Addendum No.

TECHNICAL REPORT
TRP-MS060

Buffer and Barrier Fluids

November 1996

by Gordon Buck, Anne-Laure Louarn,

Joe Sehnal, Florian Wisniewski

Increasingly restrictive regulations on leakage and safety

have resulted in an increase in the number of multiple
seal arrangements. All wet multiple seals use an external
fluid in addition to the process fluid that is to be sealed.
The terms 'buffer fluid' and 'barrier fluid' are used to
describe these fluids. As defined in API 682, a buffer fluid
is used in unpressurized dual seals (traditional tandem
seal arrangements). A barrier fluid is used in pressurized
dual seals to isolate the pump process liquid from the
environment. Gases may be used as buffer or barrier fluids depending on the design of the mechanical seals. The
following information focuses on liquid buffer or barrier fluids. The first part of this paper defines the properties and
families of buffer and barrier fluids. The second part discusses circulation systems, an essential consideration for
the reliable operation of sealing systems.

I - Selecting a Buffer/Barrier Fluid

Several critical properties should be looked at when
selecting a barrier or buffer fluid. Following are a few
guidelines aimed at a better understanding of what a good
lubricant should be. The words in italic are defined in the
appendix of this paper.
A. One of the most important properties of a good
buffer or barrier fluid is its viscosity.
The fluid should be thick enough to separate surfaces,
prevent wear, yet thin enough to allow free movement,
carry away heat and avoid carbon blistering if a carbon
ring is being used. As a general rule, the following limitations are proposed:
!

At process temperature, the viscosity should stay

below 150 cSt (695 SUS) to provide adequate flow
rates, and should not exceed 100 cSt (462 SUS)
when lubricating a carbon ring to avoid carbon blistering.

The lower viscosity limit is 1cSt (31 SUS).

At start-ups, when the buffer/barrier fluid is at ambient temperature, the pump may overheat due to the
high viscosity of the fluid (the viscosity will then
decrease with increasing temperature). The needed
shear force and heat generation may be so high that
it could damage the seal. According to API 682, the
maximum viscosity at minimum temperature should
be 500 cSt (2310 SUS). Minimum temperature
should be at least 5F (2.8C) above pour point,

and of course above freezing point. A heater may be

added on the reservoir to keep the fluid at process
temperature and eliminate cold starts.
!

If the fluid is being exposed to a wide temperature

range, its viscosity index should be maximized to
ensure a stable viscosity.

B. A good buffer or barrier fluid should be a good

heat transfer fluid.
The buffer/barrier fluid should remove heat generated at
the faces very quickly. The physical properties of a fluid
that reflect this ability are thermal conductivity and specific
heat. The higher the process temperature, the higher
these values should be. Water has a very good heat
transfer ability. The specific gravity should be at least at
0.7 at process temperature. A higher specific gravity
decreases the required flow rate and allows better heat
removal.
C. A good barrier or buffer fluid should not present
any potential danger whether equipment is running
or stationary.
Safety should be a top priority when selecting a fluid. It
should first not be a listed VOC (Volatile Organic
Compound) or VHAP (Volatile Hazardous Air Pollutants)
and second not be flammable in the considered application.
A process temperature at or above boiling point would
cause the formation of vapor on and around the sealing
faces on the atmospheric side. It would not only promote
shortened seal life or catastrophic failure, but formed
vapor could be a fire risk. The buffer fluid frequently operates near atmospheric pressure but can potentially reach
the same temperature as the pump it serves. Therefore
the atmospheric boiling point must be considered and
should be at least 50F (27.8C) above the process temperature.
Flash point, and of course fire point must be at least
20F (11.1C) above process service temperature to avoid
any vapor flammability risks. Vapor pressure and
volatility should be checked at ambient temperature and
pressure.
Refer to the MSDS sheet for proper handling and storage.

The last issue that needs to be addressed is the importance of the size of the inlet/outlet ports and piping diameters (see part III). Big diameters will allow air bubbles to
move away and prevent them from stopping the fluid circulation, unlike smaller diameters that will trap bubbles
along the walls of the tube or pipe.

