Analysis of Historical Dry Gas Seal Failure Data

Abstract

While proper design and maintenance of dry gas seals is a well-understood topic, dry gas seal failures are still relatively common. These failures can result in frequent repairs and costly downtime. Although several case studies of individual failures are available, relatively few large-scale dry gas seal failure studies exist. Based on a review of existing literature, very little has been published on failure statistics aimed at improving seal reliability. As a part of an industry-funded dry gas seal reliability project, a failure database has been populated with information provided by both end users and original equipment manufacturers. The database includes details on dry gas seal and separation seal configuration, seal gas supply, operating history, conditions at time of failure, and failure symptoms, including any results from failure analyses performed by the survey respondent. In total, eight companies contributed 194 failures. Of these, 144 cases had root causes provided. From this database of failures, statistical analysis is used to determine common reasons behind dry gas seal failures in gas compression service. Failure trends are identified based on data collected, and corresponding recommendations are provided for improving dry gas seal reliability.