Parts and Functions of the Mechanical Seal
Before going to the details on the parts, let’s define what a mechanical seal is. It is a device applied on a rotating shaft to hold fluids in and impurities out. In addition, it mitigates the liquid passed through a virtual functional space, usually in a centrifugal pump, from leaking. These seals are stored in the vital area to hold tightly on a sealed chamber.
The seal chamber is the pump area where the electric motor or drive gets connected to the pump shaft.
Mechanical Seals function differently from air seals. There are varieties of mechanical seals, but usually, they consist of two flat faces perpendicular to the shaft with one face installed static to the seal chamber protective cover design.
The other face of the mechanical seal rotates with the shaft to deliver the primary seal. The axis of mechanical rotation force and the fluid force hold the contact between the seal face objects; as a result, this stops leaking and controls the fluid within the pump.
Mechanical Seals Consists of Three Types
Process instrument or equipment functions through three types of mechanical seals.
- Cartridge
- Air
- Component
The first is known as a cartridge. The cartridge is assembled or mounted, an entirely self-contained unit that stores the sealing components is an end-face mechanical seal. The function of the cartridge seals is to permit the unit to pre-fabricate and set in advance by the manufacturing company. Installation and maintenance make it easier if the manufacturer handles these tasks. However, it may need one or more seals for the cartridges to hold, depending on the application’s demand.
The second one is called air seals. Air seals function in a non-physical contact, engineered to work with air and gas (pneumatic) in sealing rotating shafts.
Dry particles (powder) or insoluble particles coating is used as a surface to installed seals. The main functions of the air seals are to shield against product ruin, the release of impurities particles, and protecting polluting gas or air.
Producing reasonable force and robust seal is helped by throttling the air. The third one is called Component, end-face mechanical seals comprise a different rotating member, and a static seat is attached in a protective covered design or housing. The Component is not planned, so maintaining and setting up equipment gets trickier than cartridge seals.
Understanding Seal Chamber Types
It’s essential to know the functions of the seal chamber types as it impacts the seal design. Usually, single Component or parts and cartridge seals can be stored in a standard bore box.
Chambers known as ribbon bore or tapered are created for single and two mechanical seals. Circular flow into axial flow is converted from the stuffing box placed inside the cast ribs. These functions delay wearing out and also prolong the duration of the components.
Highlighting Seal Components
Generally, mechanical seals have five parts.
- Drive Mechanisms.
- Mechanical loading devices.
- Stationary or dynamic secondary seals.
- Rotating primary face.
- Static primary face.
It is reported that mechanical seals could prevent leaked corrosion; however, it is only possible to deliver if the users and operators purchased it from the trusted company, CHESHIRE SEALS & COMPONENTS LTD.
It is one of the most reputed and best companies globally that deals with the manufacturer of mechanical seals and is located in the United Kingdom.
