MechanicalSeals.info-Mechanical seals information

from Chesterton
Posted 2-23-04

SYMPTOMS:
- Coking or crystallized product

CAUSES:
- Excessive temperatures (both)
- Dirty or contaminated fluid (coking)
- Operating outside of the temperature envelope of the fluid (both)
- Small clearances in the seal chamber
- Pump cooling jacket not efficient
- Fluid evaporation between the seal faces (crystallization)

FAILURE MODES:
- Inadequate environmental controls
- Product harden, set-up or coked
- Exceeded limits (speed, temperature, pressure)

SOLUTIONS:
- Proper use of environmental controls
- Operate within seal limits
- Understand the temperature envelope of the fluid being sealed