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Flooding & Pump Seal Leaks
Flooding
Why do some of my separator vessels flood?
If a separator vessel floods only when vacuum is applied and pumps out when vacuum is relieved, then it is most likely due to a vacuum leak at or around the pump. The most common is a leaking mechanical pump seal. Shown here is a cross section of the pump head where a seal is sucking air and service water into the pump.
If the flooding is present without vacuum applied it could be the pump rotation is backwards, there is a restriction in the pump discharge lines or plate orifices or liquid distributor are blocked preventing the required volume to be discharged from the vessel.
Pump Seal Leaks
How do I know when a pumps mechanical seal is leaking?
There are two seals in a double mechanical pump seal. The rear seal between the motor and pump head will leak directly around the motor shaft and pump head. The front seal will leak seal water internally. This will send the seals service water directly into the pump head and dilute the product it is pumping. It will also suck air into the seal with the water as it is under vacuum. The service water discharge line on a good seal will have water discharging from it. With a bad front seal air will be sucked in through that line and the vacuum can be felt with your finger when place over the end of the line. You can also place the service water discharge line in a cup of water. Turn off the service water supply momentarily and see if water is sucked out of the cup.