Petrochemical · 🇴🇲 Oman · 2023
Mechanical seal upgrade — petrochemical complex, Sohar
A cartridge mechanical seal upgrade programme covering 180 pumps across an integrated petrochemical complex in Sohar.
Our role
Cartridge seal supplier and reliability advisor.
The challenge
What we walked into.
Persistent seal failures on hot hydrocarbon and amine service — MTBF averaging 7 months. The reliability team needed a coordinated upgrade rather than a continued reactive replacement programme.
Approach
How we delivered.
- 01Assessed each pump's service envelope and the existing seal selection.
- 02Recommended cartridge designs across the fleet, with material upgrades on the hot-service positions.
- 03Phased supply across 4 quarters, aligned to plant's pump-overhaul schedule.
- 04Provided on-site engineer for the first 8 critical installations.
Outcome
What changed.
Seal MTBF improved from 7 months to 31 months on average across upgraded pumps.
Annual seal-related spend reduced 38%.
No unplanned shutdowns attributable to seal failure during the 12-month measurement window.
Technologies & equipment
Cartridge mechanical seals (single, double and tandem)
Specialist materials for hot hydrocarbon and amine service
Seal support systems and barrier fluid panels
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