8 Signs of Impending Mechanical Seal Failure

by Mike H. Marketeer

Mechanical seals prevent water from being pumped backward in a centrifugal pump due to leakages. Not only does it prevent visible leakage and its associated factory accidents from wet floors, but it also makes sure the equipment is functioning internally without leakages.

This protection provided by mechanical sealing solutions helps your machinery and centrifugal pumps improve their effectiveness and last longer.

However, as time passes and your mechanical seals are exposed to a wider variety of conditions and wear and tear, the risk that your pump and mechanical seal will fail becomes higher.

Not anticipating this failure beforehand can result in unnecessary and excessive downtime, negatively impacting your production deadlines and schedules.

In this blog post, you will discover the warning signs of impending mechanical seal failure in your centrifugal pumps. You can even use these signs to attain mechanical seal repair in Texas before the damage occurs and impacts your production timelines and deliverables.

#1. Notches on the Seal

If you see notches or even grooves on your mechanical seal's face, it is a clear sign that your seal is under too much pressure. This excess in pressure can result in your mechanical seal failing along with your pump.

Upon noticing this issue, you must take steps to rectify it immediately. This groove or notch problem on your seal's face can arise from a lack of proper or consistent lubrication. It can also be caused by abrasive materials rubbing against it, damaging it.

The correct protocol for lubrication is to flush the seal using the seal flush plan. You should also have a reliable mechanical seal service to look at the seal to decide if it needs to be repaired or replaced.

#2. The Wear Trackis Uneven

An uneven wear track generally means that the seal ring has been altered in size or shape. This alteration results from the ring being too tightly fitted, too much clamping, or excessive pressure.

Immensely high temperatures or a mismatch with the seal face can also result in uneven wear. This issue can be fixed by having the seal installed correctly, so the ring is not disturbed. Do some test runs to check whether the operations are running smoothly.

#3. The Seal Face is Cracked or Damaged

Disproportionate impact and thermal shock can both crack and even completely fracture your mechanical seal solutions.

These concerns can arise when fasteners are tightened beyond the required tightness and use a streamlined seal flush plan specific to the seal you are using for your operations.

#4. The Seal Ring is Damaged

When pump mechanical seal parts are used or even installed incorrectly, your mechanical seal's ring can become chipped or cracked in the crossfire. You must follow the installation instructions for your mechanical seal to the T to avoid the seal ring becoming damaged.

In addition, rough seal face materials that rub against the ring can also damage it. Notice a damaged seal ring beforehand to avoid more significant, costly damage to the rest of your machine.

There are some nuances that only an expert can help you navigate. For example, split case pumps use a gasket on the seal gland, not an o-ring. Additionally, the cartridge seals the alignment of the motor shaft to the pump shaft.

#5. Too Much Carbon Dust on the Seal

When there is an excess of carbon dust on the seal, your mechanical seal is low on fluids to lubricate its seal faces, and the liquid film between faces vaporizes too quickly. This sign may also indicate the pressure in your seal chamber is not high enough.

#6. The Seal has Run Dry

If you let the pump or machine run dry, this dryness can result in your mechanical seal solution leaking. This phenomenon takes place because the dryness causes friction which results in excess heat and damage.

The heat resulting from this dryness can be so intense that your mechanical sealing solution will break apart in a matter of minutes.

#7. Excessive Vibration and Popping Sounds

Incorrect alignment, imbalance in the pump, and operating the pump past its standard working point (also known as its Best Efficiency Point) results in vibrations that harm the machine and, hence, lower the mechanical seal solution's lifespan.

Additionally, your machine may make a "popping" or squealing noise when you have it running, indicating a lack of sufficient fluid lubrication between seal faces.

#8. The Wrong Seal is Used

Each seal isn't always compatible with every machine. This lack of compatibility is why many purchase and invest in custom design mechanical seals.

Even experts on your team can make mistakes, which is why you must consult with a reputable mechanical seal manufacturer to decide the mechanical sealing solutions you will require.

Your next reputable mechanical seal repair service in Texas might be closer than you think.