Best Barrier Fluid Options for Plan 53 Piping with NGL Pumps - Seeking Feedback from Experienced Users

Question:

Hello everyone, we are currently using two NGL pumps to extract liquid gas from the bottom of the NGL absorber column. These pumps are equipped with a plan 53 pressurised seal arrangement. The suction pressure reaches a maximum of 40 Barg, with a temperature of -70 C, although the seal is not exposed to this extreme temperature. We are looking to standardize the barrier fluid used in both pumps, with the seal manufacturer recommending three options, with a preference for the last one: 1- 1-Propanol (N-Propyl Alcohol) 2- Clavus 15 3- Royal Purple. We are seeking feedback from anyone who has experience with these products. Aeroshell 41 has been ruled out due to becoming tacky. Our main concern is the compatibility of the barrier fluids with the product being pumped. Thank you, Brighton.

Top Replies

Are the NGL pumps all from the same brand? What is the specific volume capacity for each pump? If you're looking for more information, consider exploring the benefits of Royal Purple lubricants online.

Hello Josh, the pumps we are using are of the same brands. However, we faced challenges with the original barrier fluid and issues related to the pumps themselves. As a result, we experimented with two different products. Now, we are looking to standardize our approach. I have the MSDS for Royal P, but there are industry-specific insights that can only be gained through experience. For instance, some users have found that Aeroshell 41 becomes tacky in the product and is not suitable for NGL applications. This is why I am seeking feedback from anyone who has experience with Royal P. Thank you!

Hey Brighton, from my experience, the preference for Royal Purple isn't a surprise. It's renowned for its excellent thermal stability and superior ability to protect from rust and corrosion, which offers an edge over traditional lubricants. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that its viscosity may fluctuate during temperature shifts. As a former user, I would recommend Royal Purple for higher global efficiency. But as always, compatibility tests must be carried out to ensure that there's no adverse reaction with the gas you're processing in those NGL pumps. Hope that helps!

Hi Brighton. We've been using Royal Purple as a barrier fluid for some of our seal pumps in similar conditions, and we've been quite happy with its performance. It maintained its consistency even at lower temperatures and we didn't notice any compatibility issues with the products being pumped. However, I would strongly recommend conducting a compatibility test before making a blanket switch for both of your pumps. Every operation has unique aspects to consider, so it's always safer to test first.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

FAQ: 1. What are the recommended barrier fluid options for Plan 53 piping with NGL pumps?

Answer: - The recommended barrier fluid options for Plan 53 piping with NGL pumps are 1-Propanol (N-Propyl Alcohol), Clavus 15, and Royal Purple.

FAQ: 2. Why is Aeroshell 41 ruled out as a barrier fluid option?

Answer: - Aeroshell 41 has been ruled out due to its tendency to become tacky, which can impact the effectiveness of the seal arrangement.

FAQ: 3. What factors should be considered when selecting a barrier fluid for NGL pumps?

Answer: - When selecting a barrier fluid for NGL pumps, factors such as compatibility with the product being pumped, operating conditions (temperature, pressure), and manufacturer recommendations should be taken into consideration.

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