Economic Justification of Mechanical Dry Seals for Centrifugal Compressors
This paper discusses an approach to calculate the economic justification for using mechanical dry seals in centrifugal compressors. This evaluation is based on the full dry gas seal system cost compared to the associated operational and maintenance savings over standard oil seal systems. The economic evaluation is applicable for both the retrofit of existing equipment and for the installation into new equipment. However, the focus of this paper is on the cost savings with respect to the dry gas seal retrofits. Although the economic justifications are shown for centrifugal compressors in pipeline and refinery services, the same basic philosophy can be used to evaluate the economic justification of dry gas seals for compressors in other types of service. Different areas of potential cost savings and environmental drivers are discussed, including a method calculating the associated savings. In addition, an example calculation for a specific compressor is presented. It must be emphasized that the economic benefits and the associated costs are highly dependent on the type and size of compressor as well as the particular application.