Pump Sealing System (PSS)

BENEFITS
Significant cost of ownership savings due to:

•   Can be used with or without flush water while maintaining zero leakage

•   Once installed the PSS never requires maintenance

•   Contains fugitive emissions in non-lethal services

•   Designed to survive system upsets and varying operating conditions

•   Available in split and solid configurations

Features

       •   Non-contact sealing system

       •   Does not require water flush

       •   Does not directly consum  power

       •   Maintenance free

       •   Standard split configuration

Not affected by:

       •  Pipe Strain

       •  Misalignment

       •  Off design point operation

       •  Shaft movement in any direction:
–   Max TIR 0.062”
–   Unlimited axial

       •  Cavitation

       •  Vibration

Case Study – Turning Around A Troubled Hydrapulper at a U.S. Tissue and Packaging Plant

At a bustling U.S. producer of tissue and packaging products, a maintenance supervisor faced a stubborn issue with a hydrapulper discharge pump. The pump’s sealing system was failing fast, disrupting operations and driving up costs. By teaming up with SEPCO to install the innovative PSS system, the plant transformed a headache into a success story. Here’s how they did it:

The Challenge: 

The hydrapulper discharge pump was plagued by persistent sealing failures, lasting only one to two weeks before breaking down.  

The pump’s wet end wasn’t bolted down but slotted onto a concrete pad, leading to excessive pipe strain and misalignment. 

This movement caused relentless stress on the sealing system, resulting in frequent leaks and downtime.

The Solution: 

The plant collaborated with SEPCO to overhaul the pump’s sealing setup, installing the PSS system.  

The PSS package included:  

•  A split air seal for non-contact, leak-proof performance.  

•  Two shaft-supporting bushings to stabilize the shaft under misalignment.  

•  A lantern ring to manage flush flow efficiently.

The team fine-tuned the system:  

•  Flush pressure (via the lantern ring) was set 15 psi above stuffing box pressure to maintain control.  

•  Plant air for the air seal was adjusted to 5–10 psi above flush pressure, ensuring a robust barrier.

The Results: 

The PSS system has run flawlessly for over six months, unaffected by the pump’s wet-end movement or pipe strain.  

Downtime and maintenance costs plummeted, freeing up resources for other priorities.  

Water usage dropped significantly, aligning with the plant’s sustainability goals.  

Impressed by the results, the maintenance supervisor is planning to roll out the PSS system to other pumps across the facility.

This upgrade showcases the PSS Air Seal’s ability to tackle tough conditions with minimal upkeep, delivering reliability and savings for the tissue and packaging plant.