Mechanical Seal Care for Pipeline Pumps

Where the shaft enters the casing, a mechanical seal keeps the water in. Two flat rings, one turning with the shaft and one fixed, run against each other on a thin film of liquid. When that film fails, the seal fails.

What shortens seal life

• Running dry, even briefly at start-up
• Grit in the water. The range allows solids up to 0.1% by volume and 0.2 mm; above that, wear accelerates
• Hot water above what the seal is chosen for
• Vibration from misaligned pipes or a worn bearing

The wear-resistant option

For water with fine particles, a wear-resistant mechanical seal can be fitted. Say so when ordering, as it is chosen at production.

Keep a spare

A spare seal is the most useful part to keep on the shelf. Buyers who order one with the pump turn a leak into a short repair instead of a wait for parts.