Mechanical Seal-Part One PDF

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Mechanical Seal
Specialization Course
Institute Of Mechanical Seal
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Mechanical Seal
Presented By:
Syed Iqbal Hashmi
Presentation Prepared By:

Ali A. Hashmani 3
Mechanical Seal
PARTS OF A CENTRIFUGAL PUMP
Suction Oil Chamber

Discharge Slinger Ring / Deflector
Impeller Oil Seal
Impeller Casing / Volute Roller Bearing
Eye bolt Ball Bearing
Mechanical Seal/Packing Shaft
Stuffing Box / Seal Chamber “O” Rings
Gland Foundation
Gland Nose Foundation Bolts
4
Studs
Mechanical Seal
PUMP SURVEY BY UNION CARBIDE

FOR SIX MONTHS OF 1980
They wanted to know why 238 of their

pumps had failed during that period and
needed to be removed to the fitting shop
for repair
5
Mechanical Seal
PUMP FAILURE ANALYSIS 238 IN

TOTAL
26 Bearings & Housings 10.92%

2 Case Wear Ring 0.84%
8 Impeller 3.36%
1 Screwes/Setscrews 0.42%
179 Mechanical Seal 75.21%
12 Shaft 5.04%
9 Sleeves 3.78%
6
Mechanical Seal
MAJOR REASONS OF MECHANICAL

SEAL FAILURE
 The Seal Faces Opened for Some

Reason
 One of the Seal Components

Damaged
7
Mechanical Seal
SEAL LIFE
 The only way to tell if you are getting satisfactory seal

life is to look at the soft face.
 If there is still plenty of Carbon you did not get Good
Life.
 If most of the Carbon has worn away you got Good
Life.
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Mechanical Seal
GOOD SEAL LIFE
9
Mechanical Seal
GOOD SEAL LIFE
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Mechanical Seal
GOOD SEAL LIFE
 Approximately 85-90% of all mechanical seals fail

they do not wear out.
 They fail for a variety of reasons and will continue to

fail unless you make a change.
 You can only make those changes if you know the

reasons for failure and then know how to correct the
problem.
11
Mechanical Seal
A DEFINITION OF INSANITY
DOING WHAT YOU

ALWAYS DID AND
EXPECTING
DIFFERENT RESULTS
IF IT DIDN’T WORK
LAST TIME WHY
SHOULD IT WORK
THIS TIME? 12
Mechanical Seal
HOW TO GET GOOD SEAL LIFE
YOU NEED TO KNOW FOUR THINGS

 How to choose the correct type of seal
 How to install the seal correctly
 Know seal applications and how chemicals change

state
 Know about the different back-up systems to prevent

unexpected seal failure 13
Mechanical Seal
OUR SCOPE OF DISCUSSION
 Centrifugal Pump & Pump Parts

 Categorizing the Fluid to be Sealed
 Checklist for Mechanical Seal Selection
 Recognizing Parts of a Mechanical Seal
 Selection of Best Seal Design & Metallurgy
of Individual Seal Components
 Equipment Inspection for Seal Worthiness
 Decision bout Equipment Modifications
 Mechanical Seal Classification
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Mechanical Seal
OUR SCOPE OF DISCUSSION
Generation of Mechanical Seal

Mechanical Seal Selection Data Sheet
 Mechanical Seal Installation Guideline
 Mechanical Seal Repair
 Mechanical Seal Trouble Shooting
________________
Note: Discussion will be with reference to pump but same technique is applicable on all
rotating equipment to be sealed (e.g. Mixer, Agitator, Gear Box etc.)
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Mechanical Seal
A Typical Mechanical Seal Have The Following

Parts, Manufactured From Variety Of Materials:
1. The Metal Parts – Case, Springs, Set Screws, etc.

2. The Elastomer (O-Rings) – Viton, EPR, Teflon, etc.
3. The Rotary Face – usually Carbon Graphite, but many
other materials are available
4. The Stationary Face – Ceramic, Tungsten carbide, SS
etc.
Cont’d… 16
Mechanical Seal
A Typical Mechanical Seal Have The Following Parts,

Manufactured From Variety Of Materials:
Rotary
Springs Face
Allen Screws Stationary

Face
O-Rings
Case/Metal
Retainer
Gland Plate
(Stationary
Holder)
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Mechanical Seal
Gland
Gasket
(Stationary Holder)
Drive
Mechanism
Rotary Stationary Spring
Shaft Seal Seal Ring
Seal Mechanism 18
Ring
Mechanical Seal
MECHANICAL SEAL COMPONENTS
1. Stationary Seal Ring (Face)

2. Rotary Seal Ring (Face)
3. Spring Mechanism
4. Drive Mechanism
5. Shaft Seal
6. Gland (Stationary Holder)
7. Gasket
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Mechanical Seal
SELECTING THE CORRECT SEAL
OPERATING PARAMETERS
 Media to be Sealed
 Liquid used for Flushing
 Temperature
 Pressure
 Speed
 Stuffing Box Dimensions
 Seal Worthiness of Pump
20
Mechanical Seal
CATEGORIZING THE FLUID TO BE SEALED
1. Fluids Sensitive to Small Changes in Stuffing Box Temperature

and / or Pressure
2. Fluids that Require Two Mechanical Seals with a Barrier Fluid
Circulating Between them
3. Non Lubricating Liquids, Gases and Solids
4. Slurries-Classified as Solids in Liquid. The Solids may or may
not be Abrasive
5. Liquids Sensitive to Agitation
6. Liquids that React with each other to form a Solid
7. Clean Lubricating Liquids
21
Mechanical Seal
CRITICAL SEALING SITUATION
1. Hot Products
2. Cryogenic Fluids
3. High Pressure Application
4. Hard Vacuum
5. High Speed
6. Excessive Radial and Axial Motion
7. Excessive Vibration
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Mechanical Seal
1) Fluids that are Sensitive to Changes in

Temperature and / or Pressure
a) Corrosive Liquids
• Corrosion Rate-Temp Relationship

• Rubbing Damage Causing Localized Corrosion
• Unutilized Cooling Jacket
23
Mechanical Seal

b) Liquid that Vaporize
• Causes
• Low Specific Gravity
• High Stuffing Box Temp.
• Low Stuffing Box Pressure
24
Mechanical Seal

b) Liquid that Vaporize

• Consequences
• Seal Faces open
• Seal Faces Damages Due to Residue
• Cyclic Opening / Closing Damage Seal Face
• Freezing Effect
• Fugitive Emission
• Restriction in Movement of Sliding Parts of Mechanical
Seal
Example: Hot Water, Propane, Freon 25
Mechanical Seal

c) Liquids that Solidify
• Common Problem in Stand by Pumps & Suction Side

of Running Pumps Lifting the Liquid.
Example: Paint, Glue, Polymers

26
Mechanical Seal

d) Viscous Products
• Viscosity- Temperature Relationship
• High Viscous Liquid:
• Interfere with Free Seal Movement
• Seal Face Separation Problem
• Low Viscous Liquid:
• Increase in Seal Face Wear Due to Insufficient Film
Thickness
• Color Problem Due to Excessive Wear of Carbon Face
Example: Cold Fuel, Oil, Asphalt, Sugar Syrups 27
Mechanical Seal

e) Film Building Liquids
• Coking Problem Causing

• Seal Face Separation and Leakage
• Restriction in Sliding and / or Flexing of the Seal
Components
• Destruction of Dynamic “O” Ring Due to Magnetite Pick-
up in the System.
Example: Hot Oil, Hard Water

28
Mechanical Seal

f) Liquid that Crystallize
• Carbon Faces Destroy and Run-Out Quickly due to Crystal
Formation
• Crystal Formation on Sliding or Flexing Components Lead to
seal Face Opening.
• Solution
• Control Temp and / or Pressure
• Avoid Use of Two Hard Faces
• Use Balanced Mechanical Seal Only
Example: Sugar, Caustic, Salt Water 29
Mechanical Seal
2) Liquid that Require Two Mechanical Seals
• Costly Liquids
• Fugitive Emissions
• Dangerous Products
• Radiation, Toxic, Fire, Explosion, Bacteria etc.
• Pollutants
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Mechanical Seal
3) Sealing Non-Lubricants
• Problems:
• Rapid Face Wear Due to Thin Film
• Excessive Carbon Wear Causing Color Contamination & Lesser Life of
Mechanical Seal
• Categories of Non-Lubricants:
Dry Gases Dry Solids
Excessive Heat Generation Problem Clogging of Sliding Components
Don’t Forget to Vent the Stuffing Box No Lubrication to Seal Faces
Destruction of Lapped Faces

Shaft Speed & Seal Size are Important
31
Mechanical Seal
4) Slurries – Especially Abrasive Slurries
• Problems:
• Clogging
• Seal Face Damage
• Deposits on Sliding Components
• Impeller Wear out Causing Dynamic Balancing Problem
• Severe Wear of Spring or Bellows
Example: River, Water, Sewage, Raw Products

32
Mechanical Seal
5) Liquids Sensitive to Agitation
• Types:
• Newtonian Fluids
Viscosity does not change with agitation
• Dilatant Fluids (Formation of Butter From Cream)

Viscosity increases with agitation
• Thixothropic Fluids (Non-Drip Paints and Automobile Wax)

Viscosity lowers with agitation
• Plastic Fluids
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Mechanical Seal
5) Liquids Sensitive to Agitation
• Problems:
• Excessive Face Wear
• Color Contamination
• Seal Face Opening
• Continuous Rotation of Fluid is Required in

Stuffing Box Area, in Case of Dilatants
34
Mechanical Seal
6) Liquids that Combine Together to Form a Solid
• Problems:
- Thorough Flushing Mandatory Between the

Batches
• Examples:
Epoxy, Styrofoam, Anaerobic Fluids

(e.g. Super Glue)
35
Mechanical Seal
7) Clean Lubricating Liquids
 Ideal for Mechanical Seal Application
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Mechanical Seal
Categorizing the Fluid to be Sealed
1. Is it Continuous or Intermittent Service?

