Seal Failure Analysis Process

FSA Knowledge Series

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This Fluid Sealing Association Knowledge Series training provides an overview of the importance of troubleshooting failed mechanical seals to identify and repair system causes that will extend seal life and mean time between failures/repair.

Abstract: Seal Failure Analysis Process

This Fluid Sealing Association Knowledge Series training provides an overview of the Seal Failure Analysis process. Included are topics of:

▪ Useful system data

▪ Possible leakage sources

▪ Useful equipment evaluations

▪ Useful seal evaluations

Seal Failure Analysis

▪ Inspect the equipment before shut-down and record:

▪ Time, date, and location

▪ Inlet and outlet pressures

▪ Pump flow vs. Best Efficiency point (BEP)

▪ Product and seal temperatures

▪ Leakage point, leakage rate

▪ Type of leakage (product, flush, quench)

▪ Environmental controls

▪ Noise and Vibration level

▪ Inspect the equipment before shut-down and identify the source of leakage

1 2 3 4 5

Seal Failure Analysis

▪ Inspect the equipment during disassembly and record:

▪ Equipment type, model and serial number

▪ Evidence of pitting, cavitation

▪ Condition of bearings

▪ Alignment measurements

▪ Condition of seal chamber, deposits, wear

▪ Condition of shaft/sleeve

Seal Failure Analysis

▪ Inspect the mechanical seal during disassembly and record:

▪ Seal manufacturer, type and identification

▪ Seal history

▪ Condition of seal, discoloring, corrosion…

▪ Build-up of sediments, product, coke

▪ Mechanical damage from operation

▪ Mechanical damage from removal

▪ Determine causes of failure in order to improve system life

Do not reinstall problems