Low emission dry gas seal system for compressors

Abstract

Systems and methods according to these exemplary embodiments provide sealing mechanisms for centrifugal compressors. A sealing mechanism includes first, second and third dry gas seals arranged in series. Each seal receives its own sealing gas and has its own venting mechanism. Sealing gas pressures remain low enough that a dedicated compressor for supplying the sealing gases is not needed. Additionally, the risk of process gas being released into the atmosphere in case of seal failure is limited.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This is a national stage application under 35 U.S.C. §371(c) of prior-filed, co-pending PCT patent application serial number PCT / EP2010 / 067456, filed on Nov. 15, 2010, which claims priority to Italian Patent Application Serial No. CO2009A000051, filed on Nov. 23, 2009, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to compressors and, more specifically, to the provision of dry gas seal systems in compressors.[0004]2. Description of the Prior Art[0005]A compressor is a machine which accelerates the particles of a compressible fluid, e.g., a gas, through the use of mechanical energy to, ultimately, increase the pressure of that compressible fluid. Compressors are used in a number of different applications, including operating as an initial stage of a gas turbine engine. Among the various types of compresso...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a sealing mechanism for centrifugal compressors, which involves using three dry gas seals in series. Each seal has its own gas and venting mechanism, which allows for better control over potentially hazardous process gases and reduces the complexity and maintenance requirements associated with sealing mechanisms for centrifugal compressors. The main technical effect of this technology is improved safety and efficiency in the production process.

Problems solved by technology

Various types of gases are used in centrifugal compressors, some of which are toxic or dangerous to the environment and / or to workers in the plants.

Centrifugal compressors equipped with these types of dry gas sealing systems thus also require additional compressors whose function is solely to provide the sealing gas, thus making the overall system more complex.

Moreover, although the second seal 4 in the tandem configuration does provide a back-up capability, current dry gas seal systems are still not fault free, in which case they may undesirably release a certain amount of sealing gas into the atmosphere.

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