 Thermal Stress
 Start-up Torque
 Start-up Axial Thrust
2. Changing State of the Product
3. Relevant Specifications and Standards
 OSHA  Nuclear
 FDA  API etc.
37
Mechanical Seal
CRITICAL SEALING SITUATIONS

1. Hot Products:
 Too Hot for One of the Seal Components.
 Cause the Fluid to Change State
2. Cryogenic Fluids:
 Problem for Elastomer and Carbon Faces
 Example: Liquid Nitrogen and Oxygen
3. High Pressure:
 Stuffing Box Pressure > 400 Psi (28 bar)
Examples: 1) Boiler Circulating Pump 2) Multi Stage Pumps 3) Elbow Pumps
• Problems:
 Seal Face Deformation  Elastomer Extrusion
 High Face Loading  Push – off the Set Screws 38
Mechanical Seal

4. Hard Vacuum
5. High Speed
 Shaft Speed > 5000 FPM
Examples: Sundyne Pumps
6. Excessive Motion:
 Axial or Radial Movement > 0.005 Inches (0.15 mm)
Examples: Mixers, Agitators, Long Shaft Pumps, Pumps with
Sleeve or Babbitt Bearings
39
Mechanical Seal

7. Excessive Vibration:
- Problems:
 Open the Lapped Seal Faces
 Chip the Outside Diameter of the Carbon Face
 Fatigue or Break the Metal Bellows Used in Some Seal
Designs
 Wear the Driving Pins Used to Transmit Torque from the set
Screws to the Seal Faces
 Loosen Drive Screws
 Shorten Bearing Life 40
Mechanical Seal

7. Excessive Vibration:
- Problems:
 Damage (frett) Expensive Sleeves and Shafts as the Shaft
Moves through the Dynamic Elastomer. You will Eventually
Experience Leakage at the Fretting Location
 Frett the Shaft Under the Bearing Grease Seals
- Solution:
 Use Vibration Damper Seal of Correct Type & Design
41
Mechanical Seal
Operating Parameter Study For Seal

Selection
Speed
 <5000 FPM use Rotating Seals (Not recommended in case
of fugitive emission)
 >5000 FPM use Stationary Seals to Avoid “Cocking”

Problem
 Lower the Spring Pressure
 60/40 Balance Ratio
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Mechanical Seal

Selection
Pressure
 Use Hydraulically Balanced Seal for Stuffing Box Pressure of one
Torr Vacuum to 400 Psi
 Use Heavy Duty Seal Designs for Greater Pressure Incorporating:

 Back up rings to Prevent Elastomer
 Thicker Cross Section Components to Prevent Face
Distortion
 Laminated Metal Bellows for all Metal Version
 Specify Two Way Balance for Dual Seal Applications
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Mechanical Seal

Selection
Temperature
 Check “O” Ring Compatibility

 Use Non-Elastomers (metal bellows) for
Higher Temperatures
44
Mechanical Seal

Selection
Motion Capability:
 Use Wider Hard Faces
 More Internal Clearance with in the Seal Components
 Axial Movement Capability without Changing Spring
Load
 Use Dynamic “O” Rings to Compensate for Shaft Run
Out.
45
Mechanical Seal
EQUIPMENT INSPECTION FOR

SEAL WORTHINESS
 Check the Stuffing Box Face:
 Flat and Smooth
 If Uneven Machine it
 Stuffing Box must be Clean and Clear along its Length
 Check Misalignment of the Stuffing Box Relative to the Shaft
using Dial Indicator Max. 0.003” TIR/in OR 0.003 mm TIR/mm
of Shaft  (For Cartridge Seal 0.005)
 Check Pipe Storm as it may Misalign a Stuffing Box
 Rotary Portion of the Seal shouldn’t Touch Stuffing Box. Rotary
Shaft shouldn’t Touch Stationary Seal Face.
46
Mechanical Seal

SEAL WORTHINESS
 Check the Shaft or Sleeve:
 Remove all Burrs & Sharp Corners-Especially in the
Area where “O” Ring has to Slide
 Cover Threads & Key ways Slots with a Thin Tape
 Shaft Finish no Rougher than 32µ in (0.8 microns)
 Shaft  Tolerance <= + 0.002”
 Shaft Run out <= 0.001”
 End Play <= 0.005
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Mechanical Seal

SEAL WORTHINESS
 Check the Shaft or Sleeve:

 For Cartridge Seal, Protect the Sleeve “O” Ring by
Lubricating the shaft with a Clean Silicon Based
Lubricant
 Check if the sleeve Gasket / “O” Ring is in Place and
Sealing
 In Case of Hardened Shaft Set Screws will not Hold it.
Use a Seal that Clamps Around the Shaft OR Use
Hardened or Carbon Steel Set Screws
48
Mechanical Seal
DECISION ABOUT EQUIPMENT

MODIFICATION
Best Location for Mechanical Seal is near bearings to avoid shaft
displacement.
Causes of Displacement :
 Pump / driver misalignment
 A high ratio of shaft length to shaft diameter (L3/D4)
 Operating the pump off its best efficiency point (B.E.P.)
 Starting a pump with a throttled or closed discharged valve
 An elbow located too close to the pump suction. There should be
ten diameter pipe between the pump suction and the first elbow
 A dynamically unbalanced rotating assembly
49
Mechanical Seal
DECISION ABOUT EQUIPMENT

MODIFICATION
Causes of Displacement :
 A Bent Shaft
 Pipe Strain
 Thermal Growth
 Impeller Adjustments
 Vibration
 Caviation
50
Mechanical Seal
Controlling Environment to Prevent

Premature Seal Failure
 Either control the stuffing box environment to

operate Mechanical Seal in a clean, cool,
lubricating liquid.
OR
 Select a Mechanical Seal with built in features

to handle the adverse conditions
51
Mechanical Seal
GOOD SEAL SPECIFICATIONS
 Able to fit most pumps without  Seal repair should be easy, on

modification site and low cost.
 Widest range of chemical  Should not damage the shaft or

capability sleeve.
 Must operate over a wide

 Should be able to convert
range of speed, temperature
packed pumps to seals
and pressures
 Low inventory of spare parts

52
Mechanical Seal
Desirable Features in Mechanical Seals
 Concentric, Cartridge
 Flat, Parallel Seal Faces
Mounting
 Non clogging / Springs Out of
 Hydraulically Balanced
the Fluid
 High Performance Face  Simple Design – Easy to install

Materials and Repair
 Flexibly Mounted Stationary

 Competitive Price
- Rotary Seal (how?)
- Stationary Seal (by design) 53
Mechanical Seal

Cont’d…
1) Centering Ability:
– Piloting the Inside of the Stuffing Box if the Stuffing Box is Concentric with the Shaft
– Piloting the Outside Diameter of the Stuffing Box Face if the Stuffing Box is Concentric
with the Shaft
– Cartridge Centering Clips
2) Anti Clogging Features:
– Spring Out of the Fluid
– The Dynamic Elastomer Moves to a clean location
– Seal is Positioned in such a way that Solid Particles are Thrown Out of the Seal Faces
– Teflon Coated Components for Non-Sticking Properties
3) Non-Fretting Design:
– No Dynamic Elastomers Touching the Shaft or Sleeve
– Use Solid Shaft to Avoid Deflection at Start up & Beyond BEP
54
Mechanical Seal

Cont’d…
4) Built In Environment Controls:

– Flush / Recirculation / Vent Connection
– A Vent and Drain / Quench Connection
– Disaster Bushing for Bearing Failure
– A Gland Cooling Jacket
5) The Smallest Cross Section Possible:
– To Cater for Radial Shaft Movement
– Centrifuge Heavier Solids
6) Design that Mount Close to the Bearings:
– This Avoids High Cost of Over size Stuffing Box
55
Mechanical Seal
7) Cartridge Designs:
– Easy Impeller Adjustment
8) Vibration Damping:
– Especially with Metal Bellows Design
9) Slotted or Other Forms of Non-dedicated Glands
10) Design that Rotate the Fluid in the Stuffing Box
11) Designs that Pass Environmental Standards
12) Repair Kits Availability:
– Carbon / Graphite Face
– Springs
– Elastomers
– Set Screws
– Gaskets
– Hard Face
56
Mechanical Seal
First Generation Mechanical Seal Design
 Unbalanced - High Wear & Energy Cost, Short Seal Life
 Shaft Fretting Corrosion - Rapid Equipment Shaft/Sleeve

Damage
 Clogging - Premature Leakage
 Low Pressure and Speed Capabilities
57
Mechanical Seal
Second Generation Mechanical Seal

Design
 Balanced - Low Wear & Energy Cost, Longer Seal Life
 Non fretting - No Equipment Shaft/Sleeve Damage
 Non clogging - Longer Life
58
Mechanical Seal
Third Generation Mechanical Seal

Design
 Greatest Reliability - Long Seal Life & Emissions Control
 Totally Non-fretting - No Equipment or Seal Damage
 Easy to Install or Repair
 Highest Performance Design & Materials
 Monolithic Flat Seal Faces

– Thermal Cycling - Stress Relaxation
– Pressure Distortion and Frictional Heat 59
Mechanical Seal
O.E.M. MECHANICAL SEAL

