The link: What are upset mechanical seals? But, like any functional part, they are prone to issues that can stop your business and cause costly downtime. Taking note of the common problems that can occur with agitator mechanical seals, as well as how to solve them, can save time, money and resources. In this article, we examine the typical problems, some root causes and solutions to prevent a running machine from becoming a non-running machine.
Leakage — The Most Common Problem
Agitator Mechanical Seal Failure Causes The most common failure associated to agitator mechanical seals is leakage. There are several causes for such a problem such as improper setup, tear, and wear, misalignment, etc. Leaks can also pose safety and environmental issues that aren’t just a matter of product loss.
Causes:
Seal is improperly installed or sized.
Slow wear over time on the sealing surfaces
Seal cannot withstand too much pressure or temperature.
Some of the common causes of seal failure are: 1.
Solutions:
You must be installed according to manufacturer's instructions.
Regularly inspect the seals to ensure they are not worn and replace if necessary.
Choose seals that are appropriate for the specific pressure, temperature and chemical conditions your application will face.Read more: Tips for a good seal
Choose long-lasting materials like silicon carbide or tungsten carbide.
Excessive Heat Generation
One such reason is high heat causes mechanical seals to fail prematurely. This type of concern is typically driven by (seal faces) wear (lack of lubrication).
Causes:
We’ll go into more detail but common issues include:
Oil stains on faces due to improper sealing
OverclockingToo fast and without sufficient cooling
Solutions:
Use manufacturer-recommended lubricant in the right type and quantity.
Okay, we know this is not a great design but also we believe that this kind of stuff should be a no brainer to design: just install the thing with care and aligned such that it will not rub against your neighbor.
Employ cooling systems or heat exchange methods to maintain optimal temperature.
Opt for high-performing materials that resist extreme temperatures when choosing seals.
Seal Face Damage
The sealing faces are the most essential parts of a mechanical seal and can get damaged if not handled with care. Over-gunking internally can cause scratches and cracks or uneven wear, which can cause leaks or seal failure.
Causes:
Abrasive particles in process fluid
Improper handling during installation or maintenance
Quick changes in temperature resulting in thermal shock.
Solutions:
Installation of filtration systems for removing abrasive particles from fluids.
Avoid double–stamping — or stamping over existing seals during installation — and handle seals carefully to avoid dropping or twisting them.
Avoid thermal shock by making temperature changes gradually.
Select face materials that are harder than the fluids, for example, ceramic, or diamond- coated surfaces.
Vibration and Misalignment
Uneven wear occurs from vibration and misalignment, and often leads to premature seal failure. The majority of these issues arise from misaligned installation or mechanical instability of the machinery.
Causes:
Mismatched shafts or impellers
Loose or worn-out bearings.
Unbalanced rotating parts.
Solutions:
You have the data till October 2023.
Keep an eye on and replace bearings that are worn out.
Balance rotating components to reduce vibration.
Opt for flexible, bellows-type seals, which can tolerate minor misalignments.
Chemical Attack and Material DegradationAll relevant facts are subject to a chemical reaction.
Seal material also can be chemically incompatible with the process fluid to cause swelling, cracking or other degradation. This is typical in industries that deal with harsh chemicals.
Causes:
Other types of steam seals that were crafted out of materials that are not compatible with the process fluid.
Handling aggressive or reactive chemicals.
Solutions:
Select seals constructed of materials designed to resist the chemicals within your process.
Consult with seal manufacturers to help you decide upon the best & most applicable material for your application.
Seals should have been routinely checked for signs of chemical attack and replaced as needed.
Bad Maintenance Practices
Not doing proper maintenance regularly or performing the incorrect maintenance practices can cause the seals to deteriorate, and this will shorten their lifespans.
Causes:
Lack of routine inspections and maintenance.
Incorrect application of tools or techniques when servicing apparatus.
Solutions:
Maintain a routine program to check and refresh seals — the lifeblood of any seal type.
When you get to the locati0n, teach train maintenance workers how to properly handle and install it.
By keeping a good log of all maintenance activities, can track seal performance and issues that keep coming up.
Seal Blowout
Seal blowout is a condition related to mechanical seals that occurs when the seal causes excessive pressure when installed incorrectly. acquire? Which can lead to catastrophic failure and expensive downtime.
Causes:
Well over the seal’s rated pressure.
Either the installation failed, or the retention mechanism is insufficient
Solutions:
Choose seals rated for the highest system pressure.
If retention devices are provided (e.g. set screws or clips), they shall be installed if appropriate.
Include relief valves to avoid the surging.
Aging and Wear
As with any mechanical seal, constant operation causes wear. The weird failures that come from neglecting aging.
Causes:
And remaining in use, long, long, long after replacement.
It's very aggressive operating conditions.
Solutions:
Checklist: Watch your seals and be ready to change them at the first sign of wear.
Options that are more stable over time (namely seals that employ advanced materials) are available.
Start Predictive Maintenance Programs to catch wear before it becomes an issue
Part I: The Challenge: Why the Status Quo Must Change
Introduction:Agitator seals are used in so many different industrial equipment. By knowing of those common seal issues and their remedies, downtime can be avoided, cost can be reduced and seal life can be increased. Invest in quality materials, ensuring proper installation will keep it running efficient.
Coming to industry standards are highlighted upto very high with respect to mechanical seals. get the right seals with our support from our experts who will help you get the right seals for your requirements and support you at all phases to help your operations run smoothly. You use data that goes back to October of 2023 to sift through things.
Learning the causes of agitator mechanical seals failure can allow you to identify symptoms of impending problems and save you both time and money down the road.
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