API Plan 02
API Plan 02 – Dead-End Seal Chamber with No Circulation
API Plan 02 is a dead-end (stagnant) seal chamber configuration where there is no external circulation or flush fluid flow to or from the seal chamber.
It relies solely on the process fluid present in the seal chamber for lubrication and cooling. This plan is typically used for applications with clean, non-volatile, and non-polymerizing fluids where additional flushing is unnecessary.
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Features
How It Works:
- The seal chamber is completely enclosed with no external piping.
- The process fluid within the chamber provides lubrication and cooling for the seal faces.
- Heat generated by the seal must dissipate through natural convection or conduction into the surrounding pump housing.
Benefits
- Simple and cost-effective – No external piping, instrumentation, or auxiliary systems needed.
- Lower maintenance – Fewer components mean reduced maintenance and failure points.
- No dilution of process fluid – Maintains purity of the pumped fluid since no external fluid is introduced.
- Suitable for non-contaminating fluids – Works well with clean, non-volatile liquids that do not degrade over time.
Drawbacks
- Limited cooling and lubrication – Poor heat dissipation can lead to seal overheating and premature failure.
- Not suitable for dirty or polymerizing fluids – Solids, sludge, or sticky fluids can accumulate and damage the seal.
- Higher risk of vaporization – If the process fluid has a low boiling point, it may flash into vapor, causing dry-running and seal failure.
- Limited to low-to-moderate temperatures and pressures – Inefficient for high-pressure or high-temperature applications where cooling is critical.
Applications
- Oil & Gas Industry – Used in light hydrocarbon and lubricant pumps where process fluid properties allow for natural cooling.
- Chemical Processing – Applied in clean chemical transfer pumps with non-volatile, non-polymerizing fluids.
- Power Generation – Used in lubrication oil circulation and cooling water pumps.
- Water & Wastewater Treatment – Suitable for clean water applications where additional flushing is unnecessary.
- Food & Beverage Industry – Used in hygienic processes where maintaining process fluid purity is essential.
- General Industrial Pumps – Applied in low-speed, low-temperature, and low-pressure applications.
API Plan 02 is best suited for clean, stable process fluids where external flushing or cooling is unnecessary, but it should not be used in high-temperature or dirty fluid applications.
Warning Notes
Related Technical Papers
Applicable Products
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