Choosing the Right Mechanical Seal: Factors to Consider
April 6, 2023
A Beginners Guide to Mechanical Seals
April 6, 2023
How to Increase Mechanical Seal Life for Slurry Pumps?
Mechanical seals are nearly used throughout all industrial processes. Even though they are a small component in the slurry pumping system, they can be the crucial bridge between pump failure and success.
Mechanical seals play a vital role in both sealing process fluids in and keeping contaminants out. Apart from its operation to ensure maximum performance, it is essential to identify and properly select the right type of seal for your application.
A poor selection of mechanical seals can cause major damage to your system, so it’s important to select the proper seal for long-lasting, reliable performance.
But how do you find the right mechanical seal for your application?
What Is A Mechanical Seal?
Mechanical Seal For Slurry Pumps
Slurry pumps are responsible for pumping highly abrasive fluids, from manure to the high-density slurries in the mining industry.
The maintenance and longevity of components are crucial to the pump’s success. And if your operation wants to get the most from its slurry pumps, the choice of mechanical seals is crucial.
If mechanical seals are not selected properly, they can be a common cause of pump downtime.
Why Do Mechanical Seals Fail?
Experiencing problems with your mechanical seal? Here are some of the things you should be looking out for.
Installation Errors
Installation errors are a big reason when it comes to mechanical seal failure. A mechanical seal is installed and designed with purpose to move with the shaft.
If installed incorrectly, it can cause major damage to the other parts of the pump as well as the seal.
Poor Lubrication
Lubrication is important for proper mechanical seal installation. In case of poor or absolutely no lubrication, the mechanical seal might fail. This will increase the temperature inside the pump which can reduce the life expectancy of both the seal and the pump.
High Chemical Demands
Severe chemicals that load in the pumping process can reduce the expected working life of the seal. Hence, all parts of the mechanical seal must be chemical resistant.
Dry Running
The dry running of the pump can be very damaging to a mechanical seal. Operating pumps without liquid fluid can cause high amounts of friction and heat leading to prompt failure.
This failure can take place in seconds, so it’s important to ensure that the pump is filled with fluid before operation.
Selecting The Wrong Mechanical Seal
Installing wrong mechanical seals is the major reason behind the failure of seals. Lack of knowledge and information led to choosing the wrong type of seals.
Well, if the fifth point is the reason behind the failure of your mechanical seals, it’s not going to happen anymore.
Below we have mentioned the factors to consider for preventing improper material selection.
Considerations For Mechanical Seal Selection
Point to consider while selecting the seals material of construction
- Temperature constraints
- Chemical resistance properties
- Flexibility
- Wear resistance
- Thermal expansion
- Conductivity properties
Point to consider while selecting other component materials for the seal
- Wear resistance
- Low leakage & friction properties
- Good thermal properties
- Corrosion-resistant
Operating Conditions to take care of
- Liquid
- Pressure
- Temperature
And finally,
How To Extend The Life Of Mechanical Seal?
To promote the long life of the seal, here are some factors that will extend the life of a mechanical seal.
Strong Design
Heavy slurry involves high solid content in it thus, choosing the seal that can withstand erosive while also protecting the seal from face impacts is important.
The design of a seal decides the longevity of a seal. The mechanical seals for slurry applications should be made up of durable materials, hardened faces, and heavy-duty springs to ensure the seal faces have the correct pressure setting to seal the system.
Restriction Bushing
Due to the process pressure, particle-filled fluid naturally drives into the sealing interface causing abrasion and accelerating the wear and tear.
The use of restriction bushing is accomplished to prevent any wear and tear while detaching the mechanical seal from the harsh process and keep the seal cleaner, cooler fluid.
Flushing
The Flushing plan keeps the abrasives away from the seal faces. Flushing mechanical seals ensure continuous movement in the stuffing box to prevent solid stagnation and build-up.
Conclusion
If you want better performance from your pump, it’s crucial to take proper care of your pump. With proper care, it also counts to choose the right mechanical seal.
Popular Pump Seals is a leading manufacturer of mechanical seals and provides fluid control seals for increased productivity and profitability for our clients through reliable and efficient solutions.
To know more about our wide range of mechanical seals, visit our website: https://popularpumpseals.com/
To upgrade your applications with mechanical seals, contact us today.
