When you want to keep large volumes of pressurized fluid inside, then you need specialized components. If you study mechanical seals uses, then this is the most prominent use of mechanical seal.
Seals keep fluid inside then the rotating shaft enters the wet area of the pump. A mechanical seal is considered very important because it can perform this task effectively. Seal parts have a smooth and flawless performance along with durability.
Mechanical seals are one of the important mechanical components used in different types of pumps and other devices.
Typically, there are two rings in the intimate contact in a mechanical seal. One ring of them remains stationary, and the other one rotates with the shaft.
Since there is no leakage of fluid, you do not have any leaking fluid and slippery floor.
Theoretically, a seal should not have any leakage, but practically there is a small amount of leakage that is acceptable. Also, you save a good amount of money by using seals.
Before you make the decision to procure a mechanical seal from a reliable company like Leak-Pack, it is essential to know about its different parts.
Various components of mechanical seals
If you do market research, then you will get a wide range of mechanical seals. By contacting an expert mechanical seal manufacturer, you can pick the seal suitable for your choice.
Typically, a mechanical seal contains:
- O-rings or wedges, V-rings, Secondary static seals
- Static seal or stationary component
- Seal for the rotating component to the shaft
- A spring member, metal bellows, multiple spring or single spring
- Other hardware like gland rings, compression rings, collars, shaft sleeves
In a mechanical end face ring, the fundamental components are seal ring, mating ring, secondary sealing element, means of actuation, and means of drive.
Seal rings and mating rings are called the primary sealing surfaces.
In an engineered mechanical seal, the seal faces are machined to order. A long array of sizes and shapes of mechanical seals and seal rings are available from seal manufacturers.
The main part of the seal is the primary sealing surface. Hence, it is called the heart of the mechanical seal.
The secondary sealing elements are PTFE Wedge, rubber diaphragm, and O-rings.
In a seal, the sealing surface has a combination of hard as well as soft material. It is generally made from hard and soft materials. Some examples of hard material are Silicon Carbide, Ceramic or Tungsten Carbide.
In a seal, there could be two dissimilar materials (one hard and one soft) used for the faces so that there is no adhesion of the faces. For example, there could be a combination of Carbon-graphite and ceramic. These are popular and preferred materials for making mechanical seal faces.
In some operational conditions where you are dealing with abrasive material, both surfaces are hard.
The choice of soft material depends on parameters, such as temperature, pressure, and chemical properties of liquid.
To achieve the desired degree of flatness, a special process is followed, which is called the lapping process. The seals or rings are available in raw and semi-finished conditions.
Also Read: What are the benefits of double mechanical seals?