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DISCLAIMER: This document is for informational and educational purposes only. It is intended to be a general guide. It should not
be considered advice or a replacement for addressing equipment concerns with a qualified professional. Chesterton assumes no
responsibility for any action or inaction you take based on or made in reliance on the information contained in this document.
1 TRADITIONAL SEALING METHODS
Sealing Technologies
In the water and wastewater industries there are a variety
of technologies to choose from:
■ Compression packing
■ Mechanical seals
• Single component seals
• Single and dual cartridge seals
• Split seals
■ Environmental control systems
• Standard throat bushing with water flush
• Active throat bushing with reduced or zero water flush
Cartridge Seals • Self-contained assembly • Must disassemble the pump to install and repair
of all components • Initial cost is higher than component seal or packing
• No special skills required • Best suited for shaft sizes <= 60 mm (2.50")
for installation
• Hydraulically balanced
• Will not fret or damage shaft
Split Seals • No equipment disassembly • Higher initial investment
required • Extreme applications might exceed split seal operating parameters
• Operates virtually leak-free • Not recommended for sealing fluids that are hazardous
• No re-alignment required (minor leakage can occur in the first few hours/days until seal
• Easy to repair in the field faces are mated)
• Increased reliability and safety • Best suited for larger shaft diameters >60 mm (2.50")
3
2 SPLIT SEAL TECHNOLOGY
What are Split Seals?
Split seals are mechanical seals in which all the parts are split into at least two halves.
Like standard non-split mechanical seals, they are used on rotating equipment such as
pumps, mixers, water turbines, and agitators. And like standard mechanical seals, they
seal the rotating shaft of the equipment against its housing.
Split seals were first used on submarine main propeller shafts back in 1954. But only
in 1986 were split seals introduced as a standard, off-the-shelf sealing technology.
Since the first generation split seal, many technological improvements have occurred.
These improvements have greatly expanded the window of operation and application
of split seals.
Because of this potential start up leakage, split seals should not be used to seal
dangerous fluids. They should also not be used with fluids that are regulated by
emissions limits.
However, in many other applications such as the sealing of water treatment pumps,
hydropower turbine main shafts, and stern tubes on ships split seals can provide
nearly leak-free performance and reliability that can be a game-changer. They have
been known to run leak-free or nearly leak-free for years without the maintenance
hassles of packing.
4
Pump Disassembly Return on Investment (ROI)
with Split Seal Technology
This is the single biggest benefit of using split seal technology. Split seals can be
installed in place without disturbing the pump, motor or coupling installations.
During repair, split seals eliminate the need for removing anything from the pump
skid other than the split seal components.
The more operations that are involved and the larger the equipment, the higher the
costs and the risks of mistakes.
5
3 ACTIVE THROAT BUSHING TECHNOLOGY
Enhancing the Seal Environment
Maintaining an optimal environment in the stuffing box for the seal to operate
in is essential to the life of the seal and the overall reliability of your equipment.
Heat and dirt are the two major threats to seal reliability!
6
Active Throat Bushing Solutions
The chart below gives problems and examples of the benefits of active throat bushings.
Solids entering Dirt: Solids will damage seal faces and impact the life ...greatly reduces or eliminates the need for flush.
stuffing box of the seal and equipment. Once the pump is turned on, solids are
This is typically resolved by introducing flush fluid captured in the spiral grooves of the active
to push solids out of the stuffing box. However, the throat bushing. Solids small and large are
flush water usage and costs add up quickly per pump removed, and the seal operates in a clean
depending on the flush water source. Extensive use environment without the expense of a flush.
of flush from city water is extremely expensive in a
continuously operating pump. Alternative to city water,
plant effluent also adds operational cost since it has
already undergone the expense of treatment and is
being re-introduced to the treatment process.
Split Seal
7
Applications for Water and Wastewater Processing
Split seal technology is best suited to the following areas in these industries:
Water Wastewater
■ Low life surface water pumps ■ aw sewage pumps (including remote pump
R
stations, influent and deep tunnel pumps)
■ High lift distribution pumps
■ Grit pumps
■ Sludge and settled solids pumps
■ Sludge pumps
■ Sludge thickening pumps
■ Scum pumps
■ Backwash water pumps
■ Effluent pumps
■ Potable water pumps
■ eturn Activated Sludge
R
(RAS) pumps
■ astewater Activated Sludge
W
(WAS) pumps
SUMMARY
Split seal technology and active throat bushing technology are two cost-effective,
state-of-the-art choices for improved long-term sealing for many water and
wastewater applications.