D. The fluid must be compatible with the

metallurgy, elastomers and other materials
of the sealing system.
Lubricants are generally non-corrosive to hardware and
faces. Attention needs to be focused on the elastomeric
parts of the seal that are more susceptible to chemical
reaction.

G. Fluid stability must be ensured for a longer

maintenance cycle time.

The compatibility of a synthetic rubber with an oil is

dependent on the value of the aniline point of the oil. A
low aniline point causes high to extreme swelling of the
elastomer. It results in softening of the elastomer that may
permit extrusion of the secondary seal under high pressure, overdampening of the primary ring, and interface
fluid film depletion. Ultimately, the faces may burn up or
the seal rings may crack under tensile loads.

The greater the stability of the fluid, the longer the maintenance interval. Fluids exposed to oxygen must resist
oxidation at operating and static conditions. The oxidation
of the fluid causes the formation of acids and carbonized
by-products. This results in carbon deposit on the faces
(coking), viscosity change, and loss of sealing and heat
transfer properties. The oxidation resistance of a fluid is
indicated by its total acid number.

On the other hand, if the aniline point of the oil is too high,
it will cause the secondary seals to shrink and harden,
leading to secondary seal failure.

Synthetic oils are more susceptible to acid formation than

hydrocarbons.

Table 1 on page 4 gives a brief overview of fluid/

elastomer compatibilities.

Unpressurized buffer fluids may loose volatile materials,

causing an adverse effect on their original performance
characteristics. Highly volatile fluids may cause as well
dangerous conditions and pressure drop. Fluids with low
vapor pressure are essential to keep the volume of the
lubricant constant.

E. The fluid should also be highly compatible with

the process pumpage being sealed.
This compatibility is desired whether a buffer or barrier
fluid is being considered. Situations that tend to cause any
reaction are to be avoided.

To summarize, an ideal buffer/barrier fluid would have

the following properties:
! safe to use, handle, store
! not a VOC, VHAP or other regulated compound
! nonflammable
! good lubricity
! good heat transfer properties
! compatible with process fluid
! compatible with seal materials
! good flow qualities at very low temperatures
! remains a stable liquid at ambient temperatures
! non-foaming when pressurized
! low solubility of gas
! inexpensive

The formation of gases, particles, high viscosity liquids or

vapors as a consequence would disturb the fluid flow,
plate the seal faces or cause wear and leakage. Each
fluid must be individually considered based on its chemical compatibility with the process stream. Consult a process engineer at the customers facility.
Caution: The barrier or buffer fluid slightly contaminates
the process stream. Therefore it is important that the chosen barrier fluid meets the requirements of the end users,
i.e. those who will buy the pumpage. John Crane customers should also consult with their clients regarding the
chemical compatibility of the barrier/buffer fluid with their
end product.

Restrictions on use of some chemical compounds has

caused users and manufacturers of mechanical seals to
review their recommendations on buffer or barrier fluids.
As a result, some traditional and readily available fluids
are no longer recommended. For example, the higher viscosity lubricating oils are likely to cause blistering of a carbon seal face. Automatic transmission fluid and
automotive antifreeze contain additives that form deposits
on the seal faces. Methanol and ethylene glycol are regulated VHAP.

F. Foaming risks are to be avoided.

In pressurized systems, the barrier fluid is often pressurized by using a gas blanket (usually nitrogen) per API
flush plan 53. In this case, problems can occur when the
gas is absorbed into the barrier fluid. As pressure is
relieved or temperatures rise, gas may be released from
the fluid. This release of gas can cause foaming, resulting
in loss of lubrication, heat transfer and circulation.
John Crane's policy is a maximum of 450 psig and a temperature limit of 250F (139C) when nitrogen is used to
pressurize a system. This limit should be adjusted
depending upon the barrier fluid used. If its gas solubility
is high, the limit should be lowered. API 682 does not recommend pressurization above 150 psig with a gas blanket. At higher pressure, a circulating system that does not
put the gas in direct contact with the lubricant should be
used, such as a piston pressurization or an oil/air circulating pump. In the case of a buffer fluid vented to atmosphere, a good choice is to use a lubricant with a low gas
solubility and a low vapor pressure.

