API Plan 12
API Plan 12 – Discharge Recirculation with a Strainer or Filter
API Plan 12 is a seal flush plan that takes process fluid from the pump discharge, passes it through a strainer or filter, and then directs it into the seal chamber. The purpose of this plan is to remove particulates from the process fluid before it reaches the mechanical seal, ensuring a cleaner flushing fluid for improved seal performance and longevity.
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Features
How It Works:
- Fluid is drawn from the pump discharge (high-pressure region).
- It passes through a strainer or filter to remove solids and contaminants.
- The filtered fluid enters the seal chamber, providing lubrication and cooling for the seal.
- The fluid exits through the seal faces, ensuring a cleaner operating environment.
Benefits
- Removes particulates – Reduces seal damage and clogging by filtering out solids.
- Extends seal life – Cleaner fluid reduces wear on seal faces, improving reliability.
- Better than API Plan 11 for dirty fluids – Filters prevent abrasive particles from reaching the seal.
- Improves seal performance – Ensures proper lubrication and cooling with cleaner fluid.
Drawbacks
- Filter maintenance required – Strainers and filters can clog over time and must be cleaned or replaced regularly.
- Pressure drop risk – Clogged filters can restrict flow, reducing flushing effectiveness and causing overheating.
- Not suitable for highly contaminated fluids – Excessive solids may require frequent filter changes, making maintenance impractical.
- Higher cost than API Plan 11 – Requires additional components, increasing installation and maintenance costs.
Applications
- Oil & Gas Industry – Used in pumps handling crude oil and refined products with potential solid contamination.
- Petrochemical & Chemical Processing – Applied in processes with suspended particles that could damage seals.
- Power Generation – Used in cooling water and lubrication oil pumps to prevent solid build up in seals.
- Refineries – Common in pumps handling slurries or hydrocarbon streams with fine particulate matter.
- Water & Wastewater Treatment – Ideal for industrial water pumps where filtration improves seal performance.
API Plan 12 is a better alternative to Plan 11 for applications with contaminated fluids, as it removes solid particles before they reach the seal. However, it requires regular filter maintenance to prevent clogging and pressure drop issues.
Warning Notes
Related Technical Papers
Applicable Products
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