Flowserve Mechanical Seal and Seal Support System Storage
Experience In Motion
1 Mechanical Seals - General Note
Mechanical seals are precision products and therefore require careful handling and storage to
ensure reliable operation. If the mechanical seals are stored for an extended period of time before
installation or commissioning, the storage conditions may adversely affect the performance of the
seal once it is put into operation. For this reason the user must ensure the storage conditions will
meet the recommendations stated below.
This guideline applies to Flowserve mechanical seals for centrifugal pumps, mixers, and reactors.
Flowserve mechanical seals from the Gaspac product line should use Gaspac Guideline No. 39.
Flowserve will not accept any warranty claims for failures as a result of inadequate storage.
2 Storage of Mechanical Seals in Their Original Packaging
Flowserve mechanical seals are shipped in packaging which is intended to protect the seal from
damage due to shipping and handling. This packaging is also suitable for long term storage. If the
packaging is opened and the seal removed for inspection, the seal should be repackaged and resealed
in its original packaging material and container.
While the packaging is suitable to protect the seal from damage due to normal handling, it is not
designed to protect the seal from handling abuse or poor storage conditions. The seal must also be
stored in an environment which will prevent damage to the seal.
Environmental guidelines for mechanical seals:
• Temperature range 4°C to 37°C (40°F to 100°F)
• Low humidity, less than 65% RH
• Atmosphere free from rain, dust, steam, chemicals, oils, radiation and ozone
• Storage surface free from impact and vibrations
Any loose gaskets should remain in their original packaging during storage.
If the seals will be stored in an outside location and exposed to more extreme environmental
conditions or humidity/moisture, special packaging and seal preparation will be required.
3 Storage of Mechanical Seals Installed in Equipment which is Not Commissioned
Some centrifugal pumps will be stored for months or years prior to installation and final commissioning. The purchaser needs to consider the long-term storage requirements of the pump, bearings,
and motors and resolve conflicts with storage of the mechanical seals and seal support system. The
storage requirements of the pump may not be compatible with seal requirements and the seals may
need to be stored separately from the pump. In this case, the mechanical seals should be stored in
accordance with Storage of Mechanical Seals in Their Original Packaging.
If a mechanical seal is stored installed in a centrifugal pump, the preparation and storage conditions
for both components must be considered together. In many cases, the centrifugal pumps are performance tested or hydrostatic tested on water prior to storage. The pump and seals must be dried before
storage. This will require completely draining the pump, seal, and seal support system. Blowing dry air
or nitrogen through the seal chamber and seal support system can aid in drying out these cavities.
Some pump storage procedures require that oils or liquid phase corrosion inhibitors are used inside
the pump casing to prevent corrosion. These products can potentially damage the mechanicals seals
if they come into contact with the seal components. Vapor phase inhibitors which do not leave a film
or residue on the surfaces present less hazards to the seals. The use of desiccants or drying agents to
absorb water vapors in the pump casing is the best solution for mechanical seals.
All openings on the pump, seals, and seal support systems must be flanged or plugged to isolate
the pump casing from the environment. Blank flanges should be gasketed and threaded connections
should be plugged with a suitable plug and sealant. The clearance between the seal gland and shaft
(in the area of the drive collar) should be masked off to prevent atmospheric contamination, debris or
water from entering the seal gland.
Many pump storage procedures require that the shaft be rotated several revolutions by hand at regular
intervals. This may serve the function of lubricating the bearings, preventing brinelling in the bearings,
or minimizing shaft sag. The mechanical seals can tolerate this procedure without damage. Any masking
between the seal gland and shaft that is removed during shaft rotation must be reapplied when complete.
4 Expected Storage Life
For storage periods longer than two years, environmental conditions may influence the flatness of
rotating and stationary seal faces and cause deterioration of some gasket materials. After two years of
storage, Flowserve recommends onsite professional inspection and static testing of product assem-
blies prior to commissioning by a Flowserve representative. After three years of storage, Flowserve
recommends that mechanical seals are returned to a Flowserve facility for inspection and air testing.
Damage and contamination of internal mechanical seal components may not be readily apparent. The
condition of the packaging or pump in which the seal was stored may provide indicators of corrosion,
physical damage, water damage, or a dusty storage environment. If the mechanical seals have been
stored in conditions not meeting the recommendations above or if the storage life history is unknown,
the user should return the seals to a Flowserve facility for inspection and air testing prior to use.
Failure to confirm the integrity of improperly stored mechanical seals could lead to excess leakage and
seal damage during commissioning.
5 Air Testing of Pump Assemblies
Users should consider air testing the complete pump and seal package prior to final installation.
This procedure commonly consists of blocking in the pump, pressurizing the pump to a low pressure
(typically 1.7 bar or 25 psi), and measuring the pressure decay over a defined period of time
(typically 30 minutes). Pump assemblies which have excessive pressure decay should be examined
to determine the source of the leakage and take corrective actions. If the seal is determined to be
leaking, it is recommended that the seal be inspected by a Flowserve specialist.
In dual seals, the static air test should be repeated on the buffer/barrier/containment seal chamber to
confirm the integrity of the outboard seal. Non-contacting seals designed to run on nitrogen should be
statically tested with nitrogen.
6 Additional Information
The requirements and recommendations in this document are applicable to a wide range of mechanical
seals and products. For additional information or for a review of special storage requirements, please
contact your Flowserve representative.
