A wide range of factors outside of the seal design decide the life expectancy of a mechanical seal. Seal option, installation process, start-up method of equipment, operation, storage conditions for seals, product variables and support systems for seals all play a role in how long a seal can last.
The most substantial cause of mechanical shaft seals for pump downtime is mechanical seal failure. To extend the lifetime of the machine’s seal and overall health, knowing how seals work and careful handling is beneficial. Here are several tips to help you mount and maintain mechanical seals properly, resulting in enhanced durability.
Pick the Right Seal
In the seal selection process, lack of expertise and awareness is an obstacle. Carefully consider the application and standard operating conditions, as well as any possible off-design use, before deciding on a seal. For instance, it can seem easy to pick a seal to work in hot water because the medium is not extremely hard. This assertion is, however, incorrect if the application is boiler feed water.
Install the Seal Properly
Seal installation should be done using the Mechanical seal suppliers’ steps. Common problems that may occur when a seal is installed include failing to tighten set screws before removing clips, not uniformly tightening gland bolts, damaging O-rings, nicking seal faces, or misusing the piping connections. In most seal failures, incorrect seal installation triggered by a lack of expertise is a significant factor.
Because of the extra steps and measurements required, part seal installation is inherently more vulnerable to installation errors than cartridge seals. That is why users should prefer a cartridge seal over a part design, if possible. There is always plenty to be meticulous; why add additional opportunities for mistakes?
Preventing the Generation of Excess Heat
Life of a seal would be reduced significantly by excessive heat generation between seal faces. The most common instance of this problem is dry-running. Usually, this happens when a pump is flooded and when the seal chamber is improperly vented before starting the pump. Other conditions can also lead to heat generation and dry-running being unnecessary.
For instance, during upset conditions, the seal chamber’s pressure may surpass the seal’s design parameters. You contact the mechanical seal suppliers in UAE in this case. If changes in conditions are an ongoing problem, the seal design can need to be modified.
Maintain Proper Storage Conditions
Many specific parts formed from a variety of materials are composed of mechanical seals. It is crucial to understand how long a seal can be safely stored without losing work due to the different properties and the precise, fragile nature of these components.
Improper Operation and Maintenance
Once the seal has been mounted correctly, there are still important points to note during service to prevent unnecessary damage. Starting the pump incorrectly will cause the motor to trip and the shaft to twist. This orbital motion can cause contact between the internal components, resulting in the bearing’s seal failure and wear. It can also be dangerous for mechanical seals to allow the pump to run dry, causing thermal shock and almost immediate shattering. A coordinating flush plan is a vital component of using mechanical seals. Contaminants build up without a flush technique, causing intense heat and seal degradation.
Consult your mechanical seal suppliers for assistance in choosing the correct seal and for advice on the best operating and installation practices to avoid the possible pitfalls described above.
