London: John Crane, a renowned leader in flow-control technologies and a division of Smiths Group plc, is celebrating the 50th anniversary of a pivotal innovation that transformed gas compression sealing with the introduction of its Type 28 dry gas seal in 1976.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the introduction of dry gas seals in 1976 marked a significant leap in compressor reliability, setting a new industry standard. "This milestone reflects our long-standing commitment to innovation and to supporting customers as the energy industry evolves," stated John Crane President, Rub©n lvarez, emphasizing the company's ongoing dedication to technological advancement.
The journey began in 1968 with early work on non-contacting spiral-groove technology, culminating in the first commercial installation in 1975. The launch of the Type 28 dry gas seal then established a new global benchmark for the reliability, safety, and efficiency of compressors. This innovation has since proven transformative across various industries, including oil and gas, petrochemicals, power generation, and increasingly, hydrogen and carbon capture applications.
Over the past five decades, continuous advancements have pushed dry gas seal performance into new realms, accommodating higher pressures, temperatures, and more challenging operating conditions. Notable developments include bi-directional groove designs, ultra-high-pressure capability reaching up to 425 barg / 6,164 psig, and advanced materials like Carbon LF. The integration of digital diagnostics through John Crane Sense Turbo has enabled real-time condition monitoring and predictive insights.
Sustainability is now a key focus in the evolution of sealing technology. Retrofitting wet-to-dry gas seals has led to carbon dioxide reductions of approximately 278,000 tonnes per year in some applications, while modern dry gas seals can reduce methane and fugitive emissions by up to 95% compared to traditional oil-lubricated wet seals. Furthermore, newer separation seal designs, such as the Type 93AX, have decreased nitrogen consumption by up to 80% compared to conventional carbon ring assemblies.
Today, John Crane's dry gas seals support a global installed base in the thousands, facilitated by over 200 manufacturing, sales, and service centers worldwide. This network includes 12 turbo service centers, providing localized technical support and lifecycle services to customers.
As part of its 50th anniversary celebrations, John Crane plans to release technical papers, global customer stories, historical reflections, and multimedia content throughout 2026. These will highlight the evolution of dry gas seal technology from its pioneering origins to today's advanced sealing solutions, engineered for the next generation of energy.