N-2543 ENGLISH NOV / 99

SHAFT SEALING SYSTEMS

FOR CENTRIFUGAL AND
ROTARY PUMPS
Specification

The Responsible CONTEC Subcommittee provides guidance on the

interpretation of this Standard when questions arise regarding its contents. The
Department of PETROBRAS that uses this Standard is fully responsible for
adopting and applying the clauses thereof.
Mandatory Requirement: a provision established as being the most adequate
CONTEC and which shall be used strictly in accordance with this Standard. If a decision
Comissão de Normas is taken not to follow the requirement ("non-conformity" to this Standard) it
Técnicas shall be based on well-founded economic and management reasons, and be
approved and registered by the Department of PETROBRAS that uses this
Standard. It is characterized by the verb forms "shall", "it is necessary...", "is
required to...", "it is required that...", "is to...", "has to...", "only ... is
permitted", and other equivalent expressions having an imperative nature.
Recommended Practice (nonmandatory) a provision that may be adopted
under the conditions of this Standard, but which admits (and draws attention
to) the possibility of there being a more adequate alternative (not written in
this Standard) to the particular application. The alternative adopted shall be
approved and registered by the Department of PETROBRAS that uses this
Standard. It is characterized by the verbal form "should" and equivalent
expressions such as "it is recommended that..." and "ought to..." (verbs of a
nonmandatory nature). It is indicated by the expression: [Recommended
SC - 11 Practice].
Copies of the registered "non-conformities" to this Standard that may
Machines
contribute to the improvement thereof shall be submitted to the Responsible
CONTEC Subcommittee.
Proposed revisions to this Standard shall be submitted to the Responsible
CONTEC Subcommittee, indicating the alphanumeric identification and
revision of the Standard, the clause(s) to be revised, the proposed text, and
technical/economic justification for revision. The proposals are evaluated
during the work for alteration of this Standard.
“The present standard is exclusive ownership of PETRÓLEO
BRASILEIRO S.A. - PETROBRAS, for internal use in the company,
and any copy for external use or disclosure, without previous
express authorization, implies unlawful act pursuant the relevant
legislation through which the applicable responsibilities shall be
imputed. The external circulation shall be regulated by a specific
clause of Secrecy and Confidentiality, pursuant the terms of the
intellectual and industrial property law”

Foreword

PETROBRAS technical standards are prepared by Working Groups – GTs

(consisting of PETROBRAS specialists and PETROBRAS Subsidiaries specialists), are commented by Local
Representatives (representatives of the Industrial Units, Engineering Projects, Technical Divisions and
PETROBRAS Subsidiaries), are approved by Responsible Subcommittees SCs (consisting of specialists
belonging to the same speciality, representing the various PETROBRAS Departments and PETROBRAS
Subsidiaries), and approved by CONTEC General Assembly (consisting of representatives of the
Superintendencies of the PETROBRAS Departments and PETROBRAS Subsidiaries that use PETROBRAS
technical standards). A PETROBRAS technical standard is subjected to revision at any time by the Responsible
Subcommittee and must be reviewed every five years to be revalidated, revised or cancelled. PETROBRAS
technical standards are prepared in accordance with standard PETROBRAS N -1. For complete information
about PETROBRAS standards see PETROBRAS Technical Standards Catalog.

PROPERTY OF PETROBRAS 14 pages

 N-2543 ENGLISH NOV / 99

PREFACE

This Standard establishes the minimum conditions required for shaft sealing systems for
centrifugal and rotary pumps, to be supplied in accordance with API Standard 682, 1st
edition, october 1994.

1 PURPOSE

1.1 The requirements of this Standard are additions to, or modifications of the
API Standard 682, 1st edition, which is an integral part of this Standard.

1.2 Sealing systems shall be in accordance with API Standard 682, 1st edition, plus the
following changes, as noted in parenthesis for each clause, according to the definitions stated
below. The information of each clause shall be read as follows, whenever starting with:

Addition continuation of that particular API Standard 682 paragraph

Modification replacement of part of that affected API Standard 682 paragraph
Substitution replacement of that API Standard 682 paragraph in its entirety
New insertion of a requirement not found in API Standard 682
Deletion removal of that particular API Standard 682 paragraph
Comment clarification or interpretation on that API Standard 682 paragraph

1.3 Except for new clauses, item numbers used in this Standard are the same
API Standard 682, 1st edition, paragraph ones.