PROBLEMS
 Unbalanced
 Manufactured From Unnamed Grade of Mystery

Materials
 Seal Fails Long Before the Sacrificial Seal Faces are

Worn out
 Improper Stuffing Box Design

60
Mechanical Seal
Problems With Individual Components
1. Carbon Face:
 Unidentified Grade of Carbon – Graphite with Low Density (Filled with
Binders & Fillers)
 Attacked by Product
 Not Suitable for High Temperature Application
2. Elastomer:
 Unidentified Grade Material
 Temperature Limits
 Chemical Compatibility Problems
 Limited Shelf Life
 Sensitivity to Steam Cleaning / Lubricants
 Not Free to Flex or roll on the shaft leading to Fretting Problems
(Sacrificial Sleeve Weakens Shaft)
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Mechanical Seal
3. Springs:
 Chloride Stress Corrosion Failure
 Clogging Due to location in Sealing Medium
 Single Spring Sensitive to Direction of Rotation of Shaft
4. Glands:
 Non-Standard Leading to a Larger Inventory
5. Discharge Re-circulation:
 Stuffing Box Soon Fills With Dust
 Filter in the Line will Clog and Cause Heating Problems
62
Mechanical Seal
6. Rubber Bellows:
 Sensitive to Installation Lubricant and Heat
 Limited Shelf Life
 Frequent Failure due to the Bellow Rupture
7. Design Limitations:
 Impeller Adjustment not Possible
 Failure Due to Axial Movement
 Sensitive to Diameter, Tolerance and Surface Finish of
the Shaft or Sleeve 63
Mechanical Seal
Check List For Mechanical Seal Selection

Cont’d…
1. Design Consideration:
 Failure Controllable or uncontrollable
 Can the Seal Handle Pump / Driver Misalignment
 Location of Elastomer – If it is Near Seal Face then it will be subject to heat
generation
 Can Seal Handle Shaft Dynamic Unbalance
 Is the Hard Face Wide Enough to Prevent the Narrow Face Running off Due
to Shaft Run Out?
 What will Happen if Bearing Fails?
 Is Impeller Adjustment Possible?
 Gland is Standard or Not?
 Seal Face Centering Feature Available?
64
Mechanical Seal
 Are Elastomers Sensitive?

 How much Axial or Radial Movement Seal can Take?
 Has Vibration Damping been Provided?
 Anti Clogging Feature Available?
 Is the Seal Hydraulically Balanced?
 In Case of Dual Seal can it Take Reverse Pressure?
 Seal Designed on Finite Element Program?
65
Mechanical Seal
2. Metallurgy:
 Standard or Mystery Materials?

 Proper Grade Material has been Used or
Not?
 Operating Limits are Known to You?
66
Mechanical Seal
3. Spare Kit:
 Repair or Not?
 Spare Kit Readily Available or Not?
 Repair is Expensive or Inexpensive?
 How to Dispose of Contaminated Parts?
67
Mechanical Seal
4. Manufacturing:
 Mass Produced or Tailor-Made?

 Ex-Stock Availability
 Shelf-Life of Seals and Spares
68
Mechanical Seal
5. Environment Controls:
 Does it Meet Fugitive Emission Standards?

 Can you Vent the Seal Faces in a Vertical
Installation?
 Flush or Re-circulation Connection
69
Mechanical Seal

Cont’d…
6. Installation:
 Is Installation Easy?
 New Gland will be Required?
 Can a Packed Pump be Converted into Mechanical Seal without Major
Modification?
 Shaft / Sleeve Change Required?
 Is the Static Elastomer in the Correct Location?
 Is Special Lubricant Needed for the Elastomer?
 Is there a Method of Centering the Wearable Face in the Hard Face?
 Is Stuffing Box Face Square?
 Accurate Measurement Required to set the Proper Spring Load?
70
Mechanical Seal
 Can Impeller be Adjusted Afterwards?

 Do You Need a Print to Tell the Correct Installation Length?
 Can Machine Tell that Mechanical Seal has been Installed Correctly
after Assembling?
 Are the Faces Protected before Installation?
 Self-Alignment Feature?
71
Mechanical Seal
MECHANICAL SEAL CLASSIFICATION
1. By Design Configuration:
a. Inside Seal:
An inside seal, seals fluid on the outside diameter of the seal faces.
Typically the seal is in the fluid.
Fluid is sealed on
the outside
diameter of the
seal faces.
Stationary Face
Rotary Face 72
Mechanical Seal
MECHANICAL SEAL CLASSIFICATION
1. By Design Configuration:
b. Outside Seal:
An outside seal, seals fluid on the inside diameter of the seal faces.
Typically the seal is “out” of the fluid.
73
Mechanical Seal
MECHANICAL SEAL
CLASSIFICATION
2. By Rotary Design:
a. Rotary Mechanical Seal:
A rotary mechanical seal will have the spring located in the rotating
part of the seal.
74
Mechanical Seal
MECHANICAL SEAL
CLASSIFICATION
2. By Stationary Design:
b. Stationary Mechanical Seal:
A stationary mechanical seal will have the springs located in the
stationary part of the seal.
75
Mechanical Seal
MECHANICAL SEAL
CLASSIFICATION
4. By Assembly:
a. Component Design:
A component mechanical seal requires assembly of Rotary and
Stationary parts on the equipment shaft/sleeve.
76
Mechanical Seal
MECHANICAL SEAL
CLASSIFICATION
4. By Assembly:
b. Cartridge Design:
A cartridge mechanical seal is fully pre-assembled on a sleeve and
enclosed in a Gland. Seal faces remain in contact during handling and
installation.
77
Mechanical Seal
MECHANICAL SEAL
CLASSIFICATION
5. By Metallurgy:
a. Metallic Seal:
A metallic seal has metallic parts in contact with the product.
78
Mechanical Seal
MECHANICAL SEAL
CLASSIFICATION
5. By Metallurgy:
b. Non-metallic Seal:
A non-metallic seal does not
have metal parts in contact
with the product.
79
Mechanical Seal
MECHANICAL SEAL
CLASSIFICATION
6. By Balancing:
a. Balanced Design:
A balanced mechanical seal arrangement balance the axial fluid force
acting on the seal faces.
Seal Balance Line
80
Mechanical Seal
MECHANICAL SEAL
CLASSIFICATION
6. By Balancing:
b. Unbalanced Design:
An unbalanced mechanical seal does not reduce the axial fluid forces
on the seal faces.
Unbalanced Seal
No Balance Line
81
Mechanical Seal
MECHANICAL SEAL
CLASSIFICATION
7. By Configuration:
a. Non-Split Mechanical Seal:
One or all parts of the seal are solid pieces requiring equipment to
dismantle for installation.
82
Mechanical Seal
MECHANICAL SEAL
CLASSIFICATION
7. By Configuration:
b. Split Mechanical Seal:
All parts are split for installation without equipment disassembly.
83
Mechanical Seal
MECHANICAL SEAL
CLASSIFICATION
8. By Seal Faces:
a. Single Seal:
A single mechanical seal uses one set of seal faces.
One set of
seal faces
84
Mechanical Seal
MECHANICAL SEAL
CLASSIFICATION
8. By Seal Faces:
b. Dual Seal:
A Double (or Dual) Mechanical Seal uses two sets of seal
faces.
Two sets of
seal faces.
85
Mechanical Seal
High Performance Face Materials
Carbon – Pure P-658RC:
 80% Carbon, 20% Graphite, <1% Binder

 High Strength, Hardness & Modulus of Elasticity
 High Lubricity
 Low Permeability
Sintered Silicon Carbide:
 Less than .5% free silica

 Highest Hardness
 Highest Thermal Conductivity
 Chemically Inert
86
Mechanical Seal
High Performance Face Materials
Duplex Carbide – Pure PG-9723:
 70% Reaction-Bonded Silicon Carbide (6% free silica.)

 30% Graphite
 Balanced Lubricity and Hardness
Solid Tungsten Carbide:
 6% Nickel Binder
 High Strength and Toughness
 Good Thermal Conductivity
87
Mechanical Seal
Seal Face Combination Characteristics

Heat Chemical Abrasion
Face Comb. Common Use
Gen. Comp. Resist.
CB/CER 1 7 2 General
CB/TC 2 7 2 API
CB/RSC 1 7 2
CB/SSC 1 8 2 Good First Choice
SSC/DC 4 7 6 Hard Face/Lubricity
SSC/TC 6 8 9 Oils
SSC/RSC 7 8 10 Abrasives
CER/CER 10 9 N/A Oxidizers
TC/TC 9 8 9 Mechanical Shock
SSC/SSC 8 10 10 Strong Acids
Based on a rating of 1 to 10. Values are relative for comparison with 10 being highest
and 1 being lowest. They do not reflect magnitudes of difference.
88
Mechanical Seal

Carbon vs. Ceramic:
Unfilled Carbon Graphite vs. 99.5 Ceramic is best choice for most
applications. But Carbon, in any form, is not acceptable in the presence of a
strong oxidizing agent.
Following are the most common chemicals that will affect Pure Grade Carbon
658RC:
Aqua Regia HNO3 & HCL Oleum (Fuming Sulfuric)
Perchloric Acid, Fluorine Sulfur Trioxide
Nitrite Acid > 20% & 250°F Sulfuric Acid > 75% & 250°F
Iodine > 5% & 200°F Chloric Acid > 10% & 200°F
Ferric Chloride > 50% & 200°F Hydrofluoric Acid > 40% & 200°F
Calcium & Sodium Chlorate > 5% Sodium Hypochlorite > 5% 89
Mechanical Seal
Carbon vs. Ceramic:
The Following Chemicals will not attack Carbon 658RC but

severe abrasive wear can occur.
Chromic Acid Chromic Oxide (Aqueous)

Potassium Dichromate
Chrome Plating Solutions
(Aqueous)
Sodium Chromate Sodium Dichromate
90
Mechanical Seal
99.5 Ceramic vs. 99.5 Ceramic:

99.5 Ceramic vs. 99.5 Ceramic is the face material for strong oxidizing
chemicals. Sometimes Carbon is not acceptable because of color
contamination. (This happens in Pharmaceuticals & Papers Industries). If
Carbon is not acceptable then 99.5 Ceramic vs. 99.5 Ceramic may be used.
Carbon vs. Tungsten Carbide:

