en.Wedoany.com Report on Mar 24th, John Crane, a part of Smiths Group plc, has delivered significant water savings for a liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facility in Louisiana, USA, by deploying Type SB2 USP dual seals in its mechanical seal products. The project achieved a 99.8% reduction in water usage, demonstrating the potential of modern sealing technology to enhance resource efficiency.
By utilizing Type SB2 USP seals to support the operation of high-temperature hot well pumps, the LNG facility reduced its daily water consumption from approximately 2,000 gallons to just 3-4 gallons. This change not only provided direct cost savings for the operator but also enhanced long-term operational efficiency.
Previously, these pumps relied on traditional mechanical seals with an API Plan 32 deionized water flush plan, which required a continuous supply of treated water to cool and lubricate the seal faces. While effective, this method was water-intensive and increased operational costs, especially under high-temperature process conditions. In contrast, the Type SB2 USP seal is designed to operate reliably within a temperature range of 180°C to 200°C with minimal water requirements.
John Crane's Type SB2 USP seal utilizes proprietary non-contacting upstream pumping technology, employing a buffer fluid to provide cooling and lubrication functions. This innovation significantly reduces dependence on external water flushing while maintaining stable performance in demanding environments. The solution was delivered and installed within eight weeks without encountering major challenges, allowing the operator to quickly achieve quantifiable water-saving goals.
Since installation, the facility has maintained stable sealing performance while significantly reducing its use of deionized water. The successful implementation has prompted the operator to consider broader application of Type SB2 USP seals throughout its facility as part of sustainability and operational optimization initiatives.
"This project demonstrates what's possible when advanced sealing technology is applied to high-temperature, high-demand processes," said Mike Eason, Chief Technology Officer at John Crane. "Achieving a 99.8% reduction in water usage is a powerful example of how engineering innovation can support operational efficiency and responsible resource management."
