Dry Gas Seal System for Large Ethylene Compressors

Dry gas seal support systems must perform in various applications that typically have multiple process conditions.  These alternate operating points may be significantly different than guaranteed conditions.  Although flow control is common, design implications of this versus differential pressure control will be compared and evaluated.  These control methods as well as alarm & trip strategies in the event of a seal failure need to be addressed and mutually agreed upon by the both the equipment manufacturer & owner.  Trends for operation and design as well as impacts of API specifications will be discussed.