Recirculation from the seal chamber through a flow control orifice to pump suction.
Description
Plan 13 operation is by recirculation of fluids from the seal chamber to the pump’s suction.
Application Notes
- Standard flush plan selection for most vertical turbine pumps.
- Flow control orifice can be omitted depending on the required flush flow rate.
- Helps to reduce the stuffing box or seal chamber pressure.
- Can also be used for high head horizontal pumps where Plan 11 cannot be used (i.e. low pressure differential between seal chamber and pump discharge).
- Vents air or vapors from the seal chamber in vertical pumps.
- Applicable for all general duties with sufficient pressure differential.
- Provides cooling for the seal.
- Polymerizing fluids can cause clogging of the orifice and piping.
- Should not be used with fluids which are at risk of freezing, thickening, or solidifying in external piping.
Pros:
- Provides venting for air and vapors within vertical pumps
- Useful as a general duties seal plan
- Provides efficient seal cooling
Cons:
- Using polymerizing fluids with this seal plan will lead to clogging of the orifice and pumps
- Not suitable for use with fluids that might freeze or thicken within external piping