Mechanical seals are important in various industrial applications. They are used for preventing leakages and ensuring the reliability of components, such as pumps, compressors, agitators, and other rotating equipment.
There are several seal types, but the popular types are component seals and component mechanical seals. These two distinct seal types are useful in different environments. You should find them first.
Though both types of leaks serve the same fundamental purpose of sealing fluids and protecting equipment, they have differences in their design, installation process, maintenance needs, and cost.
The installation of seals needs the help of expert installers like Leak-Pack. They are experts in installing and maintaining all types of seals in industrial environments.
Are you trying to understand the difference between cartridge and component seals? If yes, then this blog is very helpful.
Component Mechanical Seals
A component seal is a traditional type of mechanical seal. It has multiple components like gaskets, gaskets, O-rings, seal face, and springs.
All these components are directly assembled on the shaft or sleeve of the pump.
According to experts, the key features of component seals are:
- These seals are supplied in different pieces.
- To install these seals, you need skilled people for installation as precise alignment is needed.
- The initial cost of a component seal is lower than cartridge seal.
- Component seals are flexible for customization with various materials and faces.
Component mechanical seals are preferred in industries that are focused on cost efficiency and standard pumping operations.
Cartridge Mechanical Seals
A cartridge seal is a pre-assembled unit that has different components like seal faces, O-rings, gaskets, springs, and gland plate. They are all assembled in a single compact design. Cartridge mechanical seals are always available at the factory-set level so that they have the correct tolerances. Therefore, the seals are easier to install.
According to experts, the key features of cartridge seals are:
- They are supplied as complete pre-assembled units.
- They are easy and fast to install. There is no high technical expertise needed.
- The possibility of human error during setup is minimal.
- You get several built-in features like gland plates, flush ports, and setting clips.
- These seals have a high initial cost but relatively low maintenance costs for lifetime.
Cartridge Seals are very useful in critical industrial applications where the downtime is unaffordable. They are also useful in applications that handle hazardous, corrosive, or abrasive fluids. These seals are preferred in applications where equipment is supposed to operate with maximum reliability.
Some industries, such as oil & gas, chemical processing, water treatment, and pharmaceuticals, prefer cartridge seals. It is because these operations need high levels of reliability in handling critical fluids.
Mechanical seals manufacturers in india can suggest suitable seals in your industry based on your specific needs. The decision depends on multiple aspects of the particular industry.
Component Seals are useful if the application is simple, cost-sensitive, and there are skilled technicians available to handle precise installation. Cartridge Seals are useful if the application requires reliability, reduced downtime, and easier maintenance.
Also read:
Rubber Bellow Mechanical Seals: Features, Benefits, and Uses
What is Difference between Cartridge and Non Cartridge Mechanical Seal?