John Crane achieves 99.8% water reduction at US LNG facility

John Crane has delivered a 99.8% reduction in water consumption at a major LNG export facility in Louisiana, USA, highlighting the growing role of advanced sealing technologies in improving industrial sustainability.
The achievement follows the deployment of the company’s Type SB2 USP dual-cartridge seal on high-temperature hot well pumps, where operating conditions typically demand significant water use. By implementing the solution, the facility reduced daily water consumption from around 2,000 gallons to just 3–4 gallons, providing both immediate cost savings and long-term operational efficiencies.
Previously, the pumps operated using conventional mechanical seals supported by an API Plan 32 demineralised water flush system. While effective, this approach required a continuous flow of treated water to cool and lubricate seal faces, leading to high water consumption and increased costs, particularly at elevated process temperatures.
In contrast, the Type SB2 USP seal is designed to operate reliably between 180°C and 200°C with minimal water input. The technology uses a non-contacting upstream pumping system with buffer fluid to maintain cooling and lubrication, significantly reducing reliance on external water sources.
The seals were delivered and installed within eight weeks, with no reported implementation challenges. Since commissioning, the facility has maintained stable performance while dramatically lowering its dependence on demineralised water.
“This project shows what is possible when advanced sealing technology is applied to high-temperature, high-demand processes,” said Mike Eason, chief technology officer, John Crane. “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.”