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1 Seal Support Systems - General Note
Seal support systems require careful handling and storage to ensure reliable operation. If systems are
stored for an extended period of time before installation or commissioning, the storage conditions may
adversely affect performance once it is put into operation. For this reason, the user must ensure the
storage conditions will meet the recommendations stated below.
This guideline applies to Flowserve seal support systems that are not being installed upon receipt.
Flowserve will not accept any warranty claims for failures as a result of inadequate storage.
2 Storage of Systems in Their Original Packaging
Plan 52, 53A, 53B and related equipment must be transported and stored in the unopened, original
shipping container. The shipping container is also intended for use in long term storage. Upon receiving
the seal support system, the user is responsible for inspecting the container for any signs of damage,
and the corrosion indicator. If the container has been damaged or the corrosion indicator shows signs
of rust, the container should be opened and inner poly layer inspected for penetration. The container
and desiccant should also be replaced. This process should be repeated every three months during time
of storage.
If the container is opened and the system is removed for inspection, the system should be repackaged
and resealed in its original packing material and container. Systems that have been dropped or have
otherwise been subjected to impacts during transport must not be installed. An inspection by Flowserve
or its appointed representative is strongly advised.
While the container is suitable to protect the system from damage due to normal handling, it is not
designed to protect from handling abuse or poor storage conditions. The system must also be stored in
a clean, dry stable environment. The preservation instructions of OEM equipment used in these systems
must also be considered and the more stringent requirements shall apply.
Environmental guidelines for seal support systems:
• Indoor storage only
• Temperature range 4°C to 37°C (40°F to 100°F). Avoid large fluctuations.
• Low humidity, less than 65% RH
• Atmosphere free from rain, dust, steam, chemicals, oils, radiation and ozone
• Storage surface free from impact and vibrations
• No threat of water reaching above container bottom support (typically 3 ½ inches)
• No storage in the vicinity of where steel is processed or other dust/grit raising activities
such as sandblasting are performed
General instructions for long term storage:
• Before storage, the unit shall be thoroughly drained, dried and cleaned internally and externally.
• All openings shall be closed using appropriate non-corroding closures.
• All valves shall be closed, but not too tight for gate and globe valves.
• All paint damage shall be repaired.
• All unprotected/uncoated external carbon steel surfaces shall be treated with corrosion-
preventing grease; repaired paint damage shall receive extra attention.
• If the unit contains a bladder type accumulator, the bladder of the accumulator shall be
nitrogen charged. If storage is expected to exceed 6 months, the nitrogen pressure shall be
brought to a minimum of 0.2 barg (3 psig) and a maximum of 0.5 barg (7 psig).
• If the equipment is to be preserved with the system installed, the preserving medium must
not impair the function of the system. For example, avoid fouling and/or attacking elastomers
and other components.
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3 Expected Storage Life
After two years of storage, the seal support system must be inspected for its “as new” properties.
This applies in particular to the instrumentation. An inspection by Flowserve is mandatory.
If the container has been stored in conditions not meeting the recommendations above, the user should
return the equipment to a Flowserve facility for inspection and air testing prior to use regardless of time
in storage.
4 Storage after Pump Performance Test
If used in a pump performance test, the seal support system should be drained and dried completely with
air or nitrogen following the test. Once dry, carbon steel systems should be treated by filling and draining
the pipe work with corrosion-preventing, non-toxic, non-sticky oil that is harmless to the elastomers.
When the system internals are dry from flushing, all open connections to atmosphere should be closed
off with caps or plugs. The seal support system should not be stored connected to the mechanical seal.
5 Start-Up Operation
Before putting any seal support system into service, a Flowserve representative shall supervise the
following activities:
• Cleansing flush of seal support systems.
• Validate that accumulators are charged properly without damage to the bladder.
• Full air leakage test on all connections.
6 Additional Information
The requirements and recommendations in this document are applicable to a wide range of seal support
systems. For additional information or for a review of special storage requirements, please contact your
Flowserve representative.
FIS222eng ORG 10/13 Printed in USA
To find your local Flowserve representative
and nd out more about Flowserve Corporation,
visit www.flowserve.com
Flowserve Corporation has established industry leadership in the design and manufacture of its products. When properly selected, this
Flowserve product is designed to perform its intended function safely during its useful life. However, the purchaser or user of Flowserve
products should be aware that Flowserve products might be used in numerous applications under a wide variety of industrial service
conditions. Although Flowserve can provide general guidelines, it cannot provide specific data and warnings for all possible applications.
The purchaser/user must therefore assume the ultimate responsibility for the proper sizing and selection, installation, operation, and
maintenance of Flowserve products. The purchaser/user should read and understand the Installation Instructions included with the
product, and train its employees and contractors in the safe use of Flowserve products in connection with the specific application.
While the information and specifications contained in this literature are believed to be accurate, they are supplied for informative purposes
only and should not be considered certified or as a guarantee of satisfactory results by reliance thereon. Nothing contained herein is to
be construed as a warranty or guarantee, express or implied, regarding any matter with respect to this product. Because Flowserve is
continually improving and upgrading its product design, the specifications, dimensions and information contained herein are subject to
change without notice. Should any question arise concerning these provisions, the purchaser/user should contact Flowserve Corporation
at any one of its worldwide operations or offices.
© 2013 Flowserve Corporation
USA and Canada
Kalamazoo, Michigan USA
Telephone: 1 269 381 2650
Telefax: 1 269 382 8726
Europe, Middle East, Africa
Roosendaal, the Netherlands
Telephone: 31 165 581400
Telefax: 31 165 554590
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Telephone: 52 55 5567 7170
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