■ F or shaft sizes over 60 mm (2.50"), split seal technology delivers
significant costs savings by avoiding equipment disassembly. This seal
design also provides a virtually leak-free environment after initial set-up
and low maintenance.
■ S plit seals coupled with active throat bushing technology will greatly
reduce and even eliminate the need for flush water while still
maintaining a clean and cool stuffing box environment for reliable,
long-term sealing.
Read the following case studies to see how Chesterton customers have
benefited from these technologies.
8
4 SUCCESS STORIES
Challenge
Background
Wastewater plants often have large equipment to move
the fluids needed for normal operation. Repairing this
large equipment is very costly and time consuming.
A wastewater treatment plant that Chesterton works with
in Ohio is a prime example. They have large end suction
pumps using cartridge seals that need to be replaced
every two years or less. It takes the maintenance crew
approx. 8 – 10 hours to disassemble the pump, replace
the cartridge seal, and reinstall the pump.
Solutions
Service
When presented with the advantages of the
Chesterton 442C Cartridge Split Seal and the ease
of installation and use, the customer decided to replace
a cartridge seal on one of the pumps in the plant.
A 442C seal 4.50" with RSC/RSC faces and FEPM O-Rings
was installed by the plant maintenance crew and took
about 1 – 2 hours to complete. The seal has now been
running without issues for over 5 months. Some
of the prior cartridge seals lasted only 4 – 5 months!
442C Cartridge Split Seal 114 mm (4.50”) was
installed in less than two hours.
Results
Based on this initial success, the plant is planning
to convert all of their cartridge seals over to 442C
split seals. There are an estimated 15 pumps that
will undergo the transition.
The plant can expect an average yearly savings
of approximately $3,000 for each split seal based
on extended reliability and greatly reduced
installation time. If all 15 pumps are converted,
the plant can expect to save another $45,000 year.
9
Split Seals Deliver Reliable Wastewater
Pump Sealing for Three Years Running
Wastewater
Chesterton 442 Split Seal and SpiralTrac
Case Study 036 Rotating Equipment
Challenge
Background
The operator of a wastewater pumping station in Mexico
acquired four new pumps to replace old equipment.
Originally the pumps where supplied with OEM dual
seals using Plan 53A. However, that setup failed during
the on-site test due to poor installation and inefficient
operation of the Plan 53A. The pump operator wanted
to migrate to a solution intrinsically reliable, and free
of monitoring and additional operating costs.
Solution
Product
Chesterton analyzed the application and recommended
the use of Chesterton 442 Split Seals with SSC/SSC faces
and EP O-Rings. Used with SpiralTrac™ Version D/Type A
throat bushing technology, the solution could use Plan 13
without any flush.
Results
The Chesterton 442 Split Seal solution was installed on
October 2015. As of July 2018 the pumps have been
running leak free.
These pumps have become the primary duty pumps for
the customer as they provide reliability without any kind
of monitoring or additional operating tasks.
10
Two Vertical Turbine Pumps Saved
with Split Seal Replacement
Water and Wastewater
Chesterton 442C Cartridge Split Seal
Case Study 037 Rotating Equipment
Challenge
Background
A large city water plant in Canada had two vertical turbine
pumps with a shaft that was extremely damaged from
packing (no sleeve). The pumps leaked excessively, and
the customer was preparing to send them to the scrap
pile. The Chesterton representative convinced them to
try Chesterton 442C Cartridge Split Seals, which could
be installed over the damaged shaft and did not require
disassembly of the pump.
Solution
Product
Dimensions were taken, and the 442C Cartridge Split Seal
required adapters to fit the stuffing box dimension, which
were manufactured in a local shop.
Results
The two 442C Cartridge Split Seals were installed
in December 2017 and are still running efficiently
and without leakage. The customer has plans
to purchase two more.
11
Desalination Plant Saves Valuable Downtime
with Split Seal Solution on Vertical Brine Pump
Power and Desalination
Chesterton 442 Split Seal and SpiralTrac
Case Study 038 Rotating Equipment
Challenge
Background
A desalination unit of a power plant in the Middle East
was having issues with a vertical pump handling brine.
