by: SEPCO

A SEPCO Custom Solution Resolves Leakage Issues at Gasoline Terminal



Gasoline Terminal

Introduction In the high-stakes environment of fuel distribution, mechanical integrity and reliability are critical. A recent incident at a gasoline terminal highlighted the essential nature of properly functioning equipment. The terminal faced a significant operational disruption when a Goulds model 3410M double-ended pump began leaking, hindering the terminal’s ability to pump premium gasoline. After multiple unsuccessful attempts to resolve the issue, SEPCO was called in to provide its expertise.

The Challenge
The gasoline terminal, a client of a SEPCO distributor, was experiencing persistent leakage problems with their crucial pump. Despite two attempts by a contractor to install mechanical seals, the leaks persisted, threatening the terminal’s operations and safety standards. The repeated failures of the seals posed not only a mechanical reliability issue but also a significant loss in productivity and increased environmental risk.

SEPCO’s Intervention
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, SEPCO’s team conducted a thorough survey of the pump and its assembly. The investigation quickly uncovered that the root of the problem was the use of incorrectly sized gaskets in the previously installed mechanical seals. This fundamental error was causing the seals to fail, leading to the leaks.

Innovative Solution
With a clear understanding of the issue, SEPCO took immediate action to rectify the mistake. The team disassembled the pump and removed the faulty seals. To address the mismatch in gasket size, SEPCO manufactured custom washer adapters that allowed the installation of a larger Outside Diameter (OD) gasket. This custom solution ensured the new gaskets would properly seal and fit securely within the pump’s design parameters.

Successful Implementation
Once the new components were prepared, the pump was carefully reassembled, and the seals were reinstalled with the correctly sized gaskets. SEPCO also connected the appropriate flush plans to optimize the seal environment and performance. The pump underwent a rigorous static test to ensure there were no leaks. The test results were successful; no leakage was observed, marking a critical first step toward getting the terminal back to full operational capacity.

Conclusion
The pump was returned to service and monitored closely. It performed flawlessly, with no signs of leakage, allowing the terminal to resume normal operations and pump premium gasoline efficiently. This incident underscored SEPCO’s capability to diagnose and resolve complex mechanical issues and highlighted the importance of precision in seal selection and installation. Through innovative engineering and proactive problem-solving, SEPCO turned a potential crisis into a success story, reinforcing its reputation as a reliable partner in industrial sealing solutions.

Final Note
This article is a testament to SEPCO’s expertise and customer-focused approach. If your facility experiences similar challenges, consider contacting SEPCO for tailored solutions that ensure reliability and efficiency in your operations.