The use of dry gas seals in process gas centrifugal compressors has increased dramatically over the last 20 years, replacing traditional oil film seals in most applications. Over 80 percent of centrifugal gas compressors manufactured today are equipped with dry gas seals. As dry gas seals have gained acceptance with users and centrifugal compressor original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), the operating envelope is continually being redefined. Ever greater demands are being placed on dry gas seals and their support systems, requiring continual improvements in the design of the dry gas seal environment, both internal and external to the compressor proper. Contamination is a leading cause of dry gas seal degradation and reduced reliability. This paper examines the experiences of one centrifugal compressor OEM in this regard. Several potential sources of dry gas seal contamination are analyzed, drawing from actual field experience, and various means of increasing dry has seal reliability are discussed.
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John S. Stahley (2001) studied this question.