II - John Crane Barrier/Buffer

Fluid Families
To aid in the selection of buffer and barrier fluids, John
Crane has established six groups or families, where fluids of like composition and/or properties are classified:
A. glycol solutions and water
B. alcohols
C. kerosenes and diesel fuels
D. petroleum based hydraulic and lubricating oils
E. synthetic hydraulic oils
F. heat transfer fluids
2

Automatic transmission fluid. Automatic transmission

fluid has the proper range of viscosities but is not recommended. Actual experience has generally been that automatic transmission fluid is a poor barrier fluid; the
assumption is that the various additives are the problem.

Following is a discussion on some commonly used fluids

in each family:
A. Glycol Solutions and Water
Automotive anti-freeze is not recommended.
Water. Water can be a good barrier/buffer fluid. Viscosity
is generally around 1 cSt (31 SUS) at modest temperatures; however, the viscosity is low at 212 F (100C) -which is also the atmospheric boiling point. Also, in many
climates, water may freeze at ambient conditions.

E. Synthetic Based Hydraulic and Lubricating Oils

A number of synthetic lubricants have been developed in
recent years.
There are numerous synthetic lubricants available in the
marketplace. A number of these are under evaluation.

Ethylene glycol/water. A 50/50 mixture has been successfully used as a buffer fluid for tandem seal arrangements in many services. However, ethylene glycol is now
classified as a VHAP and is being replaced by propylene
glycol.

Royal Purple Barrier Fluid 22. Royal Purple Barrier Fluid

22, as an example, was developed specifically for
buffer/barrier fluid FDA service and has proven to be a
very effective buffer or barrier fluid both in laboratory tests
and in the field.

Propylene glycol/water. A 50/50 mixture has become a

recommended buffer fluid for many services.

F. Heat Transfer Fluids

Heat transfer fluids that have the ability to provide adequate lubrication throughout a wide range of temperatures
and pressures can be used as buffer or barrier fluids. This
class encompasses a broad spectrum of chemical families
(water, steam, inorganic salts, certain liquefied metals,
organic class fluids,...)This paper addresses the use of
organic class heat transfer fluids. They fall into two categories:

B. Alcohols
Caution: Alcohols can have a high rate of evaporation.
Frequent re-fills may be required on a plan 52 (unpressurized buffer fluid). Check the properties of the alcohol type
that is being considered.
Methanol. Although methanol has been used in the past
as a buffer fluid for tandem seals in low temperature services, it is a VHAP and is not recommended. In addition to
being toxic, methanol has a low boiling point and low viscosity. It is not a good seal face lubricant.
Propanol. 1-Propanol, or n-propyl alcohol, has replaced
methanol as a buffer fluid for low temperature services. It
has become one of the recommended buffer fluids for low
temperature applications.

Petroleum based fluids called 'hot oils'

Synthetic aromatic fluids, such as Dowtherm HT.

They offer higher thermal stability, broader working
temperatures range and are more effective than
petroleum 'hot oils'.

Dowtherm. Dowtherm is a family of synthetic heat transfer fluids manufactured by Dow Chemical Company.
Dowtherm types are A, G, LF, J, HT, and Q. Dowtherm
HT is the recommended type for buffer or barrier fluid.

C. Kerosene and Diesel Fuel

The viscosity of diesel fuels and deodorized kerosenes
can provide adequate seal face lubrication through a wide
temperature range. Although not a flashing hydrocarbon
according to API 682, diesel fuels and kerosenes may be
classified as volatile organic compounds (VOC), especially at higher temperatures.

General Guidelines for John Crane

Buffer/Barrier Fluid Families
Table I shows general guidelines of the John Crane
Buffer/Barrier Fluid Families. Use of a fluid from these
families does not necessarily ensure successful operation
of a sealing system. The temperature range of each family
covers all temperature ranges of each fluid included in this
family. For a temperature range specific to a fluid, use
Table II.

