22A-PFR-075-11/52
Anyone recognize the above line? This is a seal code from API 682 4th Edition. A seal code is an abbreviated method of communicating the basic specification for the mechanical seal. Sadly, the seal code has been changed with every edition of API 682. Fortunately, the new code, described in API 682 4th Edition Annex D, is the best to date and includes some concepts and codes from the historical API 610 seal code. The new code uses eight fields:
- Seal category
- Seal arrangement
- Seal type
- Containment device
- Gasket material
- Face material
- Approximate shaft size (in millimeters)
- Piping plan
For example, based on the 4th edition codes, a seal code of 31B-LIN-100-53A indicates:
- 3 – Category 3 seal
- 1 – Arrangement 1 seal
- B – Type B seal
- L – Floating bushing
- I – Perfluoroelastomer (FFKM) secondary seals
- N – Carbon (vs. reaction-bonded silicon carbide)
- 100 – Installed on a nominal 75 mm shaft
- 53A – Plan 53A
Recently, a visitor to SealFAQs was attempting to find information about the API seal code. I thought sure seal codes had been included as a SealFAQs page but was surprised to find that I had neglected to do so. That oversight has been corrected and SealFAQs now includes both the API 682 4th Edition seal code and the old API 610 (pump standard) seal code.