John Crane is a pioneer in mission-critical mechanical seal and support systems, couplings and filtration technologies for the energy and process industries, enabling efficient and sustainable operations. In this exclusive interaction with T&D India, we have Satish Ingavale, Managing Director, John Crane India, describing John Crane’s products and services in improving efficiency of conventional power generation plants. Ingavale asserts that John Crane is well-positioned and fully equipped to also support India’s new-energy demands.
We understand that John Crane offers solutions for improving the efficiency of power generation plants. Does the scope cover all types of conventional power generation – coal, nuclear, hydropower, etc? Please elaborate.
Our technologies are built to serve all major conventional power segments, including coal-fired, nuclear, hydroelectric, and geothermal plants. Each of these environments presents unique operational demands, and we offer tailored solutions that improve reliability and reduce energy consumption. Our deep industry expertise allows us to help customers meet their performance goals while addressing challenges related to emissions, mechanical wear, and environmental compliance. By optimising equipment that powers rotating machinery, we contribute to safer and more efficient operations across the power generation landscape.
Does John Crane offer power generation-related services in India?
Yes, we offer power generation-related services in India through our state-of-the-art Pune Super Service Centre, which also serves as a Centre of Excellence. This facility is equipped with advanced machining capabilities, dynamic testing systems, and comprehensive seal refurbishment services. It provides local engineering expertise and helps power plants enhance operational efficiency by reducing downtime. Our focus is on providing rapid response times minimising lead times for critical repairs, ensuring that local power generation plants can rely on our robust service support for both current and future needs.
Please describe in brief what are the precise products and solutions offered by John Crane to power generation plants.
John Crane provides a comprehensive range of products designed to meet the demanding needs of power generation plants. These include mechanical seals, seal support systems, couplings, bearing protectors, and filtration systems. Our mechanical seals are widely used in turbines, compressors, pumps, and fans, ensuring efficient performance in critical applications. One such example is our Type 48 VBF seal, a technically advanced sealing solution that operates without the need for a Plan 23 cooling system, helping customers achieve higher reliability at lower maintenance and initial project costs.
Additionally, we offer bearing protectors and filtration solutions that help reduce wear and extend equipment life. These products are engineered for durability and reliability, with solutions tailored for high-pressure and high-temperature environments typically found in power plants. Our rigorous testing processes ensure that every product meets the exacting standards required for uninterrupted plant operations.
We also understand that John Crane offers products and solutions for flue-gas desulphurisation (FGD) systems associated with thermal power plants.
Our mechanical seals are engineered to meet the rigorous demands of flue-gas desulphurisation (FGD) systems in thermal power plants. These systems handle chemically aggressive and abrasive slurries that can compromise equipment reliability. To address this, we offer sealing solutions with high resistance to corrosion and erosion, reducing maintenance needs and ensuring long-term performance. For example, the John Crane Type 5860 seal is designed for abrasive slurry environments commonly found in FGD processes, featuring durable materials and a clog-resistant design. These technologies support plants in meeting stringent emission norms while maintaining operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.
Even here, we learn that FGD systems are generally of the dry or wet type. Do you cater to both?
Yes, John Crane provides sealing solutions that are compatible with both wet and dry FGD systems. Our mechanical seals are engineered to handle the unique challenges posed by each type. In wet FGD systems, our seals are designed to be highly resistant to corrosive slurries and prevent leakage in continuous duty environments. For dry FGD systems, where temperature fluctuations and particulate matter are more prevalent, we offer robust, thermally stable solutions that maintain performance and reliability. This versatility ensures power plants can rely on John Crane’s expertise, regardless of the FGD technology employed.
We learn that John Crane has specialised plant asset monitoring solutions. Are these applicable to power generation plants as well?
John Crane’s Asset Management Solutions are well-suited to meet the reliability demands of power generation facilities. Our comprehensive approach combines condition-based monitoring, root-cause failure analysis, and advanced diagnostics to extend asset life and improve operational efficiency. Leveraging remote monitoring technologies, we enable real-time visibility into the health of critical equipment. In addition, we offer fixed-fee maintenance and reliability contracts that cover the entire wet seal product range and installed base at customer sites. These long-term partnerships help customers reduce total cost of ownership, improve uptime, and ensure predictable maintenance planning. By aligning asset performance with plant goals, our solutions support the power sector’s push towards digitalisation and operational excellence.
Apart from power generation-related services, please orient us with the various services that John Crane currently offers in India.
Beyond the power generation sector, John Crane offers a wide range of services to support critical industries across India, including oil and gas, chemical processing, pharmaceutical, pulp and paper, and water treatment. Our Pune Super Service Centre and other facilities across the region provide seal refurbishment, asset management support, condition monitoring, and root cause failure analysis. We also offer technical consultancy, equipment upgrades, training, and performance audits, helping customers reduce operational risks, extend equipment life, and improve environmental compliance. These services are underpinned by our strong local engineering expertise and global best practices.
How does John Crane plan to address India’s emerging new energy market, including green hydrogen, carbon capture, etc.?
As India expands its focus on emerging energy sectors such as green hydrogen and carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS), John Crane is well-positioned to support these developments. Globally, we are already involved in major hydrogen production and CCUS projects, and our technologies have become a preferred choice for critical applications in many of these deployments.
For example, we are supplying sealing solutions for one of Canada’s largest blue hydrogen facilities, which captures over a million tonnes of CO₂ annually. This global track record demonstrates the performance, reliability, and emissions complianceof our solutions under demanding conditions.
Our portfolio of dry gas seals, gas lubricated compressor seals, and filtration systems is designed to support clean energy infrastructure. As India accelerates its decarbonisation efforts, our proven technologies and global expertise can play a key role in ensuring safe, efficient, and scalable progress across new energy projects such as green hydrogen and CCUS.
Though India is stressing on green energy, the country will continue to meet its base-load requirement through conventional thermal power plants, at least in the foreseeable future. Given this, how do you see the years ahead for John Crane in India, with respect to its power generation-related offerings?
We believe India’s continued reliance on conventional power to meet base-load demand will create sustained opportunities for our technologies and services. Power plants are under increasing pressure to improve efficiency, reduce emissions, and maintain operational continuity. Our offerings, from FGD-compatible sealing systems to predictive monitoring tools, are tailored to address these needs. As the sector modernises, our focus will be on enabling long-term reliability and regulatory compliance. With a robust local presence and deep application expertise, we are well-positioned to support India’s power generation sector through this phase of transition and continued growth.
