In industries such as pharmaceuticals, chemical plants, or food processing, industrial pumps operate tirelessly. Mechanical seals are responsible for their reliability and decide whether the pump runs smoothly or not.
Seal failure doesn't stop the pump, but it leads to leakage, contaminates the product, damages the shaft, and can result in costly downtime. But thanks to technology, most seal failures are predictable and preventable. In this blog, we will discuss the seven most frequent issues in seals, like a worn cartridge seal in an ANSI pump, and talk about how to avoid them.
Let's start!
Installation Errors
Incorrect installation is one of the most common reasons seals do not last in the long term. A component seal might be fitted too tightly, or an inexperienced technician might skip a critical step during assembly. This can lead to leaks and rapid wear and tear. That's why many operators prefer cartridge seals, which are pre-assembled and reduce the chance of errors.
2. Running Dry
Seals are designed to be cooled and lubricated by the very fluid the pump moves. Starting the pump without fluid inside, the seal can face overheating within seconds. This kind of failure is especially damaging in high-speed applications. To ensure the seal is always lubricated, we can install a liquid level switch or use a seal support system.
3. Handling Abrasive and Corrosive Fluids
Some pumps, such as slurry and chemical pumps, are specifically designed to operate with fluids that contain particles and corrosive compounds. These act like sandpaper, grinding down the sealing faces. Thus, materials matter. Seals made with silicon carbide or equipped with encapsulated rings are far more resilient and can stand up to the harsh environment much better than standard seals.
4. Shaft Vibration
If a pump impeller is misaligned, the resulting vibrations will directly transfer to the seal. This leads to leakage and premature breakdown. Thus, it's essential to regularly balance impellers and maintain proper shaft alignment to reduce vibration-related seal issues.
5. Sudden Temperature Swings
If you are flushing a seal full of hot liquid with cold water, this thermal shock can lead to instant cracks in the seal. Industries that deal with fluctuating temperatures often deal with this seal issue. Choosing seals with temperature cycling, such as mixer agitator seals, prevent this kind of failure.
6. Chemical Incompatibility
Every fluid is different and affects the seal differently. Some cause elastomers to swell, others make them brittle. Using a seal made with the right material is vital; otherwise, the wrong material can affect the seal rapidly. Thus, it's essential to match the seal material with the pumped media.
7. Poor Maintenance
Even the most perfectly designed seal will fail if they are neglected. Skipping routine inspections or delaying replacement schedules often leads to leaks. A proactive maintenance plan keeps the pump running smoothly.
Final Word
Seal failures are frustrating and can often be avoided. Most issues with seals, including mechanical seals, cartridge seals, and component seals, occur due to poor installation quality, material choice, and inadequate regular maintenance.
If you are searching for reliable sealing solutions, Trisun Ltd supplies everything from encapsulated rings to cartridge systems. We offer both compatibility and cost-effectiveness.
Contact us to know more!
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