API Plan 21

What is API Plan 21

API Plan 21 is a standard piping arrangement used with mechanical seals to control the environment around the seal. It’s part of a series of API (American Petroleum Institute Piping Plans that provide guidelines for using mechanical seals reliably and safely.

In an API Plan 21 system, the mechanical seal is cooled and lubricated by fluid from the pump. The fluid is taken from the pump discharge, cooled by a heat exchanger, and then directed to the seal chamber. After lubricating and cooling the seal, the fluid is returned back to the pump suction or a drain.

How Does API Plan 21 Work

In API Plan 21, a small stream of the pumped fluid is taken from the pump discharge (outlet) and sent to the seal chamber through a flow control orifice. The orifice limits the flow to 1-2 gallons per minute (3.8-7.6 liters per minute).

The cool, clean fluid from the pump discharge enters the seal chamber and flows around the mechanical seal. This cools the seal and lubricates the contact faces between the stationary and rotating parts. The fluid also helps to flush away any small particles or debris that might damage the seal faces.

After circulating through the seal chamber, the fluid exits through a drain port and is typically sent back to the pump suction (inlet) or to a collection tank. This completes the circulation loop.

Design of API Plan 21

• Reservoir (Tank): A small tank that holds the cooling liquid, typically water, connected to the seal chamber to manage the temperature of the mechanical seal.
• Supply and Return Lines: Two lines that link the reservoir to the seal chamber; one supplies cool liquid to the seal, and the other returns the warm liquid back to the reservoir for cooling.
• Coil (Heat Exchanger): Positioned inside the reservoir, this component allows the hot liquid from the seal to transfer its heat to the cooler liquid surrounding the coil, aiding in the cooling process before the liquid is recirculated.
• Circulator (Pump): A small pump that keeps the cooling liquid in constant circulation from the reservoir, through the seal chamber, and back, ensuring a steady flow of cool liquid to the mechanical seal.

Advantages of API Plan 21

• Cool and Clean Flush: Directs a fluid to seal faces, ensuring lubrication and cleanliness to prevent premature wear.
• Heat and Particulate Removal: Flush fluid removes heat and particulates, protecting seal faces from damage and extending their lifespan.
• Improved Fluid Vapor Margin: Maintains a higher fluid vapor margin, preventing vapor bubble formation and seal damage.
• Reduced Coking, Polymerization, and Fouling: Mitigates issues like coking, polymerization, and fouling, keeping seal faces clean.
• Self-Venting Design: Prevents air accumulation in the seal chamber, ensuring optimal sealing conditions and preventing damage.

Disadvantages of API Plan 21

• Cooler: API Plan 21 uses a cooler to remove heat from the seal flush fluid, but it has drawbacks like high energy consumption and high cooler heat duty.
• Clogging: Viscosity increase in the process fluid can lead to clogging issues, hindering proper flush flow and risking seal damage.
• Maintenance: Plan 21 systems have more components, requiring regular tasks like cleaning the cooler, checking flush flow, and inspecting for leaks or deterioration every 6 to 24 months.

Applications

• Chemical Processing
• Oil and Gas
• Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
• Food and Beverage
• Power Generation