Troubleshooting Mechanical Seals Overview

Troubleshooting Mechanical Seals Overview FSA Knowledge Series

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Abstract 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.

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Troubleshooting Benefits ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪

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Seals are expected to achieve their MTBPM (Mean Time Between Planned Maintenance) when operated within their design specifications Failure occurs when leakage exceeds plant/site operating limits Mechanical seals are a major cause of failure in rotary liquid handling equipment Reinstalling a seal after failure without troubleshooting will likely lead to the same mode of failure Understanding the mode of failure can lead to increased life of the equipment

Causes of Mechanical Seal failures ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪

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Incorrect selection of design or material for the application, temperature, speeds and fluid properties Abuse of seal component before installation Erroneous installation Improper start-up, operation or environmental controls Contamination of the sealed fluid Excessive shaft runout, deflection, vibration End of service life

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