D. Petroleum Based Hydraulic and Lubricating Oils

Lube oils. Although turbine oils have been used extensively in the past, experience is that the anti-wear/oxidation resistant additives plate out on the seal faces.
Reference temperatures of 40C (104F) and 100C
(212F) are conventions used in measuring properties of
lube oils. For example, an ISO grade 68 oil has a viscosity
of approximately 68 cSt at 40 C. John Crane's experience is that the lower viscosity grades, (less than Grade
32) provide better performance. Paraffinic based oils
seem to be better than napthenic oils. Blistering of carbon
seal faces is common when lube oils are used as
buffer/barrier fluids -- especially ISO grades 32 and higher. Experience has shown that synthetic oils perform better than conventional turbine oils; this may be partially due
to the (generally) lower viscosity of the synthetics.

Caution: Check the allowable temperature range of

elastomers before using them. Table I on
page 4 addresses only chemical compatibility. The temperature range for a fluid family
might not be the same as the listed compatible elastomers.
Details of flow, temperature rise, etc. must be checked for
each application. Fluids in each family may be used in
services more severe than indicated by the family specification providing that the properties and qualifications of
the particular fluid are deemed suitable after appropriate
engineering review.
3

Practical Limit
(Fluid temperature)
Minimum Maximum

Vent

Glycols

-20 -29 185

82

E, X18, X48

Alcohols

-191 -85 157

70

B, E, X18, X48

0 -18 180

82

X18, B, X, X48

Lube Oils

-20 -29 300 150

X18, N*, B, X, X48

Synthetic Oils

-25 -32 480 249

N*, B , X, X48

Kerosene/Diesel

Heat Transfer Fluids

fluid level to
be maintained
above return line

Elastomer

3 feet minimum

Family

Reservoir
F
BI

BO

0 -18 650 340 Check compatibility

for each fluid

Notes: Elastomer material codes are:

B = Buna-N
X = Fluoroelastomer
E = Ethylene propylene
N = Neoprene
X48 = Perfluoroelastomer
X18 = Aflas

Figure 2. Seal Chamber for Plan 52

For Plan 52, the reservoir is located as close as possible
to the seal. The John Crane recommendation is that the
bottom of the reservoir be 12 to 30 inches above the centerline of the pump, and be within three feet (horizontally)
of the seal. API 682 requires that the liquid level provides
at least three feet of static head to the outer seal.

* Select appropriate compound based on aniline point of fluid.

Check compatibility with formulation.

Table 1.
Guidelines for John Crane Buffer/Barrier Fluid Families

III - Piping Systems and Circulation

Plan 53 uses a pressurized external barrier fluid reservoir

to supply clean fluid to the seal chamber. Circulation is by
an internal pumping ring or a thermosiphon. Reservoir
pressure is greater than the process pressure being
sealed.

The performance of a barrier/buffer fluid depends on its

properties, but is also closely linked to the performance of
the pumping ring and the design of the piping system. The
following information gives a broad overview of circulation
systems and fluid flow rates.

Plan 53 systems are very similar to Plan 52 systems

except that Plan 53 is pressurized whereas Plan 52
system is usually vented.

API Plan 52 and 53

Figures 1-4 show the API schematics for API Plans 52
and 53, but cannot be used to predict the circulation rate.
More details are required.

PS

Plan 52 uses an external reservoir to provide buffer fluid

for the outer seal of an unpressurized dual seal arrangement. During normal operation, circulation is maintained
by an internal pumping ring. The reservoir is usually
continuously vented to a vapor recovery system and is
maintained at a pressure less than the pressure in the
seal chamber.

