Reasons for eliminating the cooling water for the high-temperature pump cover
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During the actual operation of high-temperature pumps, the cooling water for the pump cover often gets clogged due to issues with water quality. According to Appendix B of API610, version 11 (schematic diagrams of cooling and lubrication systems), it is indicated that only the bearing housings and the corresponding sealing auxiliary systems require cooling water, while cooling water for the pump cover is not mentioned. This indicates that pumps manufactured in accordance with the latest API610 standards can do without pump cover cooling water. So, can high-temperature pumps produced in the past also do without it? Looking at previous forum discussions, some technical experts suggested eliminating this requirement, while others insisted on adhering to the regulations and not doing so. What should be done? I would appreciate it if experts in the field, especially those involved in pump and seal design, could provide some guidance.
Since it has been established, there must be a reason for it; it’s better to understand it from a fundamental perspective. Any modifications to the equipment must be approved by the department in charge of the equipment before they can be carried out, in order to avoid taking responsibility.
In my opinion, the cooling water for the pump cover is mainly used to cool the seal chamber; whether this cooling water is removed has a significant impact on the lifespan of the seal.
Cooling the pump cover with water is not complicated and does not require high costs; however, the temperature in the mechanical seal chamber remains quite high. Relying solely on flushing the mechanical seal for cooling is not very reliable
The pump cover cooling water is used to cool the mechanical seal; if effective measures are taken for the seal, such as Plan 21 or Plan 23, then the pump cover cooling water can be eliminated. When I used to work for a European-owned company, there were indeed some large pumps on site that used pump cover cooling, but no other cooling methods were employed for the mechanical seals; I think this is probably just the *habit of Europeans.