Various industries use seals in their pumps

Types of Industrial Pump Seals

Various industries use seals in their pumps. These seals are manufactured to suit customer specifications. Some seals are simple, while others are complex. The design of the seal depends on a number of factors, including the type of fluid handled and the temperature of the fluid.

There are three types of seals in use today. These include single, double, and gas seals. Single seals are usually used for simple pump duties, while double seals are used for challenging fluids such as abrasive slurries. These seals also come with a flush option. The flush option is used when there is insufficient product flow. This option helps prevent leaks and keeps the seal clean.

Typical components of a mechanical seal include a stationary part, a rotating part, and an O-ring. The rotating part is installed into the pump casing and the stationary part is fitted into the seal chamber. The o-ring fits into a groove machined into the pump shaft. The o-ring must be able to withstand a defined temperature range and be compatible with the fluid handled.

The o-ring interfaces with a replaceable sleeve to create a leakproof interface. The sleeve must be made of a high-quality lubricant and be compatible with the fluid being handled. These seals are ideal for hygienic processing industries, where the fluid is typically heated or cooled.

Double seals are made up of two sealing surfaces and require close collaboration between the seal manufacturers and the pump manufacturers. The dual seal faces are separated by a thin gas film. This seal has low wear. However, it must be repacked periodically, which is expensive.

Depending on the type of fluid handled, the seal may be made of O-rings, rubber, or a mixture of the two. O-rings are commonly used in hygienic processing industries. They are also used in automobiles.

Rubber seals are used in various industries. These seals are available in different shapes and sizes and can be manufactured to meet customer specifications. They are used in the automobile industry, in chemical plants, and in other industrial environments.

The most common type of seal is a mechanical seal. These seals come in hundreds of designs. The type of mechanical seal used depends on several factors, including the type of fluid handled, the pressure to be sealed, and the temperature of the fluid. In addition, the design of the pump can affect the type of seal. For instance, a centrifugal seal will require a higher barrier fluid flow rate than a contact-type shaft seal. Mechanical seals can also be installed in various ways. The installation process can take as little as 10 minutes.

To install a mechanical seal, first disconnect the pump's main power supply and shut down the pump's inlet and outlet isolation valves. The next step is to drain the pump casing. This is necessary to ensure that there is no residual fluid in the pump. Afterward, the impeller must be removed to access the rotary seal parts. The rotary seal parts are usually held in place by set screws.