DRY GAS SEAL RELIABILITY

GAS CONDITIONING SKID

PTT ERAWAN FIELD
CT -21973

INTRODUCTION

PTT Erawan Field includes three compression units, 553P3-2

model, offshore Thailand. Each compressor is equipped with DR
tandem dry gas seals

All compressors are pressure balanced by means of a gas

balance line connecting the two seal cavities. This allows both
seals to work against essentially the same sealing pressure

Seal gas supply for all of the compressor gas seals is process
gas, sourced from the compressor discharge

The seal gas supply pressure to the seals is controlled by PCV5752 set at 5 PSID above the reference (compressor inlet)

PROBLEM
Significant problems were reported with dry gas seal reliability
since commissioning stage( 1998) of these compressors
Based on DR dry gas seal inspection & repair reports it was
concluded that seal operating life has been effected by
contamination from liquid and foreign particles
PTT & Unocal observed that the seal gas supply pressure control
valve PCV 5752(x) is in the fully closed position
It has also been reported by PTT & Unocal that the gas panel
filters were clogged several times with slugs

GAS SEAL CONTAMINATION

Clean
gas

To
process

INBOARD

To To Separation gas
flare vent (Air or N2)

Bearing
vent

OUTBOARD

DRY GAS SEAL FAILURES

Unit C - October 2001

DRY GAS SEAL FAILURES

Unit C - Nov 2002

DRY GAS SEAL FAILURES

DRY GAS SEAL FAILURES

DRY GAS SEAL FAILURES

GAS SEAL RELIABILITY IMPROVEMENTS

DR provided to PTT a gas condition skid to treat the seal
gas supply to the dry gas seals.
Skid main functions:

1. Filter the gas : the sealing gas is filtered of particles 3

microns and larger. The seal gas should be free of solid
particles 10 microns and larger and 99.97 percent liquid free
at the seal gas supply connection point
2. Heat the gas : the sealing gas is heated above 120 F to
maintain the heavy components and water in vapor
conditions
Note : To avoid condensation, API 614 requires that the seal
gas temperature into the gas seal be at least 20 F above its
dew point.

GAS SEAL RELIABILITY IMPROVEMENTS

Skid main functions:
3.Regulate and control the differential pressure across the dry
gas seal inner labyrinth at 10 psid
4.Provide N2 gas source during start up from black condition
when there is insufficient pressure rise across the compressor
to allow for a continuous positive flow of seal gas into the
seals.

PHASE ENVELOPE BONGKOT/FUNAN FIELD

DEW POINT_BONGKOT
DEW POINT FUNAN

1600
1500

SEAL GAS REFFERENCE PRESS

1400
1300
1200

INJECTION POINT

1100

Pressure, PSIA

1000
900
800

SEAL GAS SUPPLY TEMPERATURE

700
600
500
400
300
200
100
0
0

20

40

60

80

100
120
Temperature, F

140

160

180

200

GAS CONDITIONING SKID - Overall view

GAS CONDITIONING SKID - Inlet manifold

PCV 009A

GAS CONDITIONING SKID - Coalescer filters F-001A/B

F-001A

F-001 B

GAS CONDITIONING SKID - Skid filters F 5750 A/B/C

F-001A

F-001 B

GAS CONDITIONING SKID - Heaters H002 A/B/C

H002 C

H002 B

H002 A

GAS CONDITIONING SKID - N2 rack & supply line

PCV 007 N2 controls

N2 flexible hose

GAS CONDITIONING SKID - Seal gas supply line to

the dry gas seal

COMPRESSOR GAS PANEL INLET

GAS SKID OUTLET (Lines A/B/C)

COMPRESSOR GAS CONTROL PANEL

New seal gas supply line

( heat traced & insulated)

OLD PANEL

NEW PANEL

GAS HEATER CONTROL PANEL - JB 716

PROCESS CONTROLLER

SECURITY CONTROLLER

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