1.4 All deviations from the requirements in this Standard and/or API Standard 682, 1st
edition, must be clearly identified in the proposal and submitted to PETROBRAS for
approval. Any requirement exception or deviation from any of the listed documents not
clearly mentioned in tender will be considered by PETROBRAS as full compliance with the
material requisition.

1.5 All deviations from the contracted design or scope of supply made by vendor during time
of drawings and documents review shall be clearly mentioned in the particular document to be
approved.

1.6 Vendor’s compliance with the requirements of these specifications does not exempt him
from the responsibility of supplying equipment and accessories suitable for the specified
service conditions.

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2 COMPLEMENTARY DOCUMENTS

The following documents are referenced in the text and contain valid rules for this Standard.

2.1 Base Standard

API Standard 682 – 1st edition – Shaft Sealing Systems for Centrifugal and Rotary Pumps.

2.2 Referenced Publications

See API 682 Section 1, item 1.5 of this Standard.

3 DEFINITIONS

See API 682 Section 1, item 1.4 of this Standard.

API SECTION 1 - GENERAL

1.1 Scope

1.1.1 (Substitution)

This Standard covers the minimum requirements for sealing systems for centrifugal and rotary
pumps with seal sizes from 30 mm to 120 mm (1.5 to 4.5 inches). Unless otherwise specified,
the applications outside the range of - 40 °C to 430 °C (- 40 °F to 800 °F) and 0 to 34.5 bar a
(0 to 515 psi a) or which involve fluids not included in Appendix B of this Standard, may
require engineering and seal selection in addition to those provided in this Standard.

1.1.2 (Substitution)

This Standard is a “stand alone” seal standard which can be referenced by the current edition
of API Standard 610 (and PETROBRAS’ supplementary specifications, as well) or
API Standard 676 for new machines and can also be used to retrofit existing machines.

1.1.3 (Substitution)

This Standard is designed to default to the equipment types most commonly supplied to
PETROBRAS, and that have a high probability of meeting the objective of at least 3 years of
uninterrupted service while complying with emission regulations.

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Where standard options exist, they are equivalent, acceptable and preferred: therefore, seals
and sealing systems will be specified in pump/seal data sheets, according to the Seal
Application Chart (SAC), if any, of the particular plant where the pump/seal is to be installed.
See Appendix L of this Standard.
The standard (according to the SAC) selection and the standard options provide a sealing
system that facilitates reliability, maintainability, and standardization, once seal type,
materials, and size will be standardized, aiming the maximum possible interchangeability of
parts (parts and materials not specified by PETROBRAS shall be per seal manufacturer
recommendations but shall also be selected considering spare parts inventories of the plant).
The standard selection and standard options also provide standard seal designs that have been
tested and qualified under equal or similar service conditions under which they are intended to
operate. On the other hand, this Standard also encourages evolving technology through
qualification testing, data sheet input, and particularly, for engineered seals.

1.2 Alternative Designs (Substitution)

First of all, seal manufacturer shall quote sealing systems according to the Seal Application
Chart and pump/seal data sheets, which shall be filled in, signed and returned for technical bid
analysis (seal quotation summaries are not acceptable).
Nevertheless, the manufacturer may offer alternative designs with full-documented technical
justification (and eventually, is required to, mostly when a standardized selection might not
fully meet life, leakage rate and reliability requirements of data sheets and 1.1.3 of this
Standard. This Standard is not intended to impede technological advances in state-of-the art
sealing technology and therefore, pump and seal manufacturers are encouraged to continually
review new concepts and designs.
Concerning SI/English dimensions, see also in pump or seal data sheets the fields for size
standard about the required design system.

1.3 Conflicting Requirements (Substitution)

In case of conflict between the inquiry documents, the following priority shall govern:

a) data sheets;
b) supplementary job specifications (if any);
c) seal application chart (if any);
d) this PETROBRAS Standard and all other PETROBRAS standards specifically
referenced in the inquiry;
e) API Standards 682 and 610.

Concerning any conflict after placement of order, the following priority shall govern:

a) formal correspondence regarding any changes in the scope of supply or technical

specifications, mutually agreed upon by PETROBRAS and vendor;
b) approved documentation;
c) revised data sheets and other material requisition documents (applicable to
purchase);
d) revised vendor’s proposal (if any);

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e) this PETROBRAS Standard and all other PETROBRAS standards specifically

referenced in the inquiry or order;
f) API Standards 682 and 610;
g) vendor’s proposal.

