Abstract: A predictive diagnostics system for monitoring mechanical seals. The system autonomously detects a loss of lubrication within a sliding seal interface of a mechanical seal, the system including a loss of lubrication failure mode logic module configured to monitor data sensed by one or more sensors and diagnose conditions relating to a loss of lubrication within the sliding seal interface, and a plurality of other failure mode logic modules configured to monitor data sensed by the one or more sensors and diagnose conditions relating to specific types of mechanical failures known to occur in mechanical seal systems, the loss of lubrication failure mode logic module configured to determine which of the plurality of other failure mode logic modules are activated during the diagnosis of conditions related to a loss of lubrication within the sliding seal interface.

Abstract: A dry gas mechanical seal system configured to inhibit the emission of process gas. The mechanical seal system having tandem first and second stage seals, and a single separation gas supply subsystem configured to direct a supply of separation gas from an inlet through interfacing portions of the first stage seal into a process cavity and from the inlet through the interfacing portions of the second stage seal and out through an outlet to the atmosphere, thereby inhibiting the emission of process gas between a compressor housing and a rotating compressor shaft.

Abstract: A predictive diagnostics system for monitoring mechanical seals. The system autonomously detects a loss of lubrication within a sliding seal interface of a mechanical seal, the system including a loss of lubrication failure mode logic module configured to monitor data sensed by one or more sensors and diagnose conditions relating to a loss of lubrication within the sliding seal interface, and a plurality of other failure mode logic modules configured to monitor data sensed by the one or more sensors and diagnose conditions relating to specific types of mechanical failures known to occur in mechanical seal systems, the loss of lubrication failure mode logic module configured to determine which of the plurality of other failure mode logic modules are activated during the diagnosis of conditions related to a loss of lubrication within the sliding seal interface.

Abstract: A predictive diagnostics system for monitoring mechanical seals. The system autonomously detects a loss of lubrication within a sliding seal interface of a mechanical seal, the system including a loss of lubrication failure mode logic module configured to monitor data sensed by one or more sensors and diagnose conditions relating to a loss of lubrication within the sliding seal interface, and a plurality of other failure mode logic modules configured to monitor data sensed by the one or more sensors and diagnose conditions relating to specific types of mechanical failures known to occur in mechanical seal systems, the loss of lubrication failure mode logic module configured to determine which of the plurality of other failure mode logic modules are activated during the diagnosis of conditions related to a loss of lubrication within the sliding seal interface.

Abstract: A mechanical seal assembly with an electronically controllable carrier load. The assembly includes a magnetic ring affixed to the carrier and driven by a solenoid. The solenoid can apply an axial force to the carrier. The carrier load can be controlled to prevent or reduce friction between the primary ring and mating ring in slow-roll running conditions by partially or completely compensating a spring force provided by a biasing mechanism. The carrier load can further be controlled to inhibit seal hang-up. In embodiments, desired the carrier load can be determined by rotational speed. In embodiments, carrier load can be determined based on sensor signals.

Abstract: A dry gas mechanical seal system configured to inhibit the emission of process gas. The mechanical seal system having tandem first and second stage seals, and a single separation gas supply subsystem configured to direct a supply of separation gas from an inlet through interfacing portions of the first stage seal into a process cavity and from the inlet through the interfacing portions of the second stage seal and out through an outlet to the atmosphere, thereby inhibiting the emission of process gas between a compressor housing and a rotating compressor shaft.

Abstract: A mechanical seal assembly with an electronically controllable carrier load. The assembly includes a magnetic ring affixed to the carrier and driven by a solenoid. The solenoid can apply an axial force to the carrier. The carrier load can be controlled to prevent or reduce friction between the primary ring and mating ring in slow-roll running conditions by partially or completely compensating a spring force provided by a biasing mechanism. The carrier load can further be controlled to inhibit seal hang-up. In embodiments, desired the carrier load can be determined by rotational speed. In embodiments, carrier load can be determined based on sensor signals.

Abstract: A predictive diagnostics system for monitoring mechanical seals. The system autonomously detects a loss of lubrication within a sliding seal interface of a mechanical seal, the system including a loss of lubrication failure mode logic module configured to monitor data sensed by one or more sensors and diagnose conditions relating to a loss of lubrication within the sliding seal interface, and a plurality of other failure mode logic modules configured to monitor data sensed by the one or more sensors and diagnose conditions relating to specific types of mechanical failures known to occur in mechanical seal systems, the loss of lubrication failure mode logic module configured to determine which of the plurality of other failure mode logic modules are activated during the diagnosis of conditions related to a loss of lubrication within the sliding seal interface.

Abstract: A mechanical seal system configured to inhibit the emission of process gas from a rotating machine. An annular plunger is axially slidable between a inboard closed position and an outboard open position such that when the plunger is in the closed position, the plunger inhibits the flow of the sealing fluid between the inlet passageway to the seal interface, and when the plunger is in the closed position, the plunger enables the flow of the sealing fluid between the inlet passageway and the seal interface. A biasing mechanism and solenoid provide opening and closing forces to the plunger. Normally-open and normally-closed configurations are provided.

Abstract: A dry gas mechanical seal system configured to inhibit the emission of process gas. The mechanical seal system having tandem first and second stage seals, and a single separation gas supply subsystem configured to direct a supply of separation gas from an inlet through interfacing portions of the first stage seal into a process cavity and from the inlet through the interfacing portions of the second stage seal and out through an outlet to the atmosphere, thereby inhibiting the emission of process gas between a compressor housing and a rotating compressor shaft.

Abstract: A mechanical face seal for providing a seal between a shaft and a housing includes a first seal face member mounted on the shaft in fixed rotational and axial relationship and sealed with respect thereto and a second seal face member mounted in fixed rotational relationship but moveable axially of the housing; said second seal face member being sealed with respect to the housing by means of a sealing element, the sealing element being located in a groove defined between opposed surfaces of the second seal face member and housing, the wall of the groove between the sealing element and the side of the seal exposed to a product being defined by a low friction insert slidably mounted on the second seal face member and providing a close clearance with the housing.