When
specified

External Pressure
Source
PI
Normally
open
FI
Reservoir

BO

Vent

BI
PS

When
specified

PI

Normally
open
FI

Figure 3. Plan 53

Reservoir

BO
BI
Figure 1. Plan 52
4

shows that to produce a flowrate of two gpm of lube oil,

the pumping ring must put up around 19 feet of head. This
compares to 8 feet of head when water is the fluid.
Figure 6 shows system curves for a typical Plan 52 or 53
system. These curves, based on water, are approximately
true for viscosity less than 3 cSt (36 SUS). This figure
illustrates the importance of using large diameters. For
example, to circulate two gpm in 1/2" tubing requires a differential head of 15 feet (6.5 psi of water) but only 3 feet
of head is required for 3/4" tubing.

fluid level to
be maintained
above return line

To external
pressure source
Reservoir
F
BI

BO

1/2" 16 Ga Tubing

Differential Head (ft)

25

Figure 4. Seal Chamber for Plan 53

System Curves
A system curve shows the relationship of flow and pressure. As an example, in order to produce more flow, additional pressure (really pressure difference) is required.
Figure 3 shows an example of a system curve for water
and lube oil. The relationship between required differential
head and flow rate depends on the considered system.

2
3
4
Flowrate (gpm)

Wa

2
3
4
Flowrate (gpm)

Figure 7 shows the measured performance curve for a 25/8" Type 8B-1 seal at 3600 rpm. Outlet ports were tangential and 3/8" in diameter. Performance is shown with
and without the axial flow pumping ring. Pumping rate is
much lower without an axial flow pumping ring; however,
in many cases even this reduced performance may be
adequate.

ter

Oil

Differential Head (ft)

Any rotating component can produce some pressure from

centrifugal effects. Even a smooth disk will act like a pump
to some degree. Naturally, the pumping effect is less than
would be obtained from a true impeller; however, it may
still be adequate. This pumping effect is greatly enhanced
if the rotating element is placed near a tangentially directed outlet port.

Lu
be
1

Pumping Rings

5
0

3/4" SCH 80

The pumping effect is increased when the clearance

between the rotating element and outlet port is decreased.
Keeping this effect in mind helps to emphasize that the
clearance between any rotating component and the inlet
port should be greater than the clearance at the outlet
port. Alternately, the inlet port can be made tangentially
(but opposite to the outlet). Testing has shown that
increased radial clearances improve flow on paddle wheel
(radial flow) pumping ring.

20

3/4" 16 Ga Tubing
10

Figure 6. Plan 52 System Curves for Water

25

10

1/2" SCH 80

15

In Figure 5, the vertical axis is the head (or pressure) that

is required to produce the flow rate on the horizontal axis.
For example, if a flowrate of 2 gpm of water is desired,
then the pressure difference in the system must be about
8 feet of liquid (3.5 psi of water). The pumping ring creates the pressure difference (exit pressure from the pumping ring minus entrance pressure to the pumping ring). If
the pumping ring is not capable of providing 3.5 psi at the
two gpm flow rate, then the flow through the system will
not be two gpm.

15

20

Figure 5.
Comparison of System Curves for Water and Lube Oil
Some of the variables that affect the system curve are:
pipe size, pipe length, number of fittings, type of fitting,
static head and type of fluid. Although the specific gravity
of the fluid has some affect on the system curve, viscosity
is the most significant fluid property. In particular, lubricating oils with viscosities greater than around 6 cSt (45.5
SUS) require more head to produce a given flow. Figure 5
5

Differential Head (ft)

25

IV - Recommended Buffer and

Barrier Fluids

with Axial Flow

Pumping Ring

20

John Crane Testing

15
Seal Head
Only

10

John Crane has conducted a number of tests on various

buffer and barrier fluids. Three types of tests have
been used to determine recommendations for using
these fluids.

5
0

2
3
4
Flowrate (gpm)

The first test was a simple screening test designed to

select candidates for further testing with seals. The second test was carried out with a complete mechanical seal
and sealing system on several selected fluids. The last
series of tests has been conducted on a sealing system
conforming to API 682. Barrier and buffer fluids were evaluated in a 100 hours sequence on a cartridge seal. Pre
and post test face measurements were taken, and critical
operating conditions, such as temperatures, pressures,
and horsepower were monitored. The process fluid was
propane at ambient temperature. When a barrier fluid was
tested, the outboard seal was pressurized 25 psi above
process pressure.