Carbon vs. Tungsten Carbide is used when Ceramic is not desired or it is
evident that it is breaking in the application. If Plated Tungsten Carbide is to
be used then it must be the nickel binder type.
91
Mechanical Seal
Tungsten Carbide vs. Tungsten Carbide:

Tungsten Carbide vs. Tungsten Carbide (both faces must be solid) is used
when a product has a tendency to stick the faces together or it abrasives are
penetrating through the lapped faces.
Silicon Carbide:
Silicon Carbide, because of its lower cost, is an acceptable substitute for
Tungsten Carbide.
92
Mechanical Seal
RELAPPING OF FACES
The Following faces can be relapped if there are no chips or cracks that
penetrate 10% across the face:
 Tungsten Carbide
 Ceramic
 Silicon Carbide
Carbon / Graphite Face Relapping:
Carbon should not be relapped. It is not a good idea to relap carbon
graphite faces. Imbedded solids are pushed even further in, causing scoring
and wearing of the hard face. Remember carbon can not wear a hard face,
only foreign material stuck in the carbon can do that, and relapping can not
remove it. 93
Mechanical Seal
O-Ring Materials
Mechanical Seals have many O-Rings. The correct O-Ring

usage is crucial in maintaining the integrity of the
Mechanical Seal chosen.
The various types of O-Rings typically used are:
 Viton  EPR
 Buna-N  Neoprene
 Aflas  Kalrez
 Chemraz  Vanway
94
Mechanical Seal
O-Ring Materials
Viton – Trade name for Fluorocarbon made by DuPont Corporation
 Excellent Chemical Resistance

 Good Chemical Memory
 Rated to 400 °F (205 °C)
 Typically used with acids
EPR – Ethylene Propylene Rubber
 Good Chemical Resistance

 Excellent Memory
 Not used with petroleum based products
 Rated to 300° F (160 °C)
 Typically used in bases (Caustic) 95
Mechanical Seal
O-Ring Materials
BUNA-N (Nitrite)
 Rated to 210 °F (105 °C)

 Good Chemical Resistance
 Susceptible to Ozone attack
Neoprene
 Rated to 300 °F (160 °C)

 Specifically designed to seal ammonia and refrigeration oils
 Designed for low temperature services
96
Mechanical Seal
O-Ring Materials
Aflas – Trade name for Fluorocarbon made by 3M Corporation.

 Good Chemical Memory
 Rated to 400 °F (205 °C)
 Typically used with acids and low concentration bases
97
Mechanical Seal
O-Ring Materials
Kalrez (Two compounds 1050 & 4079)
1050LF or 1050
 Rated to 550 °F (250 °C)

 Excellent Chemical Resistance to Strong Acids and Solvents
 Compression sets during temperature cycling
4079
 Rated to 550 °F (250 °C)

 Excellent Chemical Resistance except in:
Hot Water
Steam
Amines 98
Mechanical Seal
O-Ring Materials
Kalrez (Two compounds 1050 & 4079)
4079
 Better than 1050 in:

Aldehydes
Organic Acids
Inorganic Acids
 Does not compression set as readily
99
Mechanical Seal
O-Ring Materials
Chemraz 513
 Perfluoroelastomer
 Rated to 450 F (232 C)
 Excellent Chemical Resistance except in:
Sulfuric Acid Acetic Acid
Black Liquor Green Liquor
White Liquor
Vanway (AKA Style 76)

 Teflon encapsulated Viton
 Rated to 350 F (176 C)
 Good Static Seal
If product permeates Teflon and attacks Viton core, O-ring will fail
100
Mechanical Seal
O-Ring Materials
ChemLast 550
Temperature Range: 15°C to 260°C (-5°F to 500°F)

Compound Description: Black, High Temperature, 75 Shore A,
Perfluorinated Elastomer
Properties Typical Results

Shore A Hardness 80
Tensile Strength, MPa 14.1
Elongation, % 135
Compression Set, 22 hours at 230°C, ASTM D395 Method
23
B, 2-214 Size O-rings % Permanent Set…………………….
19
101
Mechanical Seal
O-Ring Materials
ChemLast 250
Temperature Range: 15°C to 300°C (5°F to 575°F)

Compound Description: Black, Ultra High Temperature, 75 Shore A,
Perfluorinated Elastomer
Properties Typical Results

Shore A Hardness 75
Tensile Strength, MPa 12.0
Elongation, % 124
12
45
102
Mechanical Seal
O-Ring Materials
O-Ring Test
Test an O-Ring by immersing it in the
product for 7 to 10 days. Look for a change
in weight, shape, dimensions or appearance.
If nothing is changed then O-Ring is
chemically compatible with the product.
103
Mechanical Seal
Listed below is the data required to properly

size a Mechanical Seal.
(A) Stuffing Box Diameter

(B) Shaft Size
(C) Stud Length
(D) Stuffing Box Depth
(E) Stud Diameter
(F) Bolt Circle Diameter
(G) Distance to First
Obstruction
104
Mechanical Seal
WHAT IS MECHANICAL SEAL
A mechanical seal consists of two extremely smooth flat

surfaces, called faces, held together to prevent fluid
from escaping.
In a mechanical seal, one face must rotate with the
shaft and is commonly called the “Rotary” and the
other mechanical seal face is fixed and is called the
“Stationary”
Application:
Pumps, mixers, agitators, reactors and rotating equipment.
105
Mechanical Seal
Equipment Inspection for Seal Worthiness:
A seal will run properly if installed correctly in a proper piece of

equipment on a shaft that runs true, and with any control
necessary to correct adverse sealing requirements.
Determine if the pump is in good condition.

Prior to seal installation, a thorough inspection of the equipment
should be made. The condition of the equipment should fall within
manufacturer’s guidelines. Other parameters listed below and the
checking process should be made as described. Equipment design
variances may change the requirements of inspection.
106
Mechanical Seal
A. Check the Shaft or Sleeve.

1. Remove all burrs and sharp corners, especially in area where
the O-rings has to slide. Covers threads and key-way slots with
a thin tape to prevent cutting the O-Ring.
2. The shaft finish should be no rougher than 32 micro inches
(0.8 microns) AA. It should feel smooth if you run your
fingernail along the shaft in the axial direction.
3. Make sure the shaft or sleeve diameter is within tolerance (no
more than +/- 0.002” [0.05mm] from nominal).
Example: 1.750” (50 mm) shaft should not be larger than
1.752” (50.05 mm) or smaller than 1.748” (49.95 mm).
107
Cont’d…
Mechanical Seal
4. Use a dial indicator to measure the shaft run out in the area where the seal is
to be installed. Reading should not exceed 0.001” TIR per inch (0.001 mm
TIR per millimeter) of shaft diameter.
5. Place the dial indicator on the end of the shaft in the axial direction to
measure end play. If the bearings are in a good condition, end play should
not exceed 0.005” (0.13 mm) TIR.
6. In case of Cartridge Seal, Protect the sleeve O-Ring by lubricating the shaft
with a clean silicon based lubricant.
7. If the shaft is fitted with a sleeve, is the sleeve gasket & O-rings in place and
sealing? A leaking sleeve gasket looks like a leaking seal face.
8. If the shaft or sleeve has been hardened, the set screws will not hold. In this
case, use a seal that clamps around the shaft such as Chesterton Style 440,
provided it is used within its operating parameters. Harden or Carbon Steel
set screws may be used.
108
Mechanical Seal

Cont’d…
B. Check the Stuffing Box Face:

1. The stuffing box face must be flat and smooth enough to seal the stationary
gland. Typically, 125 micro inches (3.2 microns) AA maximum for gasket 32
micro inches (0.8 micron) AA for O-Rings.
2. Split case pumps often have an uneven stuffing box face. This must be
machined flat.
3. Make sure the stuffing box is clean and clear along its entire length.
4. If possible, attach the base of dial indicator to shaft and rotate shaft and
indicator slowly while reading the run out of the stuffing box face.
Misalignment of the stuffing box relative to the shaft should not exceed that
specified by the stationary manufacturer. Typically, a maximum of 0.003” TIR
per inch (0.003 mm TIR per millimeter) of shaft diameter is recommended.
For Cartridge Seals 0.005” TIR per inch (0.005 mm TIR per millimeter) of
shaft diameter.
109
Mechanical Seal

5. Pipe strain can misalign a stuffing box and cause excessive seal movement.
6. If the rotary portion of the seal (in case of component seal) hits or rubs anything
stationary in the stuffing box, the faces will open. Also remember that if the rotating
shaft touches the stationary seal face, seal failure will occur
L3/d4 Ratio for Shaft Deflection
7. L3/d4 Ratio of shaft is very critical to avoid shaft deflection. Shaft with less length
and more thickness is ideal for Mechanical seal. A properly designed pump with
shaft stiffness ration (L3/d4) of under 2.4 mm or 60 inch is suitable.
Mounting the seal as close as possible to the radial bearings is a positive step
towards reduced emission and seal failure chances.
110
Mechanical Seal
Mechanical Seal Selection Guide*
SEAL TYPE
TEMPERATURES INSIDE OUTSIDE
UNBALANACED BALANCED UNBALANCED BALANCED
To 250°F
   
To 120°C
250°F – 400°F 
 
120°C – 205°C
Over 400°F 
Over 205°C
111
Mechanical Seal
SEAL TYPE
PRESSURES INSIDE OUTSIDE
To 50 psi
   
3,5 kg/cm²
50-300 psi 

3,5-21,1 kg/cm²
Over 300 psi 

Over 21,1 kg/cm²
112
Mechanical Seal
SEAL TYPE
SPEEDS INSIDE OUTSIDE
To 1500 fpm
   
To 7.6 m/s
1500-3000 fpm 
 
7.6-15.2 m/s
Over 3000 fpm 

Over 15.2 m/s
113
Mechanical Seal
Dual Seals Use
 Any time you pump:

 Dangerous products
 Pollutants
 Costly products
 Fluids that give off fugitive emissions
 If down time is very expensive.

