John Crane water savings LNG facility innovation is delivering measurable sustainability gains in the energy sector, with the company reporting a 99.8% reduction in water consumption at a major LNG export site in Louisiana, United States.
John Crane, part of Smiths Group plc, implemented its Type SB2 USP dual-cartridge seal to support high-temperature hot well pump operations. The solution reduced daily water usage from approximately 2,000 gallons to just 3–4 gallons, significantly lowering operational costs while improving resource efficiency.
Replacing water-intensive sealing systems
Previously, the facility relied on conventional mechanical seals using an API Plan 32 demineralised water flush. While effective for cooling and lubrication, this method required a continuous supply of treated water, making it both resource-intensive and costly, particularly at elevated operating temperatures.
The newly deployed Type SB2 USP seal operates efficiently between 180°C and 200°C, removing the dependency on constant water flushing. Instead, it uses a more advanced and controlled sealing approach that maintains reliability under demanding industrial conditions.
How John Crane water savings LNG facility technology works
The John Crane water savings LNG facility solution is based on proprietary non-contacting upstream pumping technology. This design uses buffer fluid to cool and lubricate seal faces, eliminating the need for large volumes of external water.
This approach not only reduces water consumption but also improves system stability and reduces maintenance requirements. The seal system was delivered and installed within eight weeks, with no reported operational disruptions.
Since implementation, the LNG facility has maintained consistent performance while dramatically reducing reliance on demineralised water. The operator is now evaluating broader deployment of the technology across additional assets.
Industry implications for water efficiency in energy operations
Water efficiency is becoming an increasingly critical factor in industrial operations, particularly in energy-intensive sectors such as LNG production. Technologies that minimise water usage without compromising performance are essential for reducing environmental impact and operational costs.
Mechanical seal innovations such as this highlight how engineering advancements can directly contribute to sustainability targets. By reducing water dependency, operators can improve resilience, particularly in regions where water resources are constrained or regulated.
Mike Eason, Chief Technology Officer at John Crane, said: “This project shows what is possible when advanced sealing technology is applied to high-temperature, high-demand processes. Achieving a 99.8% reduction in water consumption is a powerful example of how engineering innovation can support both operational efficiency and responsible resource management.”
About John Crane
John Crane is a global provider of flow control technologies and solutions for rotating equipment across the energy and process industries. Its portfolio includes mechanical seals, couplings, filtration systems and digital diagnostics, supported by a global network of more than 200 service and manufacturing centres in over 50 countries.
The company is part of Smiths Group plc, a FTSE 100 industrial technology business focused on engineering solutions for global challenges. Learn more at https://www.smiths.com.
