Description:

The completion of an appropriate mechanical seal selection can be a daunting task for the user reviewing all potential influencing application factors. The process complexity is compounded when weighing the various advantages and disadvantages of numerous potential mechanical seal configurations and support system arrangements potentially suitable for the operating parameters.

 

This presentation will identify the intricacies of selecting mechanical seals for varied hydrocarbon pipeline applications and will suggest a rule-based methodology for simplifying the seal and support system selection. The selection method will consider the pumped fluid variables, application, and operational regimes, as well as the legislative and non-legislative requirements for containment strategies and leakage management. The types of seal and support system solutions available by fluid type will be discussed, considering various local user or national preferences. The paper will identify the core attributes that affect seal selection and expand on the benefits and advantages on each solution.

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Presenters:

Raul Escontrias

North American Pipeline Account Manager​, John Crane

Raul Escontrias is the North American Pipeline Account Manager for John Crane based out of Houston, TX.

He joined John Crane in 1997 and in his current role serves as a technical resource specific to the pipeline

industry. His primary duties are interfacing with corporate engineering groups for pipeline operators to

establish best practices for design criteria, assist with on-site troubleshooting, formulation of recommendations

on new applications and to facilitate client training. He has held additional engineering roles within John

Crane, including Reliability and Regional Engineering positions in the United States in the refining, specialty

chemical processing and petrochemical markets. As a graduate of Texas A&M University with a BS in

Engineering, he has over 25 years of technical field expertise.