With a variety of mechanical seals available, it becomes necessary to understand the different types. Repairing or replacing a seal is possible only when you can identify the type and purpose of the product. A company that manufactures pumps designs seals works as per the model and application. Hence, one seal might not work in pumps from the same company due to differences in structure.
Usually, manufacturing companies mark codes and numbers on the parts, but over time, due to continuous usage, the part wears out, and markings fade away. In such situations, if you know details of the components, you might still be able to identify the seal type.
Top Tips to Identify Mechanical Seals
Here, we will discuss information regarding such components to make it easier for you. So that, once you can categorize and communicate to the maker, the replacement is quick and appropriately done.
#1. Elastomer: Elastomers are the rubber components. Check them properly, and if these have withered or have become hard, you will have to replace them entirely. If you see that the rubber part is in usable condition and flexible enough, you can still use it for a longer time. In case of replacement, discuss the prevailing temperatures and application with the manufacturer, and most certainly, they will be able to render the best support.
#2. Seal faces: Seals are made of various materials, and thus the colour of one type is different from the other. Below are a few types of materials:
- White-coloured faces are ceramic.
- Metal faces can be made of aluminium bronze, brass or bronze.
- Grey coloured faces are made of silicon carbide and are lighter than the other versions.
- Heavier grey or silver-grey faces are tungsten carbide.
- Black ones are made of carbon.
#3. Spring type: Every manufacturer uses different types of springs for different models of seals. Check if your seal has a single, multiple or wave type spring. Wave types are used in compact pumps, while single is most commonly used. Another alternate to springs is metal bellow. The bellows are costlier and used in complicated seal applications.
#4. Metallurgy: This component tends to fail only in rare cases. Reliable companies use metals like steel (304 and 316), bronze or brass for manufacturing seals, making them sturdy. Pumps used in seawater have seals made of Monel, while those exposed to high temperatures are usually Hastelloy based seals.
Once you identify these four major components and categorize them, share the details and a digital image with your manufacturer. You can also render service instructions as given on product purchases. All this will make the replacement and repairing process easy, and you will get the outcome in no time and without much effort.
Leak-Pack is ISO 9001:2008 certified company and one of the best mechanical seals exporters, manufacturers and suppliers in India, providing solutions to all types of leakages by manufacturing Mechanical Seals and Sealing Components as per customer’s drawings, samples or requirements. To know more about Mechanical Seal call on +91-(2739) 271592 or email at info@leakpack.com.
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