Figure 7. Performance Curve for a 2-5/8 Type 8B1

at 3600 rpm on water. Tangential exit used 3/8
diameter ports.
Combined Pumping Ring and System Curves
The actual circulation rate depends on both the pumping
ring performance curve and the system curve. In fact, the
circulation rate is determined by the intersection of these
two curves. Figure 8 shows the performance of a 2-1/4"
axial flow pumping ring in water. The radially directed
ports were 1/2" diameter. Figure 8 shows that the expected circulation rate at 3600 rpm would be around 5.6 gpm
for the standard Plan 52 system using 3/4" tubing. The circulation rate is reduced to around 2.1 gpm when 1/2" tubing is used. For this particular situation, either size tubing
allows a reasonable circulation rate.

White mineral oils and silicon based oils produced

very high torque and coefficient of friction in simple
screening tests. Based on this result and poor field
experience, these fluids were not tested further and
are not recommended.

1/2" 16 Ga Tubing

25
Differential Head (ft)

A post test review and interpretation of test results concludes the following :

32 oils have shown mixed results: In genL Grade ISO

1
eral PAO based oils did not provide the best lubricity
and caused significant wear on the faces. The higher
viscosity of ISO 32 oils is likely to cause carbon blistering, requires a higher horsepower and generates
more heat. ISO 32 PAO-Based Synth-1 failed twice
causing a high seal leakage and coking on the faces,
when tested as a barrier fluid. Therefore this oil is not
recommended for use as a barrier/buffer fluid.

20
3/4" 16 Ga Tubing
15

3600 rpm

10
5
1800 rpm
0

2
3
4
Flowrate (gpm)

ISO 32 PAO-Based Synth-2 generated a high horsepower while demonstrating poor heat transfer and
high face temperature. Based on these tests and field
experience viscosity grades higher than 32 are not
recommended unless dictated by high temperature
applications.

Figure 8. Performance of 2-1/4 axial flow pumping

ring in Plan 52 systems. Radially directed ports are
1/2 diameter.

J Kerosene K1 successfully completed the test as a

buffer and barrier fluid. Its low viscosity allowed low

horsepower, low head pressure, and good heat
removal capability showed by low faces temperatures.
Face conditions were good after the test. It is therefore recommended as a buffer/barrier fluid.
Kerosenes grades higher than K3 are not recommended either as a barrier or buffer fluid due to their
higher viscosity.

PAO:

Poly Aliphatic Olefin. Defines the molecular structure of the organic fluid. Molecules are unsaturated (olefin) straight chains
(aliphatic) of carbon atoms.

Conversion Data

J Synth-3 and Synth-4 low viscosity synthetic

hydrocarbons gave excellent results and did not

require a horsepower as high as ISO 32 oils due to
their lower viscosity. They demonstrated good heat
transfer capabilities. Conditions of faces were excellent.

Kinematic Viscosity Conversion Table

To obtain the Saybolt Universal Viscosity equivalent to the
viscosity in cSt at a determined temperature of t F, multiply the equivalent Saybolt Universal viscosity at 100F by
[1 + (t -100) * 0.000064].

L Synth-5, with a viscosity equivalent to an ISO 32

grade, had disappointing results. It generated high

face temperature and wear. This oil may be suggested
for high temperature applications.

e.g: 10 cSt at 210F are equivalent to 58.8 * 1.0070, or

59.2 SUS at 210F.
CentiSUS
stokes at 100F
1
31.0
2
32.6
3
36.0
4
39.1
5
42.3
6
45.5
7
48.7
8
52.0
9
55.4
10
58.8

J Diester-based oils such as Synth-6 performed well.

In general, diester fluids demonstrate a better lubricity

than PAO based oils. However, performance varied
widely among different manufacturers. Diester-based
Synth-7 generated some grooving on the primary ring
and high heat at the faces. Reasons for these results
are under review.

