Tough compressor seals for LNG and refinery applications

GE's Oil & Gas business has designed an abradable tertiary seal for centrifugal compressors in order to meet demanding operating requirements such as LNG and refinery applications.

The product can be retrofitted to existing standard labyrinth seals as well as tertiary seals supplied by other manufacturers. It features minimum clearances to reduce barrier gas (nitrogen) consumption.

The seal is based on abradable technology developed by in conjunction with GE Global Research and features Halar® ECTFE, a Teflon-based coating material applied to stator parts using thermal spray techniques.

Proven in challenging environments, the technology can operate in very dry nitrogen conditions, such as those required for LNG applications. “This type of tough, resistant coating has produced good results when applied to components used in particularly aggressive environments,” said Jeff Nagel, GE's Vice President, Global Services.

The basic design incorporates a stationary component that is abraded by a rotating part, which creates the tighter clearances required for reduced leakage. That in turn leads to nitrogen consumption levels two-thirds lower than those of a standard labyrinth seal and comparable to a no-contact carbon seal.

The new seal has been successfully tested in major LNG projects in the United Arab Emirates, and it is available immediately for commercial applications.

For more information please contact

Guiseppe Figlie
Giuseppe.Figlie@ge.com