5 Ways To Kill A Mechanical Seal During Installation

Mechanical seals play a pivotal role in the functionality and longevity of rotating equipment. Incorrect installation can lead to premature failure, costly downtime, and maintenance headaches.

Discover how to avoid common pitfalls with these five crucial tips for installing mechanical seals, ensuring your machinery remains operational and efficient.

5 Ways To Kill A Mechanical Seal During Installation

Not Following the Installation Instructions

Failure to adhere to the manufacturer's installation instructions is one of the primary ways a mechanical seal can be compromised during installation. Each mechanical seal comes with a specific set of guidelines that take into account its design, material properties, and intended application. This includes specifications for handling, cleaning, orienting, and inserting the seal components properly.

Ignoring such instructions can easily result in improper mounting, incorrect spring tension, or damage to delicate seal faces—issues that may not become apparent until the pump is put into service. Moreover, skipping steps detailed in the manual—or assuming generic procedures apply—often leads to poor seal performance or outright failure.

It is essential that installers understand the importance of these instructions and treat them as an integral part of the installation process. Technicians must thoroughly review all documentation before starting work and should reference it throughout installation to ensure accuracy.

Install on a Misaligned Pump

Installing a mechanical seal on a misaligned pump is one of the surest ways to compromise the seal's integrity and lifespan. Precision in alignment is paramount for the proper functioning of both the pump and the seal. Even slight misalignment can cause significant stress on the mechanical seal, leading to premature wear or even immediate failure.

Pump misalignment occurs when either the pump is not correctly positioned related to its driver like an electric motor or when the shafts of both are not parallel or co-linear. This misalignment produces undue vibration, which directly impacts the mechanical seal assembly. The consequent vibrations can lead to poor seal face contact, erratic sealing performance, and eventual destruction of the seals' components.

Furthermore, a misaligned pump often causes uneven loading across the mechanical seal faces. This imbalance leads to excessive heat generation and increased friction, events that are catastrophic for any sealing system. Over time these conditions exacerbate wearsequences and may even result in complete operational breakdowns.

To avoid killing your mechanical seal before operation even begins ensure precise alignment during installation is observed. Use dial indicators or laser alignment tools to confirm that all components are properly aligned according to manufacturer specifications for optimal performance and longevity.

Lack of or Wrong Lubrication on Shaft

Mechanical seals require proper lubrication during installation to ensure smooth operation and to prevent premature failure. When installing a mechanical seal, it’s crucial to apply the correct type and amount of lubrication on the shaft or sleeve. The absence of lubrication can lead to excessive friction as the seal faces interact with the shaft, resulting in heat generation, wear, and eventual leakage. Conversely, using improper lubricants can cause compatibility issues with the seal materials or process fluid, leading to degradation of the seal components. It's imperative to consult the manufacturer’s recommendations for the appropriate lubricant, which may vary depending on material compatibility and operational conditions.

Dirty Work Surface/Hands

The integrity of a mechanical seal during installation can be severely compromised by contaminants such as dust, dirt, and grit. When the work surface or an installer's hands are dirty, these particles can embed themselves into the seal faces, leading to premature wear and failure. To avoid contamination, always clean the work area thoroughly before beginning the installation process. The use of lint-free cloths to wipe down surfaces is recommended. Similarly, installers should ensure that their hands are clean and free from any debris or oily residues that could transfer onto the seal components. It's also crucial to prevent any foreign particles from coming into contact with the sealing areas during installation. Implementing a strict cleanliness protocol will ultimately protect the integrity of the mechanical seal and extend its operational lifespan.

Uneven or Over-Tightening of Fasteners

When installing a mechanical seal, the final step often involves securing the device with fasteners. It is a critical phase where precision is required; otherwise, you risk compromising the integrity of the mechanical seal. Uneven tightening of these fasteners can induce misalignment of the seal faces, leading to premature failure due to uneven pressure distribution and potential leakage paths. Over-tightening, on the other hand, may cause damage by warp or crack components such as seal rings and glands.

It’s essential to apply consistent force when tightening each bolt or fastener. A torque wrench should be utilized to ensure that proper torque specifications are met as per manufacturer guidelines. Exceeding these recommendations can stress the materials beyond their designed limits and reduce their operating life significantly.

In mechanical systems where vibration is prevalent, improperly tightened fasteners might loosen over time, causing instability in the seal which could result in operational problems or leakage. Therefore, not only initial installation but periodic checks and retorquing might be necessary for maintenance purposes.

Ensure that all applied forces are even across fasteners and follow outlined parameters closely to maintain the functionality of your mechanical seals.

In conclusion

In conclusion, improper installation practices can significantly reduce the lifespan and effectiveness of a mechanical seal, leading to premature failure and costly downtime.

To ensure optimal performance and longevity of your seals, we encourage you to seek further guidance on correct installation techniques. Contact our expert team today for comprehensive advice and support in implementing best practices for mechanical seal installation.

5 Ways To Kill A Mechanical Seal During Installation (mechanicalsealsandpumps.com)