 If you need back up seal protection
114
Mechanical Seal
Dual Seals Use
 Dual Seal Configuration:
 Rotating face to face.

 Rotating tandem
 Rotating concentric
 Stationary concentric
 Stationary tandem
115
Mechanical Seal
Dual Seals Configuration NOT

Recommended Cont’d…
 Avoid using dual seals in the following configurations:
 Rotating back to back
 Rotating tandem if the seals are facing into the stuffing box.
 Stationary face to face
 Stationary tandem if the first stationary face is positioned in

the bottom of the stuffing box. 116
Mechanical Seal
Split Mechanical Seals are another

Choice
The split seal is the one seal that every consumer wanted. The main reason that people continue to
use packing in pumps is that no one wants to take the pump apart just to fix a leak. Taking a pump
apart involves several problems:
 The mechanic must have enough skill to reassemble the pump, insuring that skill is rapidly
disappearing. In some facilities the person that took the pump apart is not necessarily the same
person that is going to put it back together again.
 You must go through a complete realignment between the pump and the driver. That can take
hours.
 In some instances insulation has to be removed to move the pump. This can involve serious
hazardous materials disposal problems.
 In many facilities seal replacement involves many crafts. An electrician to blank out the motor,
a pipe fitter to un bolt the piping, a rigger to bring the pump back to the shop, a mechanic to fix it
and several work orders to reserve the process when the pump goes back. 117
Mechanical Seal
Split Mechanical Seals are another

Choice Cont’d…
 When the pump is disassembled to replace the seal, the bearings are often
replaced at the same time. More often than not seal replacement often means a
complete pump overhaul.
 In some cases the system has to be sterilized if the pump is disassembled.

This can involve many hours of heating, flushing, etc.
118
Mechanical Seal
There are three accepted methods of joining

the split elastomer components:
 Vulcanize the components together around the shaft. This is the method that was
used on the atomic submarine Nautilus. Its only limitation is that you are not able to
manufacture small diameter rings because the stock must go around the shaft and then
through the vulcanizing tool. Present technology limits this technique to shaft diameters
larger than six inches (150 mm).
 Install extra elastomers over the shaft and into the seal assembly. You can then move
out and use them as needed. This is a good technique, but presents major difficulties is
seal design.
 Use the “ball and socket” design.
CAUTION: Gluing O-Rings is never acceptable for a dynamic elastomer. The glue
creates a hard spot that will prevent proper sealing.
119
Mechanical Seal
SPLIT SEAL APPLICATIONS
 The pump is leaking. You can break off, or cut off the present gland and install a
split seal while the leaking seal remains in the stuffing box. The pump can be back
on stream in about an hour.
 You can install the split seal in a fire pump and leave the packing in place. This
way you will probably not violate any fire codes.
 In most designs you are installing the seal closer to the bearings. If you install a
carbon bushing in the stuffing box of the pump you negate most of the bad affects
of shaft bending and deflection. Even if you do not use the carbon bushing you are
still better off being located closer to the pump anti-friction bearing.
 Mixers and awkward locations. The savings are huge! In some instances you
have to take the roof off the building to remove the motor before you can pull the
pump. 120
Mechanical Seal
SPLIT SEAL APPLICATIONS Cont’d…
 Vertical and horizontal split pumps. You do not have to rig a special lifting
device and you only have to change the seal that is leaking instead of both of them.
 Shallow stuffing boxes. The seal installs outside the conventional stuffing box
but unlike other seals it does not seal backwards. The seal gland is actually an
extension of the present stuffing box. CAUTION some split seal designs are
actually outside type seals that move the seal faces into the entrained solids as the
seal face wears. Check to see what type you have.
 Any time down time is expensive split seals must be considered as the only
sensible solution outside of installing two seals in all of your pumps.
 The pump is located in a dangerous area (radiation is a good example) and it is

important that the personnel spend as little time in the area as possible.
121
Mechanical Seal
SPLIT SEAL APPLICATIONS Cont’d…
 If you want to measure the savings in electricity between packing and a mechanical seal
the split seal is your only choice. Obtain an amperage reading with the packing in the pump
and when you are satisfied you know the power being consumed by the pump, pull the
packing and install the split seal. The difference in electricity consumption should pay for the
seal in less than eighteen months.
 You can install a split seal in a pump that has had the shaft/sleeve damaged by packing or
a mechanical seal and save the shaft/sleeve replacement cost, the seal static elastomer sits on
a non damaged portion of the pump shaft/sleeve.
 Large diameter shafts are a natural for split seals. Shaft damage is expensive and pump
disassembly is a big problem. Many times the packing is left in the pump and the leakage
tolerated because of the problems of installing solid seals on shafts larger than four inches
(100 mm). Split seals changed all of this and shaft damage can be eliminated entirely.
 If you mount a split seal on a split sleeve you can often change side entering mixer seals
without first emptying the mixer. 122
Mechanical Seal
Mechanical Seal Hydraulic Balance
Seal hydraulic balance is one of the most effective tools we

have to counter the detrimental effects of heat being generated
in the stuffing box area. The original patent for hydraulic
balance was granted in 1938, but the concept has never been
adopted by the “original equipment manufacturer: (O.E.M.)
and so to this day it remains only as an after market product.
123
Mechanical Seal
A = The spring loaded rotating face with an area of 2 in² (6 cm²)

B = The stationary face held to the front of the stuffing box by gland “G”
P = The hydraulic pressure in the stuffing box is given as 100 psi (10 Kg / cm²)
124
Mechanical Seal

There are at least two forces closing the seal faces:
 The mechanical spring force.

 The hydraulic force caused by the stuffing box pressure acting on the seal face area.
There are at least three forces trying to open the seal faces:
 A hydraulic force is created any time there is fluid between the seal faces. It is
pushing in all directions but cannot move the stationary face that is being retained by the
seal gland. It can how ever, move the rotating face that is spring loaded.
 A centrifugal force that is trying to make the rotating seal face become perpendicular
to the rotating shaft. Since the stationary face is by definition not perpendicular to the
shaft, the affect is the faces are coming apart.
 A hydrodynamic force created because liquid trapped between the seal faces is, for
all practical purposes, non compressible. 125
Mechanical Seal
. 50 lbs/in² X 2 in² = 100 pounds of force trying to open the seal face,
100 psi.
50 psi. average
0 psi.
. or 5 Kg/cm² X 6 cm² = 30 Kilograms of force trying to open the seal faces.
10 Kg/cm²
5 Kg/cm² average
0 Kg/cm²
126
Mechanical Seal
50% seeing closing force
50% not seeing closing force
70% seeing closing force
30% not seeing closing force
127
Mechanical Seal
Heat in Stuffing Box is undesirable

 Heat means a loss of expensive energy.
 Heat will affect the elastomer (rubber part) in the seal reducing its life.
 Heat can injure some carbon faces by melting the fillers and expanding the air pockets
trapped below the surface – causing pits in the carbon that will prevent it from passing a
fugitive emission test.
 Some hard faces can be damaged by a rapid temperature change.
 Plated surfaces can “heat check” and crack due to the differential expansion between the
coating and the base metal.
 Many products can vaporize at elevated temperature, blowing the faces open and leaving
solids between the lapped faces.
 Heat will change the viscosity of many liquids. In many cases it will diminish, but in
some cases the viscosity can increase.
 Corrosion always increases with additional heat.
 Petroleum base products can coke between the faces.
 Lapped faces can go “out of flat” and critical tolerances change at elevated temperature.
128
Mechanical Seal
Advantages of Balanced Seal
 They will allow you to standardize on one seal style for almost all
applications.
 The O-ring version will seal either vacuum or pressure
 Balanced seals can compensate for “water hammer” and pressure

surges.
129
Mechanical Seal
Two Way Hydraulic Balance
There are several reasons why you might want to invest in the higher cost of
installing two seal in your pump, or some other piece of rotating equipment:
 The product is dangerous.

 A seal leak could cause a pollution problem.
 The product is very costly.
 Unscheduled down time is too expensive.
 You need fugitive emission protection.
 It is a sensible way to institute a predictive maintenance program for
mechanical seals.
130
Mechanical Seal
A = The barrier fluid at a higher pressure than the stuffing box.

