Setting the standard in dry gas seal technology
Approximately 80% of compressor failures are due to seal oil system faults. So when our customers demanded oil-free compressors, we listened, pioneering the development of the non-contacting spiral groove design for dry gas seals.
Spiral groove technology makes all the difference to dry gas seals, and is the foundation of John Crane’s innovation. It has established our position as a global leader in sealing solutions since its development in 1970 and first installation in 1976.
Today, our spiral groove dry gas seal technology is the industry standard for centrifugal compressors, onshore and offshore across oil and gas, power generation and new energy, including hydrogen and carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS) value chains.
Common questions
What is a dry gas seal?
A dry gas seal is a non-contacting mechanical seal designed to prevent gas leakage in compressors. It replaces oil-lubricated seals, providing higher reliability, lower maintenance, and improved energy efficiency. Used in centrifugal and other compressors, dry gas seals for centrifugal compressors are critical for demanding industrial applications, including oil and gas, power generation, and hydrogen or CCUS systems.
How does a dry gas seal work?
A dry gas seal works by creating a non-contacting barrier between the rotating shaft and the stationary compressor housing. Using spiral groove or other face technology, it prevents gas leakage while reducing friction. This ensures reliable compressor operation, minimal wear on dry gas seal components, and long-lasting performance in centrifugal compressors and other rotating equipment.
Are dry gas seals environmentally friendly?
Dry gas seals prevent leakage of harmful gases, reduce friction, and eliminate the need for oil lubrication. By minimising emissions, lowering energy consumption, and supporting cleaner operations, dry gas seal systems for centrifugal compressors are an environmentally responsible solution for industries including LNG, hydrogen, and CCUS applications.
What is dry gas seal in compressor?
A dry gas seal in a compressor is installed between the bearing and compression stages to prevent process gas from leaking. Supplied with filtered product gas at pressures above suction, these compressor dry gas seal systems ensure safe, reliable, and efficient operation while reducing emissions and maintenance in high-speed centrifugal compressors.
How to fit a dry gas seal?
To fit a dry gas seal, ensure the compressor shaft and housing are clean and undamaged. Carefully install the dry gas seal components following the manufacturer’s specifications, align the seal faces, and verify gas supply pressures. Proper installation ensures optimal performance, reliability, and long service life in compressor dry gas seal systems.
Maintenance and repair
John Crane Performance Plus™ is our modular service framework designed to optimise the performance of your plant’s rotating equipment and other critical assets. It delivers world-class maintenance and repair services, as well as dry gas seal refurbishment services. Wherever you are in your plant’s lifecycle, John Crane Performance Plus™ provides tailored service solutions to meet your specific needs.
Further reading
Oil and gas operator cuts CO2 emissions 40% with Type 28XP dry gas mechanical seals
Modernising LNG Compressor performance with advanced dry gas sealing technology
Dry gas seal retrofit eliminates mechanical seal leakage and saves over $600,000 annually for oil refinery
Improving compressor reliability with a dry gas seal retrofit
Spiral groove dry gas seals: a legacy of industry firsts
Dry gas seals: 50 years of engineering progress in gas compression
Contact us
Dry Gas Seals Products
Showing 1–7 of 7 Products
Type 28AT
Non-contacting Gas Seal for Turbo Compressors
Type 28AT: The original gas seal, with a design pedigree stretching back over 30 years and evolving gradually, installed and...
Aura® 120NS
Narrow Section Dry Gas Seal
Do you want to retrofit to the latest gas seal technology? Aura® 120NS eliminates oil lubrication and the resulting need to address methane that has become…
Type 28XP
Non-contacting Gas Seal for Turbo Compressors
Type 28XP: Possibly the most popular seal in the range today, the Type 28XP builds on the 28AT design and...
Aura® 220
The Next Generation of John Crane Gas Seals
Aura 220 reduces operational and transactional costs using a patented polymeric sealing device.
Type 28EXP
Non-contacting Gas Seal for Turbo Compressors
Type 28EXP: The product for the most challenging and hostile environments with proven and independently audited performance to 425 bar(g)....
Type 28ST
Non-contacting Gas Seal for Steam Turbines
Type 28ST combines proven rotating groove technology and high-temperature secondary seals to reduce steam leakage by nearly two orders of...
Type 28VL
Non-contacting Gas Seal for Vaporizing Liquids
Utilizing proven spiral groove technology, the Type 28VL harnesses the rotational energy of the pump shaft to vaporize the process fluid at a controlled rate…