1.4 Definition of Terms

1.4.56 (New)

“Hazardous service”, when so marked on the data sheets, shall apply to all wetted parts of
pumps, seal system, piping, instruments and auxiliary equipment, and refers to the following
fluids and operational conditions:

a) H2S (hydrogen sulphide) concentrations above 500 ppm;

b) hydrocarbons with hydrogen at a partial pressure above 7 bar a;
c) hydrocarbons at pumping temperatures above their auto-ignition temperatures;
d) other toxic and lethal substances, which will result in death or permanent
personal injury through inhalation, exposition, or contact, to be specified and
defined in the inquiry documents.

API SECTION 2 - SEAL DESIGN

2.1 Standard Seal Types and Arrangements

2.1.1 (Modification)

Replace first sentence by:

Unless otherwise specifically stated in the data sheets or in the applicable SAC, all standard
mechanical seals regardless of type or arrangement shall be of the cartridge design, whenever
feasible (exceptions shall be submitted for PETROBRAS’ specific approval).

2.3 Seal Chamber and Glands

2.3.3.1 (Modification)

Replace first sentence by:

Seal chambers shall conform to the minimum dimensions shown in TABLE 1.

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2.3.9 (Substitution)

The pump manufacturer shall furnish curves or other characteristics allowing determination of
the seal chamber pressure over the entire range of the pump head capacity curve.

COMMENT: This information facilitates orifice sizing for cooling systems as well as
identification of flashing services.

The seal gland plate or seal chamber shall be furnished with a second flush connection to
permit measurement of seal chamber pressure directly.

2.3.11 (Addition)

Multiple ports shall be used for single seals and external dual seals.

2.3.14 (Addition)

Close clearances are not required for bushings installed at the inboard end of pressurized dual
seals.

2.3.16 (Substitution)

Gland plates and seal chambers shall have provisions for those connections required by the
seal flush plan but shall be designed and drilled, as a minimum, for flushing, drain and
quenching, even when not specified. In this case, connection points shall be plugged with
solid round or solid hex head plugs furnished in accordance with the dimensional
requirements of ANSI B 16.11. [TABLE 7 or 7a]. These plugs shall be of the same material as
the gland plate. An anaerobic lubricant/sealant shall be used on the threads to insure they are
vapor tight.

2.3.20 (Modification)

Replace first sentence by:

For single seals and whenever feasible for dual seals, a non-sparking floating throttle bushing
shall be installed in the seal gland or chamber and positively retained against pressure
blowdown to minimize leakage if the seal fails.

2.5 Mating Rings

2.5.1 (Addition)

Except for bellows seals, all inserts shall be submitted for PETROBRAS’ specific approval.
Ordinay inserts shall not be used.

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API SECTION 3 - MATERIALS

3.4 Springs (Substitution)

Unless specifically stated in the data sheets, seals with multiple springs shall use
Hastelloy CTM as spring material. Seals with single springs shall use AISI type 316 stainless
steel as spring material. Should the possibility of 316 stainless steel stress corrosion cracking
occur, springs of Inconel or Hastelloy CTM shall be used for seals with single springs.

3.5 Secondary Sealing Components

3.5.4 (New)

PTFE (TeflonTM) shall not be used unless it has been specifically approved by PETROBRAS
for that particular application.

3.9 Miscellaneous Parts

3.9.1 (Addition)

Alloy 20TM, as a minimum, shall be used for services with chlorides concentrations above
10 ppm.

API SECTION 4 - ACCESSORIES

4.1 Auxiliary Piping Systems

4.1.2 (New)

Piping accessories, instruments and openings shall be stamped or provided with metal tags
and arrows to identify flow direction, purpose and/or service. See also 6.4.4.

4.1.14 (Substitution)

Unless otherwise specified, AISI 316L material shall be used when chlorides are present in a
concentration above 10 ppm.

4.5 Accessories and Auxiliary System Components

4.5.3 Seal Flush Coolers (Addition)

Seal cooler data sheet shall be submitted to PETROBRAS for approval. Both actual and
design seal cooler heat loads shall be informed.