B = The stuffing box pressure.
C = Atmospheric pressure.
131
Mechanical Seal
In a typical dual seal application. Fluid “A” is circulated between the seals at a
pressure at least one atmosphere (14.7 psi or 1 bar) higher than stuffing box
pressure “B”. This presents some operating problems.
 Since “B” can vary, the barrier fluid pressure must be kept at one
atmosphere higher than the maximum stuffing box pressure and that pressure is
very hard to predict because of pressure surges, cavitations, and water hammer
in the system.
 Barrier fluid pressure can vary depending upon its source. Shop water is
notorious for pressure variations.
 If the system pressure “B” exceeds the barrier pressure “A” the inner seal
can blow open.
132
Mechanical Seal
 If the barrier fluid piping or fittings are damaged or leaking, the inner seal
will blow open allowing the product to escape to atmosphere. Remember that
you purchased the second seal to prevent that possibility.
 Some mixer applications alternate between pressure and vacuum.
 If the outside seal wears out, or fails prematurely the barrier fluid pressure “A” will
drop, and the inner seal will blow open. In other words, if the seal works properly, both
seals will fail at the same time.
133
Mechanical Seal
134
Mechanical Seal
Are there any disadvantages to this design?
Yes, a couple:
 A wide seal face is required, restricting the use of the seal to mostly mixer
applications because of the additional radial room needed. There seldom is
enough room in the typical centrifugal pump stuffing box to accommodate the
cartridge version of this design. The wider seal face also generates a little more
heat.
 Because one half of the dynamic O-ring groove is mounted in the gland and
the other in the seal face, the O-ring must slide when the pressure reverses and
in some slurry applications it will “hang up” unless flushing water is available.
 Extra cost is usually involved if it is not a standard seal with your supplier.
135
Mechanical Seal
TROUBLE SHOOTING PROCESS
1. Identify or Select the Problem

2. Collect the Data
3. Analyze the Problem
4. Generate the Solution
5. Implement the Solution
6. Evaluate
7. Standardize 136
Mechanical Seal
ROTARY & STATIONARY FACES
Rotary Face Stationary Face

Alumina Ceramic as standard
Pure Grade P-658RC Carbon
for component stationary units.
Sintered Silicon Carbide (SSC) Duplex Carbide
Reaction Bonded Silicon
Tungsten Carbide
Carbide (RSC)
Solid Tungsten Carbide (TC) Sintered Silicon Carbide
137
Mechanical Seal
Double Seal Face Configuration

BACK-TO-BACK
BARRIER FLUID
ATMOSPHERE
PROCESS FLUID
ROTATING FACES
138
Mechanical Seal

TANDEM BARRIER FLUID
PROCESS FLUID ATMOSPHERE
ROTATING FACES 139

Mechanical Seal

FACE-TO-FACE BARRIER FLUID
PROCESS ATMOSPHERE
FLUID
ROTATING FACES 140

Mechanical Seal
Stationary or Rotary Ring (Face)
Sym. Material Sym. Material

A Carbon * (CARB) K Cast Stoody (STOODY)
B Glass filled Teflon* (GFT) L Alloy 20/Stellite (#20/STEL)
C Ceramic* (CER) M Colmonoy (COLM)
D Solid Silicon Carbide* (SIL CARB) N Tungsten Carbide-Nick.* (TC-N)
E Bronze (BRONZE) O Titanium Carbide (TITAN CARB)
F Tungsten Carbide-Cobalt (TC-C) P Cast Iron (C.I.)
G Ni-Resist* (NI-RES) R 431 or 440 Stainless (431/440SS)
316 Stainless/Chrome Oxide
H 316 Stainless/Stellite (316SS/STEL) S
(316SS/CHR)
316 Stainless/Tungsten Carbide*
J 316 Stainless/Sapphire (316SS/SAP) T
(316SS/TC)
*Designates standard face material ##Registered trademark of Cabot Stellite Division
***Registered trademark Greene, Tweed & Co. Consult Manufacturer – various grades available
**Registered trademark E.I. DuPont 141
Mechanical Seal
HARD FACE MATERIAL CHART

Hard Face Material Hardness Elastic Tensile Expansion Conductivity Density Tempt Coeff.
Modulus Strength Limit of
E friction
Mohs GN/m² MN/m² m/mK Watts/m°K Mg/mm³ °C(a) Vs.
Carbon
Gray cast iron 5 100 200 10 45 7.2 200 -
Hastelloy “B” 6 230 1300 18 45 8.9 800 -
M-2 Tool steel 7 200 2000 11 25 8.2 500 -
Niresist 4 100 400 18 15 7.4 500 -
316 Stainless 4 200 600 16 16 8 600 -
440C Stainless 5 200 800 10 25 7.8 600 -
Stellite 7 220 1000 14 15 8.4 1000 -
T/C – Cobalt 8 600 1400 4 100 15 400 0.07
142
Mechanical Seal
HARD FACE MATERIAL CHART
Hard Face Material Hardness Elastic Tensile Expansion Conductivity Density Tempt Coeff.
Modulus Strength Limit of
E friction
Mohs GN/m² MN/m² m/mK Watts/m°K Mg/mm³ °C(a) Vs.
Carbon
T/C – Nickel 8 600 600 5 90 15 250 0.07
Ceramic 85% 8 200 150 5 12 3.4 1400 0.07
Ceramic 99.5% 8 350 250 7 25 3.9 1700 0.07
SiC Alpha 9.7 400 250 4 130 3.1 1000 0.02

Sintered
SiC Reaction 9.7 400 250 4 150 3.1 1000 0.02
Bonded
143
Mechanical Seal
891 Rotary Seals Installation

Preparation:
• Shafts & Sleeve:
– Remove all sharp corner burrs and scratches on the shaft.
– Make sure that shaft or sleeve diameter is within 0.05 mm of the nominal.
– Measure shaft run out (0.001mm TIR per mm).
– Measure end play (should not exceed 0.13 mm of TIR).
• Stuffing Box or Seal Chamber:
– Stuffing face must be flat and smooth (0.8 micron max.)
– Measure the run out of the stuffing box face.(max. of 0.003 mm TIR / mm).
– Disassemble the pump.
• “O” Ring Compatibility:
– Check the “O” ring compatibility if required change the “O” ring.
144
Mechanical Seal

• Determine the seal installation length using the rotary operating length
given on the other side and the stationary installation instructions for
the particular CHESTERTON stationary being used with this rotary.
The installation length will vary depending on the type of stationary
and equipment being sealed.
• Scribe a mark equal to the installation dimension (determined from the
operating length and distance from stationary face to stuffing box face)
away from the appropriate reference point (e.g. the stuffing box face).
• Cover threads and keyways slots with a thin tape to prevent cutting the
O-ring. Lubricate the seal sleeve O-ring and shaft with a clean, silicone
based grease. A sufficient quantity of lubricant is provided with the
seal.
• Slid the rotary onto the shaft and bring the back of the rotary to the
scribe mark. Set screw the seal to the shaft.
145
Mechanical Seal
•Reassemble the equipment (with the stationary and gland as required for
the particular equipment). Proper installation of the rotary and stationary
will set the 891 at its correct operating length without over or under
compressing the seal.
•Rotate the shaft by hand. The seal should turn freely without binding or
using excessive force.
•You are now ready to start the equipment. Follow all normal safety
procedures when starting the equipment.
146
Mechanical Seal
440 Seals Installation
• Slide on rotary, gland, and stationary when assembling from the impeller
end of pump. Reserve procedure when installing from motor coupling end.
• Nose of stationary will pilot in stuffing box bore of most pumps. Tighten
gland bolts evenly. Do not over-tighten or distortion of stationary may
occur. CAUTION: Be sure stationary is not in contact with shaft. Center
with centering gauge provided.
• Slide rotary up against stationary face and tighten cap screw to clamp drive
ring to shaft. On seal 2.750’’ (70 mm) and larger tighten set screw to
provide additional clamping.
• Remove clips and seal is properly positioned with a 1/16’’ (1,5 mm) spring
gap. Be sure to use shroud if required.
147
Mechanical Seal
155 / 155A Seals Installation Cont’d……
• Check the chemical listing to determine if the Viton* O-ring installed in this
seal are compatible with the fluid being sealed.
• DO NOT LOOSEN THE FLAT HEAD SOCKET SCREWS WHEN

POSITIONING THE SEAL. Their loading configuration assists in centering
the sleeve on the shaft.
• If the 155 seal is operating at a stuffing box pressure of over 300 psig (20 Bar)
or replace the three 316 stainless steel set screws that go through the larger
holes on sleeve with the hardened steel set screws supplied with the seal.
• Attaching the 478 or any other gland or re-attaching the tabs.

– When using the 478 or any other gland instead of the tabs, remove the tabs
by removing the tab retaining snap ring and prossing the tabs towards the
center of the hub gland and then sliding them out. 148
Mechanical Seal
155 / 155A Seals Installation Cont’d……
– If the tabs need to be re-attached:

• Place the seal, lock ring side up, on a flat surface.
• To install a tab, compress the tab spring by pressing the tab against the hub gland
surface and slide the tab till it bottoms out on the hub gland. As a minimum two pairs
of tabs must be used. When the 155 seal is operating at a stuffing box pressure of over
300 psig (20 Bar), four pairs of tabs must be used.
• Insert the snap ring in the hub gland groove. The snap ring will prevent the tabs from
falling off, but can be removed at any time without affecting the performance of the
seal.
• Slide the seal onto the shaft, by pushing on the lock ring.
• Reassemble the pump and make necessary shaft alignments and
impeller adjustments.
• Orientate the flush connection to the location required.
• Piping connections should not be made prior to tightening the gland
bolts.
• Tighten the gland nuts evenly. 149
Mechanical Seal
155 / 155A Seals Installation

• The seal has been designed to promote self-centering of the sleeve on the shaft.
– Tighten the three cup point set screws, that are closer to the flat head screws, evenly. If
necessary, tighten the three flat head socket screws with the hex keys provided. Then
tighten the three cup point set screws, that are further away from the flat head screws,
evenly.
• It is important to make sure that the gland is properly centered over the sleeve. To do
this, turn the shaft by hand to make sure the seal turns freely. If you hear metal to
metal contact within the seal, it was improperly centered.
– Start the centering strap through the slot in the hub gland.
– Loosen the gland bolts.
– Loosen the set screws.(DO NOT LOOSEN THE FLAT HEAD SOCKET SCREWS AS
THIS WILL ALLOW THE LOCK RING TO COME OFF).
– Push the strap in until it completely surrounds the seal sleeve. It will pilot between the hub
gland, seal sleeve and lock ring.
– Re-tighten the gland bolts.
– Re-tighten the set screws. 150
– Remove the centering strap.
Mechanical Seal
442 Seals Installation Cont’d……
A. Prepare the Seal for Installation
– Disengage the socket head cap screws (item 10) from one half of the gland. With
the gland in a horizontal position, springs up, separate the halves and place them
on the clean work surface.
– You now have access to the rotary holder (item 1). Disengage the two socket
head cap screws (item 2) from one half of the rotary holder and place the holder
halves on the clean work surface.
– Place the rotary and stationary seal faces on the clean work surface.
– Make sure that the gland gaskets (item 9), holder gaskets (item 3), stuffing box
gasket (item 11, no grease) and static O-ring (item 4) are properly greased and
seated in their grooves. DO NOT GLUE THE GLAND OR HOLDER
GASKETS IN PLACE.
– Snap open the ball and socket joint of the O-rings by pulling at the seam. (NOTE:
The rotary O-ring is slightly longer and is marked with a purple dot.)
151
Mechanical Seal
442 Seals Installation
B. Installation:
The gland, holder, and face halves are matched pairs; mixing with
components from different seals will result in seal failure.
– Assemble the holder halves around the shaft and tighten the two socket head cap
screws until snug, but not tight, on the shaft.
– Slid the holder against the stuffing box using the “Y” spacer provided against the
holder step for the correct installation dimension.
– Assemble both O-rings around the shaft; the longer rotary O-ring inboard.
– Carefully nest the two stationary halves around the shaft between two O-rings
and wrap the outboard O-ring around them.
– Carefully nest the two rotary face halves around the shaft and wrap the remaining
O-ring over the halves. Again, check that the O-ring joint does not line up with
the face splits.
152
Mechanical Seal
MECHANICAL SEAL DESIGN &

