In certain industrial applications, temperature control is a key factor for proper functioning of the sealing system. In these cases, using a heat exchanger integrated into the auxiliary system enables heat to be dissipated when the mechanical seals are operating with high-temperature fluids – either the process fluid itself or the secondary or barrier fluid.
When this happens, insufficient thermal dissipation can affect the sealing performance, speed up component wear or compromise process stability. To meet these needs, Lidering has an advanced liquid cooling system, the LHE heat exchanger. This is an auxiliary unit designed to be integrated into mechanical sealing systems that require thermal control by means of liquid cooling.
What is a heat exchanger and what is its role in mechanical sealing?
A heat exchanger is a piece of equipment designed to transfer thermal energy between two fluids without direct contact between them. In the context of mechanical seals, its role is to remove heat from the barrier fluid or the fluid circulating in the auxiliary system, helping to maintain stable operating conditions.
It is important to highlight that the heat exchanger does not operate in isolation: its efficiency depends on the overall system design, the flow rate, the type of fluid, the selected API seal support plan and the actual process conditions. For this reason, it must always be selected as part of the overall system engineering.
The LHE heat exchanger from Lidering
The LHE model is a multi-tubular heat exchanger, developed specifically by Lidering for applications involving industrial mechanical sealing systems. Its design is aligned with the requirements of the API 682 and ISO 21049 standards, which are commonly used in industrial installations where seal reliability is critical.
The unit allows the following fluids to circulate:
- The barrier fluid through the inner multi-tubular circuit.
- An external cooling fluid (such as mains water) through the casing.
This operating principle enables controlled thermal dissipation, as long as the system is properly sized and operated within the defined limits for the application.
Common applications of the LHE heat exchanger in sealing systems
The LHE heat exchanger is commonly used in mechanical seal auxiliary system arrangements configured in accordance with different API seal support plans, including API Plans 21, 22 and 23.
In these schemes, the LHE is integrated as an additional element of the auxiliary system when thermal control of the fluid is needed. Depending on the system configuration, either the barrier fluid or, in simple arrangements, the product fluid can circulate through the inside of the multi-tubular heat exchanger, while a second cooling fluid, such as mains water, circulates through the outer casing.
This design allows heat to be removed from the process or barrier fluid and helps maintain the system temperature within the ranges defined by the overall sealing system design. Depending on the specific configuration and actual operating conditions, the LHE heat exchanger can provide a heat dissipation capacity of up to 6 kW, always within the technical limits specified for the unit.
Integration of the heat exchanger into the overall system
One of the most relevant aspects of using a heat exchanger is understanding that it does not replace proper selection of the mechanical seal or the API seal support plan, but rather complements the system when the process requires it. In this context, the LHE is integrated within the auxiliary equipment for mechanical seals that are part of the overall seal system design.
Factors like:
- Fluid temperature
- Available flow
- Type of coolant
- Operating conditions of the seal
- Auxiliary circuit design
They are crucial for the heat exchanger to add real value to the system. For this reason, at Lidering, its application is always considered as part of an integrated technical analysis of the sealing system.
Operational benefits of thermal control in sealing systems
When the LHE heat exchanger is properly integrated into the sealing system, its contribution goes beyond just thermal dissipation. From an operational and economic viewpoint, controlling the temperature in the mechanical seal area helps prevent failures linked to overheating.
By keeping the barrier fluid within the temperature ranges defined by the system engineering, premature wear of the seal faces and damage to the elastomeric seals are reduced, which reduces the risk of leakage to the environment. This results in greater seal stability, improved overall system safety and a reduced need for corrective action.
Additionally, by limiting thermal deviations during operation, the auxiliary system helps extend the lifespan of the mechanical seal, increases equipment reliability and helps prevent unexpected downtime, all while staying within the design and operating limits set for each application.
Technical documentation and auxiliary equipment for mechanical seals
The LHE heat exchanger is part of the set of technical solutions developed by Lidering for thermal control in industrial mechanical sealing systems, especially in applications where the thermal stability of the barrier fluid is a key factor for reliability of the assembly.
In addition to the LHE model, Lidering offers other auxiliary equipment for thermal management in these types of systems. One example is the LHP heat exchanger, suitable for temperature ranges from -30 °C to 110 °C and used in industries like chemical processing, pharmaceuticals, energy and paper (depending on the specific requirements of each application).
For further technical information, to find out about available configurations or to assess selection criteria based on the sealing system and the process, you can consult the Lidering technical team to determine the most suitable heat exchanger for each case.
