John Crane, a global leader in flow-control technologies and an innovator in solutions for rotating equipment, and a business of Smiths Group plc, is marking 50 years since a breakthrough that revolutionized gas compression sealing. In 1976, the introduction of the Type 28 dry gas seal transformed compressor reliability and set a new global benchmark for sealing performance, safety and efficiency.
While pioneering work on non-contacting spiral-groove technology began in 1968, and the first commercially installation was achieved in 1975, it was the introduction of the Type 28 dry gas seal in 1976 that created a true turning point for the industry. Since then, dry gas seals have become essential components in centrifugal compressors across applications such as oil and gas, petrochemicals, power generation and, increasingly, hydrogen and carbon-capture applications.
Sustainability has also become a defining element of sealing technology. Wet-to-dry gas seal retrofit programs have delivered CO2 reductions of around 278,000 tonnes per year in certain customer applications, while modern dry gas seals can reduce methane and fugitive emissions by up to 95% when replacing traditional oil-lubricated wet seals. The latest separation seal designs, such as the Type 93AX further reduces nitrogen consumption by up to 80% compared to traditional carbon ring assemblies, supporting operators’ energy efficiency goals.
Courtesy of John Crane.