Plan 23S

The Plan 23S system is an innovative adaption of the conventional API Plan 23 system, providing enhanced seal face cooling for optimised mechanical seal performance in high temperature applications.

In the Plan 23S system, the process fluid is forced circulated from the mechanical seal chamber (the mechanical seal flush port) to a heat exchanger and back to the mechanical seal chamber. The mechanical seal chamber is seperated from the pump seal chamber by a floating restriction bush. This optimises the sealing environment, as the volume of fluid circulated in the Plan 23C is less than 1/10th of the conventional Plan 23 system. This means the heat exchanger doesn't need to work as hard whilst still providing cool fluid to the mechanical seal faces in, what would otherwise be a high temperature environment.

Importantly, the Plan 23S system incorporates a sample collection pot. This allows for in-process process fluid samples to be periodically taken so that the operator can assess the quality of the fluid in the seal circuit.

Assessing fluid quality is one element in determining what is the conduction of the mechanical seal. If the fluid sample is discoloured, or contains metallic particles or debris, it could be the early signs of seal failure or seal distress. The sampler system in the Plan23S is therefore an excellent reliability-focused innovative tool for condition monitoring of the sealing environment.

Unlike Plan 32, there is no process fluid temperature reduction. This means that there is no wasted energy input heating the fluid inside the process pump.

Unlike Plan 32, there is no process fluid concentration dilution, as there is no external fluid supplied into the pump sealing chamber.

Furthermore, unlike Plan 21, the heat exchanger doesn't have to work as hard. This means, in a like-for-like application, the cooling water supply to the heat exchanger can be reduced.

There are typically HUGE operational savings to be made from Plan 23S applications, which far exceed any small, one off capital investment in the Plan 23 heat exchanger circuit.

Important - The key element to maximise the benefit of the Plan 23S system is in the PUMPING RING design and the HEAT EXCHANGER design. Reliability Seals have the best innovations for both. Also, check out Plan 23B systems and Plan 23E system adaptions for further enhanced operational performance.