Many process companies hold replacement mechanical seals in stock to ensure minimum downtime when an operational seal needs replacing. But what if your replacement seal has been in storage for over 8 years? Is it really wise to just install it without a seal inspection? Also, what about the delay and impact on production?
Client Challenge
A UK based pharmaceutical manufacturer needed to replace a failed seal on a De Dietrich glass lined reactor. Under their company procedures to minimise production downtime, critical spares are kept on site. In this case, it was a John Crane CK738GD pressurised, gas lubricated double seal cartridge.
However, there was a problem; the seal had been in storage for over 8 years. As a result, before installation, it needed a thorough inspection and test.
The company normally dealt directly with the seal OEM and free-issued seals to equipment manufacturers for maintenance and repair. However, despite this direct relationship, John Crane could not deliver in less than 3 weeks while the manufacturer needed to replace the seal within seven days.
De Detrich suggested that, as their mechanical seal engineering partner, NASH may offer a solution…..
Our response
NASH appreciates the critical impact that customer service can have on our relationships with our customers. Furthermore, we recognise that to be a leading any-brand seal repair specialist, engineering excellence alone is not sufficient. We must also meet the logistical and administrative needs of our customers. Consequently, a key aspect of our business mission is to deliver effective and timely communication with all parties.
Following the initial enquiry from De Dietrich, the customer sent the seal directly to NASH.
On receipt, we set to work:
- Sending an Enquiry Acknowledgement to our partner within 2 hrs of the seal arriving at NASH.
- Stripping the seal and inspecting all components
- Sending an inspection report and quotation within 24 hrs.
- Checking and adjusting the flatness of all faces, as required.
- Rebuilding the seal with all new FDA approved secondary seals and completing dynamic testing to confirm the inboard gas flow rate was within the accepted range.
- Sending an Advice of Despatch note together with a Conformity/Pressure Test Certificate and fitting, operating and maintenance instructions.
- Sending the Advice of Despatch also confirms we were shipping the seal on time and directly to our partner’s client, ready for installation, as agreed.
NASH completed the job in 4 days to meet the end user’s maintenance and production schedule.
Benefits
Unplanned downtime for process lines can be a major headache, particularly for volume manufacturers. Production efficiency relies on continuous plant operation coupled with carefully planned and scheduled maintenance downtime.
NASH’s mechanical seal expertise and acknowledgement of the need for professional, effective and timely support come together to deliver key benefits:
- The ability to develop intelligent, relevant solutions to mechanical seal problems.
- Proactive feedback throughout the repair process gives all parties the reassurance that we will complete the job within the agreed timescale.
- Customer confidence – we do what we say we will do.
To conclude, NASH can repair all sizes and variants of the John Crane CK738 as well as equivalent vessel seal cartridges from all other manufacturers.
Therefore, please feel free to contact us for more information.