Mechanical seals are applied in many sectors to avoid leakage of fluids in pump systems among other rotating facility machinery. Their main use is to connect two or more systems or mechanisms and to prevent leakage, pressure loss, and contamination. Two broad categories of mechanical seal that are commonly referred to are dry mechanical seize and wet mechanical seizure. It is important to differentiate between the two so that one can be in a position to choose the most appropriate sealing solution for their process.
What are Dry Mechanical Seals?
Dry mechanical seals do not use any fluid whether lubricating or cool between the seal faces. They do not incorporate materials or designs that can degrade and melt when exposed to heat or when rubbing together during use. Most of the time they utilize air as the medium or occasionally there is no such medium between the seal faces.
Dry seal options are generally employed in those processes where leakage of oil or any kind of a liquid is completely undesirable such as, in food processing industries, chemical production, and handling of gases. Dry running mechanical seal manufacturers have engineered several types of seals that are highly reliable and can last longer despite the given working ecosystem.
What are Wet Mechanical Seals?
Wet mechanical seal, on the other hand, uses a thin film of the working fluid or a barrier fluid interposing between the faces of the seal. This fluid layer provides minimizes friction, reduces wear on the sealing surfaces and cools various parts, thus enhancing the lifetime of the seal and operation.
Wet seals are mostly used in pumps that are in contact with fluids like water treatment plant, chemical industry and oil industries. Dry seals, on the other hand, they can withstand higher pressures and temperatures than the lubricated seals making them suitable for more challenging use.
The problem of wet seals, on the other hand, is that they need constant monitoring of the fluid systems in order to maintain the layer of lubrication. Lack of lubrication can cause failure of seals, this results to high downtime and maintenance expenses.
Key Differences Between Dry and Wet Mechanical Seals
Lubrication: Dry seals have no liquid supply to them while wet seals have coolants and lubes that serve as a fluid film.
Applications: Dry seals are used with gases and most all dry media while wet seals are used with liquid-containing systems.
Heat Management: Wet seals have fluid cooling while dry seals have to make use of materials that can withstand high frictional heat.
Maintenance: Dry seals are slightly less maintenance intensive though require more attention when fixing them compared to wet seals which need constant monitoring of the fluid systems.
Cost: Dry seal systems may in the long-run be substantially cheaper to maintain, but it may initially cost more to procure the special material needed.
When it comes to dry and wet mechanical seals, the following factors play important roles when making a decision: these include the type of media, pressure, temperature, and EPA standards.
Trusted Source for Mechanical Seals
When one is in the process of choosing quality mechanical seals, he should ensure and get the mechanical seals from reliable mechanical seal manufacturers. Companies such as leakpack.com have versatile choices geared towards sealing, and other sets that are created by dry running mechanical seal manufacturers. Its products are used in different fields, which are made to be durable, efficient, and safe. Regardless of whether you require a dry seal for a pharmaceutical gas compressor, or a wet seal for a water treatment plant, the right mechanical seal suppliers will be able to provide you the right solution that will not only perform to desired efficiency but also adheres to safety requirements.