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Pump Seals2023-11-06T20:50:46+00:00

Pump Seals

WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN SELECTING A MECHANICAL SEAL

When deciding on the correct type of seal for your operation, the type of application, temperature and fluid makeup are factors. If the proper seal isn’t used, it can lead to the loss of functionality in your pumping process, complete breakdowns and expensive repairs. To avoid these pump damage and failures, consider the following factors when determining the correct pump seals.

MECHANICAL PUMPING PROCESS

Understanding the makeup of the fluid is hands-down the most critical factor when determining the correct mechanical seals for pumps. Attributes like abrasives, volatility and fluidity will impact the mechanical seals significantly.
A pump’s performance is also affected by the pressure applied to the face of the mechanical seal. Therefore, in higher-pressure mechanical pump processes, a balanced seal is necessary. On the other hand, in lower pressure conditions, unbalanced pump mechanical seals will work.
With higher operating temperatures, balanced pump seal types perform better than the unbalanced seal alternative. This is due to the better preservation of heat-sensitive components and the extra added lubrication allowed between the mechanical seal faces.
Operator safety is always critical and is no different when working with a mechanical pump. When additional safety measures are necessary, double mechanical seals will act as an extra safety measure with their increased sealing capacity.

THE MOST COMMON STYLES OF MECHANICAL PUMPS

Rotary pumps2023-04-11T14:39:23+00:00

Rotary pumps are a positive displacement type of pump. These pumps move a fixed volume of fluid. Rotary pumps are ideal when self-priming is required, and a near-constant flow is needed regardless of pressure within the system. Rotary pumps are most often used when the fluids are high-viscosity, such as lubricant oils and fuel oil used in engine rooms.ย 

Most Common Seal Type Used:ย ย 

  • Single spring bellow seal
Vane pumps2023-04-11T14:39:02+00:00

Vane pumps are designed in several vane configurations, each with a unique benefit. The different configurations include flexible vane, sliding vane, swinging vane, rolling vane and external vane. Vane pumps are used when there is moderate viscosity in the fluids and when there are non-lubricating liquids such as ammonia, alcohol, solvents, fuel oils, gasoline, and refrigerants. Vane pumps can tolerate a wide range of process temperatures from -32ยฐC to 260ยฐC and pressures up to 15 bars.

Most Common Seal Type Used:ย ย 

  • Single spring bellow seal
Flexible member pumps2023-04-11T14:38:42+00:00

Flexible member pumps function similarly to vane pumps, except it flexes rather than the vane sliding. These types of pumps can only be used in relatively low-pressure conditions (60pi and under) and slow flows (150 gpm and under). Despite these limitations, they are self-priming, economical, and can handle many fluid types without damage – even when solids are present. Flexible membrane pumps are used as ballast in the marine industry and where strict sanitary conditions are needed in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food industries.

Most Common Seal Type Used:ย 

  • Single spring bellow sealย 
Progressive cavity pumps2023-04-11T14:38:21+00:00

Progressive cavity pumps (also referred to as single screw pumps) use a single-threaded screw that rotates within a double-threaded rubber shaft to move liquid through a pump while building pressure to force liquid throughout the process. Progressive cavity pumps can manage complex liquids that contain solids. This makes them an option in a variety of industrial and wastewater treatments. Smaller progressive cavity pumps can be used in oil lubrication systems and elevators. Larger versions of progress cavity pumps are used to pump sewage, slurries, and other viscous chemicals. They can also be used where sterile environments are maintained, including food processing and pharmaceuticals.ย 

Most Common Seal Type Used:ย 

  • Single spring bellow seal
Gear pumps2023-04-11T14:37:34+00:00

Gear pumps are considered fixed displacement pumps where a constant amount of liquid needs to move through the pump at a steady rate. Gear pumps are considered to be the most common type of positive displacement pump. They can easily manage a flow rate between 1-1,500gpm. Gear pumps are ideal for high-viscosity fluids like automotive oils, paint, adhesives or thick soaps.

Most Common Seal Type Used:ย 

  • Spring spring bellow seal

MECHANICAL SEALS FOR CENTRIFUGAL PUMPS

Pump seal types vary greatly, but there are a few common seals that are most commonly used. These include balanced and unbalanced seals, conventional seals, pusher and non-pusher seals and cartridge seals.

BALANCED AND UNBALANCED
MECHANICAL SEALS

A balanced mechanical seal is where the faces are engineered in such a way that they allow more liquid lubrication between the faces. Balanced mechanical seals are well suited for conditions with higher operating pressures, typically over 200 PSIG.

They are also a good choice when handling liquids with higher volatility and low fluidity. On the other hand, an unbalanced mechanical seal is a more economical alternative to a balanced mechanical seal. Unbalanced seals are not an optimal choice for high-pressure applications.

CONVENTIONAL MECHANICAL SEALS FOR PUMPS

Due to the low cost, conventional seals are often installed on standard service equipment. However, the trade-off is these seals require more expertise to maintain.

PUSHER AND NON-PUSHER
MECHANICAL SEALS FOR PUMPS

Pusher seals deploy one to multiple springs to sustain the forces against the mechanical seal faces.Pusher-type seals have excellent performance at extreme pressures but have a drawback because the seal faces can be prone to wear.

Non-pusher seals utilize metal or elastomeric bellows to sustain the forces against the seal faces. Non-pusher seals are generally well-suited for fluid with high abrasive content and processes that use high temperatures. However, they should only be used in lower-pressure mechanical pump processes.

NOTE: Both pusher and non-pusher pump seals can be used in balanced and unbalanced setups.

CARTRIDGE PUMP SEALS

Cartridge-type mechanical seals for pumps use a single-assembly housing for all of the seal’s components. This dramatically reduces the potential for mistakes, damage and time wasted during assembly.

EVALUATING CENTRIFUGAL PUMP MECHANICAL SEALS

There are several types of mechanical seals that are suitable for use in centrifugal pumps, including single seals, double seals, and cartridge seals. Proper maintenance and repair of the water pump mechanical seal are crucial to ensure reliable operation and prevent leaks. Over time, the pump water seal may become damaged or worn, leading to decreased performance and increased risk of failure. It is important to have the mechanical seal for the pump inspected regularly and to replace it as needed to ensure that the pump operates at peak efficiency.

Platinum Performance Products For Mechanical Seals For Pumps

Platinum Performance Products provides replacement pump seals that fit the seven major brands of centrifugal pumps, including Paco, Taco, Goulds, Aurora, Bell & Gosset, GOULDS G & L, and Myers. We pride ourselves on manufacturing high-quality pump seals that are designed to withstand the rigors of heavy-duty mechanical pump use. 

Disclaimer: Platinum Performance Products provides parts that are compatible with or can replace different original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. The mention of any OEM names, trademarks, model numbers, or part numbers is purely for reference and does not indicate that we are an authorized distributor or representative of the listed companies and brands. We do not claim any association or affiliation with any of the OEM manufacturers mentioned on our website or in our product descriptions.

For additional information and assistance with sizing, identifying mechanical seals for pumps, contact us at team@3ppumps.com.

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