Sealing the Deal: Comprehensive Guide to Mechanical Seals

Mechanical seals are leakage control devices. These are found on rotating equipment such as pumps and mixers to prevent the leakage of liquids. They prevent the escape of gases and other liquids into the environment.

They seal the point of entry or exit on the rotating shaft to avert the seepage of one high-pressure fluid into the low-pressure fluid. They avoid overall contamination and maintain the efficiency of the machine. Keep on reading this article to learn how an industrial seal works.

Four functions of seals

●      Provide lubrication to seal faces

Mechanical seals reduce friction and improve the efficiency of the machinery. The machine's sealing mode can also be exchanged. For example, you can replace a canned pump with a mechanical seal pump. This replacement will improve the magnetic drive pump, which will boost the machine's overall efficiency.

●      Control pressure and temperature in the seal chamber

The pressure of the chamber is maintained when it is sealed. It will also save energy and improve unit efficiency.

●      Flush the seal of contamination and residue build-up.

It saves raw materials from seeping and hence does not lead to residue build-up. Such deposits can be bio-hazards. Harmful bacteria can call it their home and cause infection in people working in the unit. Using a seal helps you maintain hygiene in your set-up.

●      Prevent system process fluid from leaking into the atmosphere.

Leakage of process fluid leads to environmental pollution. It can pollute non-replenishable resources like air, water, and soil. It can also spoil the workshop and be hazardous for the workers.

Types of mechanical seals

Seals can be made out of different materials, like flexible silicon carbide. Some metals like tungsten or alumina are used. Polymorphs such as graphite and carbon are also used.

Elastomers like nitrile, EPDM, etc., are also used. There are a large number of combinations and variations of mechanical seals. You must be familiar with their specific applications to choose the appropriate seal for your machine.

Factors such as temperature range, application, environment, etc., determine the longevity of the industrial seal. The correct seal will prevent any environmental contamination. They reduce the costs involved in the production process.

Application of mechanical seals in heavy machinery

They are used in the automotive sector. The food and beverage industry uses these seals to stop contamination in food pumps and drink mixers. Mechanical seals are created to prevent deposits from forming. It can happen if food processing liquid remains inside a pump. The deposits can lead to the growth of harmful microbes.

 Aerospace uses these seals to fill gaps between conjoining surfaces on air vessels. Advanced materials such as Viton and Teflon are used to meet the challenges of temperature, pressure, etc.

Mechanical seals used in printing and publishing sectors stop fluid leakage and ensure pressure tightness. It also finds purpose in sealing processed media, including pulp and paper production.

Frequent applications of mechanical seals include pumps, agitators, and mixers. Simultaneously, they are employed in gas seals and cryogenic seals.

Summing it up

Mechanical seals are a small but important part of machinery. A proper seal will ensure the smooth functioning of your machine. It will reduce raw material damage and contamination in your workspace. Look for a trustworthy company like BMG to get your industrial seal. They have one of the best mechanical seals available in the market.