John Crane, a leading innovator in rotating equipment solutions and a part of Smiths Group plc, has introduced the Type 93AX Coaxial Separation Seal. This next-generation dry gas sealing technology is designed to enhance reliability, cut operational costs, and reduce emissions, marking a significant advancement in industrial sealing solutions. The Type 93AX is engineered with a fail-safe design that ensures continued operation even in the event of multiple system failures, providing long-term benefits in efficiency and sustainability.
Building on John Crane’s reputation for sealing expertise, the Type 93AX incorporates direct customer feedback to address key industry challenges. Early test data reveals that this mechanical seal can reduce nitrogen consumption by up to 80% compared to conventional radial separation seals, presenting a major opportunity to boost both operational efficiency and environmental performance.
Contamination is a major cause of dry gas seal failure, often leading to unscheduled maintenance and operational disruptions. The Type 93AX is specifically designed to prevent oil ingress from the compressor bearing chamber, reducing the risk of contamination and ensuring smoother, more reliable operations. According to research by Deloitte, unplanned downtime costs the global process industries an estimated $50 billion annually, with equipment failure being responsible for 42% of these incidents. The Type 93AX directly addresses this issue by enhancing the reliability of dry gas seals and reducing dependency on nitrogen generators and air compressors.
The Type 93AX is designed to operate seamlessly across three key scenarios, each aimed at enhancing system resilience and minimizing the effects of potential failures. In Standard Operation, the seal maintains non-contacting operation, effectively mitigating oil ingress. In the event of Separation Gas Loss, the seal continues non-contacting operation and oil control, even without separation gas. This ensures continued functionality and reliability under compromised conditions.
In cases of a Dry Gas Seal Failure, the Type 93AX is engineered to restrict process gas leakage during compressor shutdowns, handling pressures up to 35 bar. Even under more extreme conditions, it maintains seal integrity at pressures as high as 70 bar, ensuring operational continuity and reducing the risk of disruptions or system damage. This versatile design helps safeguard critical processes, even in challenging operating environments. This adaptability ensures that the Type 93AX continues to perform under a variety of conditions, providing both operational safety and continuity.
The Type 93AX supports both operational goals and sustainability objectives. By reducing nitrogen consumption by as much as 80%, the seal lowers the demand on N2 generation systems, which helps reduce both energy consumption and costs. The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that improving industrial efficiency could reduce global energy use by 12% by 2040, highlighting the importance of energy-efficient solutions like the Type 93AX in driving sustainable industrial practices.
Mike Eason, Chief Technology Officer at John Crane, commented, “Our customers wanted a separation seal that would improve safety, efficiency, and reliability. The Type 93AX delivers on those needs, offering protection for critical assets in real-world conditions while cutting environmental impact and operational costs.”
The Type 93AX is fully compatible with John Crane’s existing dry gas seal portfolio and is supported by a global network of over 200 facilities, including manufacturing, sales, and service centers, with 13 turbo service locations worldwide. The seal can be supplied as part of a comprehensive compressor upgrade or offered as a standalone product tailored to specific customer needs.
For over a century, John Crane has been at the forefront of mission-critical technologies in the energy and process industries, offering cutting-edge solutions in mechanical seals, filtration systems, asset management, and digital diagnostics. With a commitment to sustainability and service excellence, the company continues to drive innovation in both traditional and cleaner energy sectors, shaping the future of global energy solutions.