The gland packing used to seal the pump was wearing out
the shaft sleeve and causing massive leakage. The plant
could not stop the pump or overhaul it especially during
the hot summer days. The pump operated at RPM 490,
pressure 7.5 bars, and a max temperature of 50˚C.
Solution
Product
Chesterton representatives recommended the
Chesterton 442 Split Seal which can be installed in less
than one day.
The pump was sealed with Chesterton 442 Split Seal size
280M RSC/RSC EP A2205 plus SpiralTrac™ Split Adapter
(brass) active throat bushing. The SpiralTrac adapter allows
installation of the 442 Split Seal in big bore pumps without
the need for pump modification. Since brine is a heavy
crystallizing media, SpiralTrac will help remove the accumulated
crystals from the stuffing box for increased reliability. SpiralTrac and Chesterton 442 Split Seal solutions.
Results
The installation was completed successfully in only six hours
vs. the week of downtime it would have cost to dismantle
the pump to replace the packing/shaft sleeve.
The pump was commissioned and started up virtually leak free.
With less packing friction, the plant estimated 5 – 8% power
savings with the 442 Split Seal solution.
12
Chesterton 442C Cartridge Split Seals
Switch Results in Easy Installation
Water and Wastewater
Chesterton 442C Cartridge Split Seal
Challenge
Background
A water plant for a Canadian town needed a more reliable
sealing solution for four potable (lake) water pumps.
The plant was using a competitor’s double seal with oil
lubrication that had a system cost of $60,000 US. The seal
experienced leakage issues and because it was lubricated
with oil, there were serious environmental concerns
about oil leaking into the potable water supply.
Solution
Product
The double seals were replaced with
Chesterton 442C Cartridge Split Seals with a restriction
ring. The 442C was selected because of its simple set up
(no pump dismantling); because it had no lubrication
system and thereby eliminated the environmental worries;
and
was easy to replace.
Results
ROI
If the split seal option had been selected from the
start, the plant would have saved over $60,000 US.
While the double seals had required 48 hours to
install, the Chesterton split seals were installed
in only two hours.
The seal replacement labor comparison:
Double Seals vs. Split Seals
48 man hours vs. 2 man hours
13
5 CHESTERTON PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS
Chesterton Offers
■ 42C Cartridge Split Seal: Superior seal performance with the ease of
4
installation of a cartridge seal. Greatly minimizes leakage and extends
reliability. The 442C fits the majority of rotating equipment and simplifies
repair by using a standard spare parts kit.
Available in sizes: 25 mm – 120 mm (1.00" – 4.750")
■ 42 Split Seal: The original Chesterton split seal is ideal for equipment
4 Chesterton 442C Cartridge Split Seal
that is difficult and time-consuming to disassemble, such as large pumps,
vertical pumps, and horizontal split case pumps. This proven compact
design can be used in a wide variety of equipment and process fluids.
Available in sizes: 20 mm – 610 mm (0.75” – 24.00”)
■ nviroSeal’s SpiralTrac™: The SpiralTrac Environmental Controller is an
E
exclusive, patented throat bushing specially engineered to transform
and control the internal stuffing box environment in rotating process
equipment to reduce downtime and extend equipment life. SpiralTrac
is used with a small flush or no flush in chemical service applications
and is machined in the bottom to effectively drain the seal cavity.
Piping Plan
Piping Plan
Piping Plan
Piping Plan
Packaging
Packaging
% Solids
Material
Material
Notes
Fluid
Seal
Seal
14
Chesterton Water/Wastewater Sealing Recommendations (continued)
Below are recommendations for Chesterton products based on application parameters.
Secondary and Tertiary Treatment Processing Sealing Device Recommendations
Mechanical Seal Recommendations Package Recommendations
Fluid Information
Primary Secondary Primary Secondary
Pump Number
Piping Plan
Piping Plan
Piping Plan
Piping Plan
Packaging
Packaging
% Solids
Material
Material
Notes
Fluid
Seal
Seal
Return Activated
1 ≈ 1 – 3% 442/442C RSC/RSC-S-EPDM 32 180 SC/TC-S-EPDM 32 1730 32 1400R 32 1
Sludge (RAS)
Waste Activated
2 ≈ 1 – 3% 442/442C RSC/RSC-S-EPDM 32 180 SC/TC-S-EPDM 32 1730 32 1400R 32 1
Sludge (WAS)
3 Scum ≈ 0.5% 442/442C RSC/CB-S-EPDM 32 150 SC/CB-S-EPDM 32 1730 32 1400R 32 1
NOTES: 1 – Flush can be reduced with the use of a standard throat (restriction) bushing; reduced or eliminated with the use of a SpiralTrac™ Environmental Controller.
