Flowserve Seal Support Reservoir - Manual (Page 7)

9. If the system is equipped with a weld pad level gauge the bolts on the cover
should be retorqued to 20 ft/lbs. (Tighten in 5 ft/lb increments starting with
the center bolts and working out.)
10. Connect vent connection to flare or vapor recovery system (Plan 52).
Do not open vent valve until reservoir has been filled with buffer fluid.
11. Fill reservoir with barrier/buffer fluid to the middle of the sight glass.
Gas volume of the system should be at least 25 percent of the reservoir
volume to allow for thermal expansion during operation.
12. Before starting the system, bleed all air from highest point in the system.
13. Connect external pressurization to reservoir on Plan 53A, B, C (dual seal).
A pressure regulator and check valve are required to maintain a constant
pressure on the system. The pressure in the reservoir should be maintained
at least 25 psi (1.7 bar) above the seal cavity pressure.
Make sure reservoir is filled before pressurizing.
Start-Up
1. API Plan 52/ANSI Plan 7352 - open the valve to the vent or flare system slowly.
2. API Plan 53A, B, C/ ANSI 7353 - slowly open the valve between reservoir
and external pressurization source. Slowly increase the pressure to avoid
gas ingestion. Check for leaks as unit is being pressurized. Operating
pressure is normally 15 to 25 psig (1 to 1.7 bar) above seal cavity pressure
depending on seal design. The pressure gauge on system can be used to
monitor system pressure.
3. If system is equipped with cooling coils, open the valve to allow water to flow
through coils.
4. The pump can now be commissioned for start-up per the equipment
manufacturer's recommendations and all plant safety and start-up
procedures.
7
Maintenance
During planned plant shutdowns, it is recommended maintenance practice that the
buffer/barrier fluid be drained, reservoir flushed and new fluid put in the reservoir.
This will ensure the quality of the buffer/barrier fluid used to lubricate the seals and
help remove any particles that may have accumulated in the reservoir.
When changing or cleaning the glass on armored sight gauges (weld pad level
gauge), always install new gaskets and retorque bolts to proper amount. It is also
recommended that the bolts be checked and retorqued prior to first operation.
They can come loose during shipping and transport.