Turbomachinery Laboratory, Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station
Abstract
Case StudiesUrea melt pumps had been a reliability concern since commissioning (1992).
Majority of the concerns were related to the failure of mechanical seal.
Unexpected failures of seal were encountered during plant startups or during
pump changeover. It resulted in a major reliability concern as the continuity of
operation of plant had been at stake. Also huge expenses were incurred as
damaged seal caused other parts to fail. A typical overhaul costs around USD
10,000.
This Case Study highlights the identification of Failure Modes and steps taken to
resolve the issues pertaining to seal reliability on this service