See Appendix for Sealing Device Recommendations Key.
Piping Plan
Piping Plan
Piping Plan
Piping Plan
Packaging
Packaging
% Solids
Material
Material
Notes
Fluid
Seal
Seal
1 Raw Water < 0.1% 442/442C RSC/CB-S-EPDM 32 150 SC/CB-S-EPDM 32 1730 32 1830 32 1
2 Raw Water < 0.1% 442/442C RSC/CB-S-EPDM 32 150 SC/CB-S-EPDM 32 1730 32 1830 32 1
3 Settled Solids ≈ 0.2 – 2% 442/442C RSC/RSC-S-EPDM 32 180 SC/TC-S-EPDM 32 1730 32 1830 32 1
4 Backwash Water < 0.1% 442/442C RSC/RSC-S-EPDM 32 180 SC/TC-S-EPDM 32 1730 32 1830 32 1
5 Supernatant < 0.1% 442/442C RSC/RSC-S-EPDM 32 180 SC/TC-S-EPDM 32 1730 32 1830 32 1
6 Finished Water 0% 442/442C RSC/CB-S-EPDM 32 150 SC/CB-S-EPDM 32 1730 32 1830 32 1
7 Thickened Sludge ≈ 10 – 15% 442/442C RSC/RSC-S-EPDM 32 170 SC/TC-S-EPDM – 1730 32 1830 32 1
8 Thickened Sludge ≈ 10 – 15% 442/442C RSC/RSC-S-EPDM 32 170 SC/TC-S-EPDM – 1730 32 1830 32 1
9 Sludge Cake ≈ 10 – 25% 442/442C RSC/RSC-S-EPDM 32 170 SC/TC-S-EPDM – 1730 32 1830 32 1
NOTES: 1 – Flush can be reduced with the use of a standard throat (restriction) bushing; reduced or eliminated with the use of a SpiralTrac™ Environmental Controller.
15
SpiralTrac™ Environmental Controller Recommendations
Wastewater Treatment Plant
FLUID Mechanical Seal Recommendations Package Recommendations
INFORMATION Primary Secondary Primary/Secondary
SpiralTrac Type
SpiralTrac Type
SpiralTrac Type
Piping Plan
Piping Plan
Piping Plan
Packaging
SpiralTrac
SpiralTrac
SpiralTrac
% Solids
Version
Version
Version
Notes
Fluid
Seal
Seal
Digested Sludge ≈ 4 – 6% 442/442C F S 32 170 D I – 1730/1830 P S 32 1
Primary Sludge ≈ 4 – 6% 442/442C F S 32 170 D I – 1730/1830 P S 32 1
Raw Wastewater ≈ 0.1% 442/442C F S 32 150 D I – 1730/1830 P S 32 1
Return Activated
≈ 1 – 3% 442/442C F S 32 180 D I 32 1730/1830 P S 32 1
Sludge (RAS)
Scum ≈ 0.5% 442/442C F S 32 150 D I 32 1730/1830 P S 32 1
Supernatant ≈ 1% 442/442C F S 32 150 D I 32 1730/1830 P S 32 1
Thickened Sludge ≈ 4 – 6% 442/442C F S 32 170 D I – 1730/1830 P S 32 1
Waste Activated
≈ 1 – 3% 442/442C F S 32 180 D I 32 1730/1830 P S 32 1
Sludge (WAS)
Water/Grit ≈ 0.5 – 2% 442/442C F S 32 180 D I 32 1730/1830 P S 32 1
NOTES: 1– Version D, Type I may be used without a flush in specific applications; contact Application Engineering for details.
SpiralTrac Type
SpiralTrac Type
Piping Plan
Piping Plan
Piping Plan
Packaging
SpiralTrac
SpiralTrac
SpiralTrac
% Solids
Version
Version
Version
Notes
Fluid
Seal
Seal
16
A.W. Chesterton Company Telephone: 781-438-7000 Form No. EN50000
860 Salem Street Fax: 978-469-6528 Water and Wastewater Case
Groveland, MA 01834 USA chesterton.com Study eBook – English
08/19