Conclusion: Oil-synthetics (non PAO) ran better, cooler

than ISO 32 oils, and would provide a
longer seal life.
Recommended Barrier and Buffer Fluids

Glycols
and Water

Fluid Name

Sp @ Viscosity, cSt/SUS
60F @ temperature, F/C

SUS
Centiat 100F stokes
65.9
32
73.4
35
81.1
40
89.2
45
97.5
50
106.0
60
114.6
70
123.3
80
132.1
90
140.9
100

SUS at
100F
149.7
164.2
185.7
199.2
231.4
277.4
323.4
369.6
415.8
462.0

Table III. Kinematic Viscosity Conversion Table

Based on tests, fluid properties and field experience, the

buffer and barrier fluids listed in Table II are recommended. Please refer to the customer's process engineers to
check compatibility with processed fluid.

Family

Centistokes
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
26
28
30

Temperature Conversions
t(F)= t(C) * 9/5 + 32
t(C)
= [t(F) - 32] * 5/9

Boiling
Point
F/C

Specific Thermal
Pump Temperature
Heat @ conductivity
Range, F/C
60F
@ 60F
Btu/lbF Btu/hr ftF
Min
Max

104/40

212/100

Pour
Point
F/C

Ethylene glycol
1.07
in water (50% vol)

2.5/34.3

0.8/30.7

-30/-34

225/107

0.78

0.22

-20/-29

165/74

Propylene glycol 1.05

in water (50%vol)

2.6/34.0

0.7/30.5

-28/-33

222/106

0.79

0.21

-20/-29

170/77

Water

1.00

0.68/30.5

0.29/29.9

32/0

212/100

0.34

40/4.4

160/71

n-Propyl-Alcohol

0.81

1.5/31.8

0.45/30.2

-195/-126

207/97

0.53

0.09

-191/-124

157/69

Kerosenes K-1 Kerosene

and diesels K-2 Kerosene
D-1 Diesel
D2-Diesel

0.83
0.85
0.83
0.86

1/31.0
1.4/31.24
1.4/31.24
2.7/35

0.6/30.3
0.6/30.3
1.0/31.0

-20/-29
-30/-34
-30/-34
-75/-59

300/149
350/177
350/177
360/182

0.46
0.46
0.46
0.46

0.086
0.086
0.086
0.086

-10/-23
-20/-29
-20/-29
10/-12

250/121
270/132
300/149
180/82

Lube oils

Lube-1
Lube-2
Lube-3

0.86
0.85
0.89

13.9/75.8
9.5/59.4
9.5/57.1

5.1/43.2
2.6/34.0
2.3/33.5

-75/-59
10/-12
-58/-50

219/104
335/168
>300/>149

~0.5
~0.5
~0.5

~0.08
~0.08
~0.08

-20/-29
20/-6.7
20/-6.7

169/76
285/140
275/135

Synthetic
Lube oils

Synth-3
Synth-4
Diester-Based
Synth-6

0.80
0.82
0.96

7/48.7
22/106.0
37.2/173

1.5/31.8
3.3/36.9
5.35/43.4

-80/-62
-80/-62
-58/-50

700/371
700/371
493/256

0.555
0.569
0.528

0.089
0.085
0.079

-25/-32
25/-4
62/17

430/221
440/227
440/227

Aromatic-1

1.01

29/135

4/39.1

25 /-4

650/343

0.35

0.071

55/13

600/316

Alcohols

Heat
transfer
fluids

Table II. Recommended Buffer and Barrier Fluids

7

Appendix
Critical properties definitions of barrier and buffer fluids and related ASTM tests
Property

Definition

Standard

Flash Point, in F

Temperature at which a fluid gives off

enough flammable vapor to flash in the
presence of a flame. The temperature
varies with different fluids. Flash point is
a critical factor in evaluating fire hazards,
and should be higher than service
temperature if in contact with oxygen.

ASTM D92

Pour Point, in F

Lowest temperature at which a fluid will

flow or pour before turning into a gel. Pour
point is an important consideration with low
temperature applications and refrigerants,
and should be at least 5F above minimum
temperature at which fluid is exposed.

