When to Use Mechanical Seals: Key Issues in Industrial Applications.

Proper mechanical seal selection for industrial operation is very critical in issues related to safety, efficiency, and life of equipment. A mechanical seal could be installed in view of preventing leakage of fluids abrasive and hazardous or environmentally sensitive from a system. Acme Engineering Industries believes there is plenty of complexity involved in selecting the perfect mechanical seal for your application.

When Is a Mechanical Seal Required?

Normally, aggressive and hazardous fluids cause much corrosion, hence the need for the mechanical seals to prevent leakages of this kind. For instance, the mechanical seals that pertain to the processing of chemicals are a part of very critical components in preventing likely leaks that would be creating critical dangers not only to people but also to plant equipment, resulting from exposure to dangerous, aggressive fluids.

Very strict environmental regulations: For typical applications where the fluids should never, at any cost, pass to the environment outside, mechanical seals become paramount. Typical examples include pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, water treatment — in short, where contamination or pollution of the environment can't be afforded.

Safety-Critical Environments Mechanical seals are primarily used in processes and installations where explosive atmospheres can be formed; for example, the oil and gas and petrochemical industries, among others, to prevent a risk of explosion. Double mechanical seals with two sets of rotating faces are highly recommended in environments where there is extra precaution against excessive heat generated due to not-so-perfect grip.

Technical Considerations When Selecting the Right Mechanical Seal Technical considerations in selecting the appropriate mechanical seal are summarized by the following points:

Chemical Compatibility: That area where seal material should be expected to accept the fluid being processed; otherwise, one is going to experience rapid wear or even failure of a seal, thus posing a great compromise to both safety and efficiency.

Pressure Balanced or Unbalanced Type: Besides, the pressure conditions within the system, an estimate for a balanced or unbalanced seal selection can also be made. Balanced seals are used under high-pressure conditions, while unbalanced ones find application in low-pressure conditions.

Temperature Capability: Process temperatures impose material compatibility requirements on the mechanical seal faces. Increasing temperature reduces the class of seal materials and its Life, thereby reducing Seal Efficiency.

Physical and Chemical Properties of the Fluid Viscosity, abrasiveness, and other chemical properties of the fluid being treated will be conducive to one type of seal material and design over another. For example, high particulate content in fluids will require seals with higher resistance to abrasion.

Agitation System Material: The material of the agitator itself, container, and other mobile components of the system is also to be considered. Very important for optimum life and performance are the compatibility of the seal and such materials.

Role of double mechanical seals

Double mechanical seals can be used in applications where safety is of prime concern. A double mechanical seal comprises two sets of rotating faces.

Internal O-ring: This is in touch with the constant process fluid and provides the first sealing boundary.

Outer Seal: This second line of protection, the outer seal, collects external dust—that is, dust or fine particles that don't get trapped by the inner seal. This added protection line becomes very important in a hazardous or explosive environment where any amount of leakage may prove very damaging. Your application could make the proper selection of mechanical seals very complex and will need insight into the detailed specification requirements. Acme Engineering Industries takes great pride in guiding its customer in an extremely professional way in these challenges. We are ready with the top-rated mechanical seals, individually designed for specifically tough requirements, right from highly abrasive fluids and hazardous materials to stringent environmental regulations where we have the professionals and the products for safe and effective operation. About Acme Engineering Industries:. Acme Engineering Industries is into the design and manufacture of a mechanical seal to be used for an industrial purpose. Be assured that our company mantra of quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction aims to make us your reliable partner in leak-free, safe, and sustainable operations. Call us today to know more about our mechanical mechanical seal solutions.