TYPES
153
Mechanical Seal
Design of Mechanical Seals

If you were to design a mechanical seal, the simplest form would
be a shoulder on a shaft pressed against a machined housing (see
fig.). This will work if shoulder and housing rubbing surfaces are
properly finished, if horizontal shaft movement (end play) can be
totally eliminated, and the proper load can be maintained between
the rubbing surfaces (faces) with no axial motion or run-out.
HOUSING
MACHINED FACE
MACHINED
SHOULDER SHAFT
154
Mechanical Seal

The next progression in design would be to press a rotary sealing
ring onto the shaft and a stationary sealing ring into the housing
(see fig.) . The sealing surfaces can now be easily machined and
lapped. Keeping the sealing faces together would still be a
problem. The sealing rings are so rigid that absolute parallelism
would have to be maintained to affect a liquid seal.
155
Mechanical Seal

The mounting of resilient gaskets in back of each sealing ring
allows more movement (see fig.). This solves several problems; end
play is not as critical; repairs are made easier and the leakage
paths between shaft and sealing ring, and the housing and
stationary ring are eliminated.
RESILIENT
GASKETS
SEAL FACES
RESILIENT
GASKETS
156
Mechanical Seal

Now by giving either sealing ring axial motion to absorb end play
and shaft run-out, the sealing rings can be held together. A coil
spring is one method of compensating for greater axial movement
while maintaining a load between the two rings. (see fig.)
GASKET
SPRING
157
Mechanical Seal

The addition of a few simple refinements to (last fig.) 4 yields a
usable design (below fig.). The entire concept is packaged into a
unit. The addition of a positive drive secondary sealing element
(boot) to turn the seal’s rotary member and prevent shaft leakage,
and a multidirectional spring to a main face load, yields a
functional mechanical seal.
GLAND PLATE
STATIONARY
FACE
GASKET
BOOT ROTARY FACE

158
Mechanical Seal
MECHANICAL SEAL DESIGN &

TYPES
There are definite advantages with each type of seal. The selection is usually based
on experience and history for a particular application.
159
Mechanical Seal
Types of Mechanical Seals

Inside Seals-
When a seal is mounted inside the stuffing box of the pump, it is
called an inside seal. Inside seals are generally more difficult to
install, and routine maintenance is more difficult without complete
pump disassembly; however, the advantages of an inside seal are:
(1) Cooling of the seal is accommodated by product flow by the
seal through inlets in the stuffing box or gland. (2) The rotary
action of the seal helps to keep it clean. Centrifugal force makes it
difficult for suspended solids to migrate across the face of the
seal. (3) When these seals leak, they are usually not prone to
catastrophic leakage, because of the large mass of material
blocking the exit of product from the stuffing box. The hydraulic
balancing forces help keep the faces closed. (4) A large variety of
base materials and seal faces is usually available. (5) Environmental
stuffing box controls can be easily applied and attached. 160
Mechanical Seal
Inside Seals
GLAND
STUFFING BOX
ROTARY UNIT
STATIONARY UNIT
161
Mechanical Seal

Outside Seals-
An outside seal is located outboard of the pump stuffing box. An
outside seal has the following advantages: (1) easy installation; (2)
can be inexpensively made from corrosion resistant materials; (3)
suitable for services where it is necessary to quickly remove the
seal for cleaning; where stuffing boxes are shallow and inside seals
cannot be used due to lack of axial or radial space; where wear of
the faces must be monitored; and where access to tightening the
seal is difficult or practically impossible.
Limitations on the design of outside seals; due to lack of heat
dissipation from below the seal faces; outside seals must be used
in lower temperature , lower speed and lower pressure
applications. (Pressures must be lower than inside seals as the
pressures are being exerted outward on seal parts rather than
inward.) 162
Mechanical Seal

Outside Seals
ROTARY UNIT
163
Mechanical Seal

Single Seals-
Single seals can be mounted either inside or outside the stuffing box and
consist of a rotary unit affixed to the shaft in some manner such as set
screws or a drive boot. The rotary unit runs against a stationary unit that is
generally affixed to the stuffing box with a gland. (below Fig.) is a typical
seal arrangement with the seal located inside the stuffing box. (Inside Seal).
STUFFING BOX GLAND
SET
SCREW
ROTARY UNIT STATIONARY UNIT 164

Mechanical Seal

Double Seals-
Double seals are arranged either facing towards each other or
away from each other. The most common, (below fig.), is used
in conjunction with a separate barrier fluid injected at a higher
pressure between the two seals than the fluid being pumped.
The advantages of double seals are: (1) Increased protection
against product reaching the atmosphere. (2) The barrier fluid
can be monitored to determine if either seal has failed. (3) The
double seal also works well when there is danger of gas
pockets being formed in the seal chamber, as is the case with
vertical pumps. They have always been used when faced with
products that crystallize, burn or cause ice when they contact
the atmosphere. Heating or cooling can also be maintained via
the barrier fluid. Often called a “back-to-back” double seal.
165
Mechanical Seal

Double Seals
BARRIER FLUID INLET
166
Mechanical Seal

Double Seals-
(Below fig.) illustrates a double seal arrangement with the seals facing each
other. When mounted this way, the outside seal receives its lubrication
through the hole in the stationary seal ring. In this configuration, the barrier
fluid should be pressurized below normal product stuffing box pressure or
near atmospheric pressure. Often called a “face-to-face” double seal.
167
Mechanical Seal

Tandem Seal-
The tandem seal arrangement is the safest of all double seal
combinations. In effect it is made up to two inside seals, both
with the advantage of inside seals and double seals. In this
arrangement a separate clean barrier fluid is sealed by the
outside seal and process liquid is sealed by the inner seal. This
eliminates one of the major drawbacks of conventional double
seal arrangements, that of having process liquid on the
underside of the primary seal. The barrier fluid may be held at
a slightly higher pressure than the process liquid to help
prevent leakage of the pumped fluid into the higher pressure
barrier fluid. In this case, the inner seal stationary would
require retention in both axial directions.
168
Mechanical Seal

Tandem Seal
169
Mechanical Seal
Mechanical Seal Classification Cont’d….
All seals are available in either unbalanced or balanced versions.

A seal is unbalanced when the area exposed to the pumped fluid,
acting to close the seal faces, is greater than the area of contact
(pressure gradient) between the faces. In simpler terms, it has a unit
closing force in excess of the actual pressure to be sealed.
For example, if the stuffing box pressure is 50 psig, then the loading
or closing force on the faces would be slightly higher at 60 psig. This
limits the pressure sealing capacity of the seal.
The balanced seal has the same opening area as the unbalanced seal,
but the closing area has been reduced in relation to the face area.
Because force = pressure x area, reducing the closing area reduces the
closing force: less heat is generated, and the seal generally has a
longer life.
For example, if the stuffing box pressure were 150 psig, then the net
closing force would be substantially reduced to 50 psig. 170
Mechanical Seal
Mechanical Seal Classification

Seals can be further classified in a number of ways. There are four
further classifications of mechanical seals which can be described by
distinct characteristics.
Rotary
In this type, the spring or springs or bellows rotate with the shaft.
Stationary
The spring or springs or bellows do not rotate with the shaft but
remain stationary.
Non-metallic
No metal parts come in contact with the fluid being pumped.
All metal
Metal parts are used exclusively where application temperatures
require it. 171
Mechanical Seal
Various Seal Designs

The basic seal designs have variations that develop seals that meet
specific applications. Each seal design has its own strengths and
weaknesses.
1
Cartridge Seals
The cartridge design changes none of the functional components of
the basic seal classifications. In a cartridge seal, all items are
containerized and only require the tightening of gland bolts, flush
connections, and drive screws. The need to scribe lines and make
critical measurements is usually eliminated.
Cartridge seal are available in each of the basic types and
classifications.
The limiting factor in the designing of a cartridge seal is the space
available in a pump’s stuffing box area as they may require greater 172
axial depth and radial cross section.
Mechanical Seal

Cartridge Seals
173
Mechanical Seal

2
“U” Cup Seals
The secondary seal or “U” cup can be made of PTFE, elastomers or a composite.
The large single spring does not drive the rotary but does spread the secondary
seal and maintain face loading during pump operations and shutdown.
This seal is a heavy-duty balanced design that normally requires greater axial
and radial space than does a conventional multi-spring balanced seal.
174
Mechanical Seal

3
“V” Ring Seals
The “V” ring is a sealing device that requires constant loading of the “V” ring in
order to seal. If the seal is of the type that will work either inside or outside,
then the “V” ring must be turned so that it seals the fluid. To reduce the clogging
of multiple spring types, this design is fairly open and allows fluid circulation to
clean the springs as the seal rotates.
"V"RING 175
Mechanical Seal

