‘regasifying’’ it for shipping to overseas markets is driving producers towards ever-larger economies of scale in LNG production, and manufacturers of LNG production equipment are scaling up their products accordingly. EagleBurgmann’s LNG family includes seals for ‘‘super sized’’ compressors that are being developed for the largest LNG plants. The company claims that its biggest seal – with a nominal diameter of 390 mm – is the largest, dry gas seal available, and is validated for temperatures as low as -170°C. This seal is based on a similar design to that of a 390-mm seal developed by the firm for a steel-mill
EagleBurgmann Germany GmbH & Co Kg’s dry gas seals operate reliably at the extremely low operating temperatures at which liquefaction of natural gas occurs.
co-generation plant in China (see feature article, starting on page 8). This dry gas seal, which has been operating successfully since the end of 2009, is rated for temperatures up to 250°C. Full-scale development of dry gas seals with a nominal size of 390 mm started in 2005 as part of a qualification programme for a major manufacturer of compressors. Developing and making a large LNG seal presented particular challenges as it is not possible to simply scale up a smaller, standard seal, says the company. The design and selection of materials has to take into account the potential distortions that can occur under harsh operating conditions – to ensure a reliable sealing function, even under extreme temperature ranges. To assure zero leakage, EagleBurgmann engineers selected a tandem concept that includes an intermediate labyrinth. Together with the dynamic sealing element, secondary sealing elements, based on PTFE, ensure high operational safety. The sliding faces employ silicon carbide together with a diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating. The selection of these materials for sliding faces is essential for reliable operation when dry nitrogen is present. Under harsh operating conditions alternative materials, such as carbon, tend to be affected by extreme wear, which lowers reliability. In addition, because of their high rotating mass these huge compressors take a long time to come to rest, so each seal has to be robust enough to operate at a low speed for a significant period when the seal face elements, which are normally separated, begin touching. EagleBurgmann manufactures seals for the full range of LNG process machinery – ones with large diameters for compressors and small diameters for equipment used in production and on board LNG tankers. Contact: EagleBurgmann Germany GmbH & Co Kg, Aeussere Sauerlacher Strasse 6–10, 82515 Wolfratshausen, Germany. Tel: +49 8171 23 0, Fax: +49 8171 23 1214, Web: www.eagleburgmann.com
Contents Contents
News EagleBurgmann develops dry gas seals for LNG production equipment
1
UK-launched service produces seals rapidly
2
Mechanical seal rings are made from carbon-graphite materials
2
Latest aerospace sealing technology on show in Paris
3
FKM blend is compatible with synthetic oils across a range of temperatures
4
Sealants speed up production in photovoltaic industry
4
Low-friction engine seal reduces CO emissions and fuel consumption
16
Company News Ford recycles tyres and soybean oil in the engine compartment
5
3M to acquire sealants manufacturer
5
Finnish nuclear power plants use Nofirno sealing system
6
Publications of Interest Tutorial covers roundness filters and harmonics
6
Rising costs drive down profit margins in the UK seals and gaskets industry
6
Meetings Update Call for papers issued for Silicone Elastomers 2012
7
Recently Published Papers
7
Features World’s largest dry gas seal helps keep Wuhan power plant running Ultrasonic tightening Regulars Bob’s Bit In Brief
8 10
3 5, 7
Patents
12
Events Calendar
16
ISSN 1350-4789/11 1350-4789/10 © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved. This journal and the individual contributions contained in it are protected under copyright by Elsevier Ltd, and the following terms and conditions apply to their use: Photocopying Single photocopies of single articles may be made for personal use as allowed by national copyright laws. Permission of the publisher and payment of a fee is required for all other photocopying, including multiple or systematic copying, copying for advertising or promotional purposes, resale, and all forms of document delivery. Special rates are available for educational institutions that wish to make photocopies for non-profit educational classroom use.