In simple terms, a mechanical seal helps in joining systems to prevent any leakage. It mostly used in plumbing where centrifugal pumps are involved. These seals are also used to prevent leakage of gasses and liquids in rotating shaft applications. The design, material, and size of the seal depend on the basic nature of the application. Generally, mechanical seals can afford pressure up to 200 atmospheres, speeds up to 50000 rpm and a temperature range between -200 deg C and 650 deg C.
Type of mechanical seals based on design:
1. Single seals
Around 90% of mechanical seals used in the industry are a single seal. It is of two types, inside seal and outside seal. The inside seal is mainly used where the flowing liquid is corrosive in nature. The inside seal requires a suitable box housing. It is not possible to add, remove or replace inside seal without dismantling the machine. On the other hand, outside seals are used as an affordable alternative of the inside seal when the corrosive fluid flowing inside has enough lubricating properties.
2. Multiple seals
In some cases, the single seal cannot tolerate the pressure and corrosive properties of the liquid. In that case, double or multiple seals are used. In such cases, the seals can be double back to back, double face to face or tandem arrangement. The positioning of the seal depends on the machinery and the fluid.
3. Balanced seals
Balancing the seal basically, involves a simple change in the design of the seal. In the case of excessive heat generation caused by rubbing of the faces of the seals, such arrangement can come in handy. In balanced Seal extra lubrication is provided to the seal to avoid overheating.
4. Unbalanced seals
Such seals are best suited for inside seal arrangement. These seals are more stable when subjected to cavitations or vibrations.
5. Single and multiple spring design seals
This type of seal is suitable for pumps which have a lot of thermal expansion with the impeller between the bearings. These springs are less prone to clogging.
Conclusion
The mechanical seals are an important part of a number of different industries like sugar industries, solvent & oil refinery food industry, milk dairies, chemicals industry, distilleries and other process industries. It is important to choose the right seal for any particular job. Always consult with the mechanical seal manufacturers before finalizing the mechanical seals for your industry.
Type of mechanical seals based on design:
1. Single seals
Around 90% of mechanical seals used in the industry are a single seal. It is of two types, inside seal and outside seal. The inside seal is mainly used where the flowing liquid is corrosive in nature. The inside seal requires a suitable box housing. It is not possible to add, remove or replace inside seal without dismantling the machine. On the other hand, outside seals are used as an affordable alternative of the inside seal when the corrosive fluid flowing inside has enough lubricating properties.
2. Multiple seals
In some cases, the single seal cannot tolerate the pressure and corrosive properties of the liquid. In that case, double or multiple seals are used. In such cases, the seals can be double back to back, double face to face or tandem arrangement. The positioning of the seal depends on the machinery and the fluid.
3. Balanced seals
Balancing the seal basically, involves a simple change in the design of the seal. In the case of excessive heat generation caused by rubbing of the faces of the seals, such arrangement can come in handy. In balanced Seal extra lubrication is provided to the seal to avoid overheating.
4. Unbalanced seals
Such seals are best suited for inside seal arrangement. These seals are more stable when subjected to cavitations or vibrations.
5. Single and multiple spring design seals
This type of seal is suitable for pumps which have a lot of thermal expansion with the impeller between the bearings. These springs are less prone to clogging.
Conclusion
The mechanical seals are an important part of a number of different industries like sugar industries, solvent & oil refinery food industry, milk dairies, chemicals industry, distilleries and other process industries. It is important to choose the right seal for any particular job. Always consult with the mechanical seal manufacturers before finalizing the mechanical seals for your industry.