4
“O” Ring Seals
This particular seal has a dynamic “O” ring secondary seal and a static “O” ring
shaft seal. The springs in this design are isolated from the pumped fluid by the
“O” ring seals and cannot become clogged unless leakage occurs across the seal
face. This type of seal is normally balanced within its own component parts.
“O"RING 176
Mechanical Seal

5
Wedge Seals
This seal is shown using a PTFE sliding wedge that mates with a carbon seal
face. The wedge makes contact with the shaft and has an interference fit with
the carbon. It contains no close tolerance fits. This seal is designed for inside
use, but may be used outside at low pressures.
WEDGE 177
Mechanical Seal

6
Boot Type Seals
This seal is shown using a large single spring that maintains face contact but the
drive (the turning of the unit with the shaft) is furnished by the rubber elastomer
boot. Care should be used when installing the seal, because the elastomer must
grip the shaft if the seal is to drive.
BOOT
178
Mechanical Seal

7
Bellows Seals
The welded metal bellows design offers a series of thin washers
that are welded together on their outside and inside diameters.
Each welded set of plates has a fixed amount of axial (along the
shaft) movement. The more welded plates that are added to the
seal, the greater the ability of the seal to move to adjust for face
wear. The welded plates are usually made of corrosion-resistant
material, such as Hastetelloy* or 300 series stainless. Welded metal
bellows designs, which have n sliding elastomers can be used at
elevated temperatures when outfitted with graphite or metal
secondary seals. Bellows seals are balanced by design.
* Cabot Stellite Div. Registered Trademark.
179
Mechanical Seal

Bellows Seals
BELLOWS
180
Mechanical Seal
Pump Jacket
HEAT TRANSFER
PUMP DISCHARGE FLUID OUT
• Use with single seal or
dual seals
• Maintains or elevates
box temperature to
prevent product
OPTIONAL
FLOWMETER solidification with
polymers, resins, tars
PUMP
SUCTION
• Use to cool seal
• Common heat transfer

fluids:
EXTERNAL HEAT - Water
TRANSFER FLUID IN
- thermal oils
- steam 181
Mechanical Seal
Discharge Recirculation
PUMP
DISCHARGE
• Use with a single
seal
• Cools seal
• Increases pressure
in seal chamber
• Clean fluids only –

solids can erode
seal
• An orifice can be
PUMP used to reduce
SUCTION
flow
182
Mechanical Seal
Suction Recirculation
PUMP
DISCHARGE
• Use with a single seal
• Prevents solids hang-up
• Lowers seal chamber

pressure
• Cools seal
PUMP • Reduces seal generated

SUCTION
heat
• Use caution with low vapor

liquids
• Stuffing box lantern ring

connection can also be
used
183
Mechanical Seal
Cooled Discharge Recirculation

HEAT
EXCHANGER
COOLANT
OUT
• Cools seal with hot

COOLANT IN
pumps and/or volatile

PUMP
DISCHARGE fluids
PRODUCT
OUT
PRODUCT
IN
• Increases pressure in
seal chamber
• Solids in product can

erode deal
• An orifice can be used

PUMP
to reduce flow
SUCTION
184
Mechanical Seal
Cooled Seal Recirculation

HEAT
EXCHANGER
COOLANT
OUT
COOLANT IN and with pumping
mechanism
PUMP
DISCHARGE
• Cools seal with hot
pumps and/or volatile
PRODUCT PRODUCT
OUT IN
fluids
• Minimizes heat
exchanger size and
coolant water usage
PUMP
SUCTION
185
Mechanical Seal
Discharge Recirculation With Cyclone Separator

CLEAN
FLUID
PRODUCT WITH • Use with a single seal
ABRASIVES
where fluid contains
PUMP CYCLONE some abrasives
DISCHARGE SEPARATOR
• Cools seal
• Increases pressure in seal

chamber
• Density of solids must be

significantly greater than
CONCENTRATED
ABRASIVES TO PUMP fluid
SUCTION
• Use caution with high

viscosity fluids
PUMP
SUCTION • Chesterton normally does
not recommend 186
Mechanical Seal
Flush
CLEAN FLUSH IS 5-15 PSI FLOWMETER
GREATER THAN THE MAXIMUM
SEAL CHAMBER PRESSURE
CLEAN
EXTERNAL seal
FLUSH
• Prevents solids
hang-up
• Acceptable flush
fluids
- Clean compatible
fluid
- Water, if compatible
- Clean product
PUMP
- Downstream additive
SUCTION
187
RESTRICTION (THROAT) BUSHING
Mechanical Seal
Cooled Discharge Recirculation With Cyclone Separator

HEAT
EXCHANGER
COOLANT
OUT where fluid contains
some abrasives
• Cools seal with hot pumps

CLEAN
COOLANT and/or volatile fluids
PRODUCT FLUID
IN
WITH
PUMP
DISCHARGE
ABRASIVES • Increases pressure in seal
chamber
CYCLONE
SEPARATOR • Density of solids must be
PRODUCT
IN significantly greater than
fluid
• Use caution with high

viscosity fluids
PUMP SUCTION • Chesterton normally does

not recommend 188
Mechanical Seal
Circulation With External

Buffer Fluid Tank
FILL
BUFFER FLUID TANK • Use with a dual seal

WITH OPTIONAL HEAT
VENT
EXCHANGER
• Low pressure buffer
fluid, 10 psi minimum
PUMP
• Buffer fluid should be

DISCHARGE
clean, compatible
and lubricating
COOLANT INLET
& OUTLET
• Gland inlet and outlet
connections dependent
on shaft rotation
PUMP
SUCTION
189
Mechanical Seal
Circulation With Pressurized

External Barrier Fluid Tank
FILL
EXTERNAL GAS
PRESSURE
• Use with a dual seal

BUFFER FLUID TANK
WITH OPTIONAL HEAT VENT
EXCHANGER
• Pressurize barrier fluid
15-30 psi over max.
PUMP seal chamber pressure
DISCHARGE
• Barrier fluid should be

clean, compatible,
COOLANT INLET &
OUTLET
and lubricating

PUMP
on shaft rotation
SUCTION
190
Mechanical Seal
Circulation With Pressurized

External Barrier Fluid Source
FLOWMETER
• Use with a dual seal

CLEAN
EXTERNAL
PUMP
DISCHARGE
BARRIER
FLUID
15-30 psi over max.
seal chamber pressure

BARRIER clean, compatible,
and lubricating
FLUID OUT

PUMP
on shaft rotation
SUCTION
191
Mechanical Seal
Circulation With Pressurized External

Barrier Fluid Source and DualFlow TM
OPTIONAL LOW • Use with a dual seal

FLOW ALARM

15-30 psi over max.
CLEAN
PUMP
DISCHARGE
BARRIER seal chamber pressure
FLUID IN

BARRIER
FLUID OUT
clean, compatible,
and lubricating

PUMP on shaft rotation
SUCTION
192
Mechanical Seal
QUENCH
PUMP DISCHARGE
CLEAN EXTERNAL

QUENCH IN
seal
• Prevents coking,
crystallization
PUMP
SUCTION
• Common quench
fluids: steam, water,
nitrogen
• Low pressure only

DRAIN OUT
193

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1

Presentation Prepared By:

PARTS OF A CENTRIFUGAL PUMP

Suction Oil Chamber

PUMP SURVEY BY UNION CARBIDE

They wanted to know why 238 of their

PUMP FAILURE ANALYSIS 238 IN

26 Bearings & Housings 10.92%

MAJOR REASONS OF MECHANICAL

 The Seal Faces Opened for Some

 One of the Seal Components

 The only way to tell if you are getting satisfactory seal

GOOD SEAL LIFE

GOOD SEAL LIFE

GOOD SEAL LIFE

 Approximately 85-90% of all mechanical seals fail

 They fail for a variety of reasons and will continue to

 You can only make those changes if you know the

DOING WHAT YOU

HOW TO GET GOOD SEAL LIFE

YOU NEED TO KNOW FOUR THINGS

 How to install the seal correctly

 Know seal applications and how chemicals change

 Know about the different back-up systems to prevent

OUR SCOPE OF DISCUSSION

 Centrifugal Pump & Pump Parts

OUR SCOPE OF DISCUSSION

Generation of Mechanical Seal

A Typical Mechanical Seal Have The Following

1. The Metal Parts – Case, Springs, Set Screws, etc.

A Typical Mechanical Seal Have The Following Parts,

Allen Screws Stationary

MECHANICAL SEAL COMPONENTS

1. Stationary Seal Ring (Face)

SELECTING THE CORRECT SEAL

CATEGORIZING THE FLUID TO BE SEALED

1. Fluids Sensitive to Small Changes in Stuffing Box Temperature

CRITICAL SEALING SITUATION

1) Fluids that are Sensitive to Changes in

• Corrosion Rate-Temp Relationship

1) Fluids that are Sensitive to Changes in

b) Liquid that Vaporize

1) Fluids that are Sensitive to Changes in

b) Liquid that Vaporize

1) Fluids that are Sensitive to Changes in

c) Liquids that Solidify

• Common Problem in Stand by Pumps & Suction Side

Example: Paint, Glue, Polymers

1) Fluids that are Sensitive to Changes in

1) Fluids that are Sensitive to Changes in

• Coking Problem Causing

Example: Hot Oil, Hard Water

1) Fluids that are Sensitive to Changes in

2) Liquid that Require Two Mechanical Seals

Destruction of Lapped Faces

4) Slurries – Especially Abrasive Slurries

Example: River, Water, Sewage, Raw Products

5) Liquids Sensitive to Agitation

• Dilatant Fluids (Formation of Butter From Cream)

• Thixothropic Fluids (Non-Drip Paints and Automobile Wax)

5) Liquids Sensitive to Agitation

• Excessive Face Wear

• Seal Face Opening