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4.5.4 Dual Seal Barrier/Buffer Fluid Reservoirs

4.5.4.1.7 (Substitution)

Reservoir shall be equipped with a pressure switch and a pressure gauge sensing the vapor
space above the high liquid level (HLL). A low pressure alarm switch shall be used for
pressurized dual seal arrangements equipped with a barrier fluid reservoir and a high pressure
switch (with contacts for alert and danger) shall be used for unpressurized dual seal
arrangements with buffer fluid reservoir.

4.5.4.1.8 (Substitution)

The reservoir shall be equipped with a low level alarm (LLA) switch and, when specified, a
high level switch (with contacts for alert and danger), to actuate in the event of reservoir level
increase due to a failure of the primary seal of an unpressurized dual seal arrangement.

4.6 Barrier/Buffer Fluid and Seal Flush Positive Circulating Devices

4.6.2 Internal Circulating Device

4.6.2.4 (Addition)

The seal chamber outlet connection shall be tangentially drilled in order to improve the
pumping effect of the ring (if ring is of the radial type), and shall be located as far as possible
from the seal faces, while the cold seal liquid inlet connection shall be located near the seal
faces.

API SECTION 6 - INSPECTION, TESTING, AND PREPARATION FOR SHIPMENT

6.3 Testing

6.3.5 Pump Manufacturer Seal Test

6.3.5.1 Standard Testing

6.3.5.1.2 (Modification)

Replace first sentence by:

Unless formally requested by pump vendor and/or seal manufacturer (see 7.2.3 of this
Standard) and approved by PETROBRAS, the seal (or seals) shall not have any visible signs
of leakage during any phase of the pump performance test.

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API SECTION 7 - MANUFACTURER DATA

7.2 Proposals

7.2.3 (New)

Seal manufacturer is required to note on the proposal data sheets the expected or guaranteed
maximum leakage rates of the quoted seal, both at shop testing (with water) and at job site,
under rated operating conditions. See also 6.3.5.1.2 of this Standard.

APPENDIX C – STANDARD FLUSH PLANS (ADDITION)

Add the following plan (plan 14) same as API STD 610 / 8TH edition:

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Note: Recirculation from pump discharge through a flow control orifice (when necessary)
to the seal and back to the suction nozzle. The orifice is to be sized in accordance
with the throat bushing and the return line. Similar to plan 11 but flow back to
suction side will evacuate vapors that may collect in seal chamber. Recommended
in light hydrocarbon service.

APPENDIX L - SEAL APPLICATION CHARTS (NEW)

L.1 The seal application chart (SAC) shall be considered as a general guidance regarding
mechanical seals selection and, therefore, should be consulted whenever a particular SAC
regarding the plant where the pump is to be installed is not available.

L.2 The chart 1 shall be considered for either new or existent pumps that are not in
accordance with API Standards 682 and 610 (7th and 8th editions) and their respective
PETROBRAS’ supplementary specifications.

L.3 The chart 2 shall be considered for either new or existent pumps that fully comply with
API Standards 682 and 610 (7th and/or 8th editions) and their respective PETROBRAS’
supplementary specifications.

CHART 1

Pumped fluid temperature Secondary gaskets material

°C
430 Graphite foil
TM TM
Flexibox RRVB, SRET Flexibox SRET
John Crane 315, 715TM
Flowserve PBS, PBR, PODTM Flowserve PODTM
290 Burgmann MFL, SH, HJTM Burgmann SH, HJ, MFL, HRTM Kalrez TM
Flexibox RROTM
John Crane 8BTM
Flowserve PTOTM
150 Burgmann H75, HR, MFL, H4TM Viton TM (*)
Flexibox RROTM
John Crane 8BTM
Flowserve PTOTM
Burgmann H75, HR, H4TM

17.25 34.5

Seal chamber pressure, bar a

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CHART 2

Pumped fluid temperature Secondary gaskets material

°C
430 Graphite foil
Flexibox RRBB, S/RT1B, SRET TM Flexibox SRET TM
TM
John Crane 315, 715
Flowserve PBS, PBR, POD TM Flowserve POD TM
TM
290 Burgmann MFL, SH, HJ Burgmann SH, MFL TM Kalrez TM
TM
Flexibox AP1M
John Crane 48 TM
Flowserve PTO TM
150 Burgmann H75, MFL, HJ TM Viton TM (*)
Flexibox AP1M TM
John Crane 48 TM
Flowserve PTO TM
Burgmann H75, HJ TM

17.25 34.5

Seal chamber pressure, bar a

Note: The use of Viton TM is limited to 120 °C for water service.

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