Single cartridge chemical pump seal
FLOWSERVE has launched the Flowserve GCX single mechanical cartridge seal.
The GCX is specifically designed for ANSI and DIN pump services where the pumps and seals are required to operate in multiple chemical environments without chemical compatibility change-outs.
The GCX seal is ideally suited for intermediate and batch chemical processes in short-run chemical plants and in multiple campaign specialty chemical and pharmaceutical plants using solvents and steam for decontamination.
Built with durable metals to withstand corrosion and harsh chemical conditions, the GCX features an alloy C-276 bellows, 316 stainless steel components and flexible graphite foil secondary seals.
Elastomer components used in competing seals are not suited for variable, harsh chemical conditions and are susceptible to corrosion and degradation, especially in multiple chemical applications.
The metallurgical components in the GCX enable it to operate in a wider temperature range than elastomer-based seals.
Batch processing and intermediate chemical pumps often handle multiple pH level products as the processing moves from start to completion. Because secondary seal conversion during these changing processes is not possible, a seal that can withstand these differing conditions is the ideal.
This ability to work in a variety of chemical environments makes the high-reliability GCX a versatile sealing solution that reduces lifecycle costs, including teardown costs.
The GCX provides sealing for tough multiple exposure applications dynamically, statically and during process changeover in chemical pumps from a variety of manufacturers.
With no dynamic O-ring, the stationary bellows design of the GCX, based on the highly successful Flowserve ISC bellows seal, avoids seal hang-up in coking applications. Its canned sleeve design prevents installation damage to its silicon carbide rotor, which is held in compression with a graphite foil secondary seal for maximum chemical compatibility.
The GCX alloy C-276 drive mechanism and minor parts are isolated from the process fluid to minimise chemical stress.
An inboard shaft O-ring resists particulate build-up underneath the seal sleeve, facilitating easy removal of the seal.
The GCX features a standard throttle bushing with vent and drain ports to allow the use of nitrogen or steam quench to mitigate coking.
Designed as an OEM or aftermarket seal, the compact design of the GC fits most stuffing boxes in non-Group 1 ANSI or DIN size pumps. Its cartridge design enables easy installation and removal for service and is compatible with enlarged and standard bore seal chambers.
Field-tested in a variety of chemical processes, the GCX offers excellent runtime and a high mean time between repair (MTBR).
Standard operating limits for the GCX include pressures between 0 and 200psig (0 to 13.8Bar), temperatures between -40°C and 204°C) and speeds up to 15.2 m/s (3000 fpm).
The GCX is available in eight standard inch sizes (1.125” to 2.625”) and six standard metric sizes (33mm to 65mm).
8-Mar-2006