Advanced seal technology 'guaranteed' to cut costs

A new advanced sealing technology called LaserFace has been introduced by John Crane, marketed using a reliability or performance related basis, which is predicted to reduce costs.

LaserFace incorporates unique seal face structures and enhances performance in difficult seal applications.

It also reduces costs: it is being supplied to users on a reliability or performance related basis.

The benefits of LaserFace, combined with this innovative marketing method, help to remove the barriers normally associated with the application of new technology.

It also reduces financial risk as it delivers the benefits of lower capital, running and maintenance costs.

"Replacing the typical industrial transactional approach with this performance related commercialisation of LaserFace delivers a level of commitment to the customer which has not been seen in this industry before.

It ensures that there is no ambiguity for a John Crane customer.

In other words, customers receive the best technology coupled with world-leading technical support" commented Andrew Caffyn, Commercial Director.

This approach also matches changing methods of commercial operation within the process industries, and reflects the changing needs of end-users such as environmental considerations, reduced capital expenditure and the increased availability of rotating equipment.

LaserFace offers increased reliability as a result of reduced friction and wear, as full interface lubrication is provided where low vapour pressures are encountered.

In addition, these seals greatly reduce the necessary complexities of conventional systems and the size of associated equipment.

The technology minimises leakage of volatile organic compounds and, as such, is ideal for process applications in the petrochemical, chemical, oil and gas industries.

Furthermore, it allows operation of a single seal close to vapour pressure without the need for additional cooling, which results in a lower cost, more reliable option.

LaserFace also reduces seal power consumption by up to 50%.

In essence, LaserFace technology simplifies the 'total solution', decreases the complexity of seal support systems and inherently increases the reliability of the complete seal system.

Where equipment is involved with marginally lubricated applications, both uptime and meantime between repair can be extended.

Claimed to represent a significant breakthrough in seal face technology, the new seals will be based on existing successful platforms, also ensuring compliance with several categories in the revised API682 standard.

With the potential to be employed across a wide range of John Crane mechanical seals, in a variety of industry sectors, the first platform to be upgraded to suit this technology will be the 1648 low emissions cartridge seal, positioned in the oil and gas sector.

Of particular interest to this sector will be the ability to maintain excellent performance and reliability in low pressure and temperature margins, a persistent industry problem when sealing light hydrocarbon-based products.

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