ASTM D97

Viscosity, in SUS,
cSt, or cPs

It is the measure of a relative resistance to

a fluid to flow. Low viscosity fluids flow
freely, high fluids flow sluggishly. Units are
cSt (centistoke), cPs (centipoise) or SUS
(Saybolt Universal Seconds).

ASTM D2270
ASTM D2161

Viscosity Index

The viscosity index of a fluid indicates the

degree of variation of viscosity with
temperature. The higher the index, the
more stable the viscosity with temperature
change.

ASTM D2270

Specific Gravity

The specific gravity of a liquid is the ratio

of its density at specified temperature to
that of water at 60F. A higher Sg
decreases the required flow rate and
allows a better flow.

ASTM D1250
ASTM D287

Specific Heat in
BTU/lbF

Ability to absorb heat

Thermal
Conductivity
in BTU/Hr. FtF

Ability to transfer heat

Aniline Point,
in F

The aniline point is the minimum

temperature at which two equal volumes of
aniline and fluid are miscible. It appears to
characterize the swelling action of a
petroleum oil on synthetic rubber.

ASTM D611

Corrosivity

Ability of the fluid to interact chemically

with metal parts of the sealing system.

ASTM D130
ASTM D665

Comment

The viscosity grade to be chosen

depends on the temperature and the
pressure range of the application.
High viscosity grades are suitable for
very high temperatures.

This ASTM test measures the

corroding action of petroleum products
on metal. A copper strip is immersed
in the tested fluid in presence of
oxygen and metal catalyst. Its color
after removal is ranked from 1
through 4. The higher the index, the
more corroded the state. The index
should be low (1a, 1b). Corrosion rate
of 0.002"/ yr is sought.

Property

Definition

Standard

Total Acid
Number

The TAN (Total Acid Number) in mg KOH/g

indicates the degree of oxidation of the oil.
The test assesses the oxidation stability of
inhibited oils by evaluating the number of
hours required to reach 2.0 mg KOH/g in
presence of oxygen and a metal catalyst.

ASTM D943

Foam

Dispersion of gas in the fluid under the

form of microscopic bubbles.

ASTM D892

Gas Solubility

Ability of the fluid to absorb and blend

uniformly with gas. Should be minimum.

ASTM D2780

Volatility

Loss of mass by evaporation of a

lubricating oil as a percentile of its total
mass, in fixed conditions.

ASTM D972

Water Separability High demulsibility ability allows a lubricant

to separate from water if contaminated
when it stands in the reservoir. It facilitates
the drainage.

ASTM 1401

Carbon Blistering

Carbon blisters are eruptions which

occasionally occur on the rubbing face of
carbon rings used in systems containing oil.
Oil from the hydrodynamic films enters into
the pores of the carbon running face. A
rapid rise in temperature causes this oil
under the surface to expand. When the oil
cannot come out rapidly enough, a
subsurface pressure occurs, leading to
local cracking of the carbon.

Wear

Damage resulting from friction.

ASTM D4172

Comment

The test measures the volume of foam

right after fluid has been blown by air
for 5mn, and later, after having
allowed it to settle for 10 mn.
Repeated 3 times (75F, 200F, 75F)

The test must be passed.

The test is called 4 ball wear test:

A steel ball is pressed and rotated on
three other clamped balls covered
with lubricant. The average size of the
scar diameters on the 3 lower balls is
used to compare lubricants. The scar
diameter should be as small as
possible. Lubricants must have good
anti-wear properties in order not to
damage the sealing faces and
cause leakage.

References
John Crane Lemco. John Crane Lemco Fluid Control Systems Pressure Reservoir Plan 52 and Plan 53 Instruction
Manual, Tulsa, OK: John Crane Lemco 1996.
Ciffone, John. Mechanical Seal Face Lubrication Mechanical Seal Installation Lubrication General Lubrication, Arlington
Heights, IL: John Crane Mechanical Maintenance Training Center 1994.