New seal for pumps in light hydrocarbon service
Here’s the QBQ LZ contacting-face mechanical seal, featuring Precision Face Topography and its patented wavy face seal design. The unit promises high-reliability sealing with low emissions and is suited for pumps in light hydrocarbon service at low vapor pressure margins.
Optimized for service with light hydrocarbons rated at 0.40-0.60 sp gr, the QBQ LZ is designed for use in refineries and the general hydrocarbon processing segment of the industry pumping ethane, ethylene, propane, propylene, butane, and other related liquids.
The seal addresses the problem of vaporization in light hydrocarbon service at low vapor pressure margins by altering temperature and pressure dynamics on the seal faces. Using Precision Face Topography technology, smooth, low-amplitude patented wave patterns are laser-machined onto the seal face to create a stable hydrodynamic effect that changes the pressure profile on the seal faces and reduces friction and contact loads without increasing leakage, the company notes.
Source: Flowserve Corp., 5215 N. O’Connor Blvd., Suite 2300, Irving, TX 75039.
New flowmeter handles custody transfer
The new AutoFLOW ultrasonic liquid flow measurement system is an in-line multipath transit time flowmeter used mainly for custody transfer of products.
It features a patented transducer technology and a rugged, compact design to maximize instrument accuracy, operator safety, and cost-effective facility operations, the firm says. The system’s combination of performance and safety features are suited for onshore and offshore installations.
AutoFLOW’s ultrasonic technology and patented, intrinsically safe transducer design eliminate the possibility of sparks, the company notes. The system’s spool offers ATEX Zone 0 intrinsically safe certification that allows it to be used in the world’s most hazardous environments. The flowmeter also interfaces seamlessly with existing Class 1 Division 1 installations.
The AutoFLOW features four-path transit time technology that delivers the highest attainable accuracy on virtually all liquid petroleum products, the firm points out.
Source: Thermo Electron Corp., 81 Wyman St., Waltham, MA 02454.
