Types Of Mechanical Seals For Centrifugal Pumps

A mechanical seal is an essential component of centrifugal pumps that keeps them performing at their best. Ambica Machine Tools has earned a reputation of being the best mechanical seals manufacturer in India by manufacturing seals that maintain the integrity of the pump system by restricting leakage. Many industries use mechanical seals to enhance productivity by detecting leaks, controlling the environment and lubricating secondary seals.

But did you know that several mechanical seal types are available for every pump type and process variant? Each kind of seal is unique in its characteristics, which play an important role in making it appropriate for a specific application. Through this blog, we would like to enhance your knowledge about the various mechanical seals manufactured by Ambica Machine Tools and how to choose them for your process application.

Types Of Mechanical Seals For Centrifugal Pumps

Mechanical seals differ in their design, their arrangement, and the way they disperse hydraulic pressure. Some most common seal types include:

• Balanced and Unbalanced Seals

Balanced Seal - In a balanced seal device, all the forces acting on the faces of the seal are perfectly balanced. The lower-end loads result in even lubrication of seal faces, thus resulting in an enhanced seal life. These seals are suitable for high operating pressures, generally above 200 PSIG. Additionally, they are the preferred choice when handling low lubricity and high volatility in fluids.

Unbalanced Seals - Unbalanced mechanical seals are the more economical alternative for complex, balanced seals. The tighter control of the mask may result in less product leakage, but the average time between failures will be shorter with unbalanced seals. These are also not recommended options for dealing with high-pressure or hydrocarbon applications.

• Pusher and Non-Pusher Seals

Pusher mechanical seals - These seals can withstand high pressures and are commonly used to handle viscous fluids. They have a secondary flexible sealing element to compensate for the axial movement and ensure proper sealing to prevent leakage.

These seals have one or more springs in the rotatory or stationary element of the seal to maintain the closing force but are more prone to wear and tear as the surface moves along the shaft during the process.

Non-pusher mechanical seal- They are typically used in centrifugal pumps to handle abrasive fluids or high-temperature applications. Additionally, these seals have a stationary primary sealing element to prevent wear and tear and ensure long service life. Balanced and unbalanced versions are available for both the pusher and non-pusher designs.

• Conventional Mechanical Seals

Ambica Machine Tools manufacture conventional mechanical seals as a low-cost general service equipment seal. These seals need operator skill to perform their best as these are installed in separate components. A higher level of operator skill is also needed to maintain them optimally.

• Cartridge Mechanical Seals

Cartridge mechanical seals are a highly convenient sealing solution that offers numerous benefits to pump operators. These seals are pre-assembled units that are easy to install without requiring any specialized tools, making them an ideal choice for operators who value speed and simplicity. They have an added self-aligning feature ensuring proper installation and making them suitable for applications in limited space and high temperatures. These seals are designed for easy replacement, low downtime and reduced maintenance costs.

Wrapping Up

Maintaining the efficiency of centrifugal pumps and preventing leakage is crucial, and choosing the appropriate mechanical seal plays a significant role in achieving these goals. The best pump seal manufacturer in India recognizes the unique requirements of each industry and offers a wide range of seal pumps to cater to their diverse needs. Their expertise in this field ensures that they provide the most suitable mechanical seal for every application.