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7/13/24, 10:29 PM Autmix Blog | Assembly and use of mechanical seals

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Learn about the


assembly and use
of mechanical
seals

Flow November 18, 2023


Autor 5 min

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mechanical seals,onand
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seals are elements used in a wide Reject All
variety of rotating devices, such as
agitators, valves, and pumps, to
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prevent fluid leakage.

They are irreplaceable resources


in the use and maintenance of
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process equipment. That’s why


we’re going to review the assembly
and use of mechanical seals. The
mechanical seals for industrial
agitators are chosen depending on
functional conditions due to their
diverse types. One of their
advantages is that mechanical
seals can be a great ally in the
handling of corrosive or dangerous
materials. This is very important to
prevent fluid from escaping from
the container or to the exterior.

Dive into the proper assembly and


maintenance of mechanical seals
for agitators, continue reading:

1. Why use a mechanical seal?


2. When do you use a mechanical
seal?
3. Tips for the correct assembly of
a mechanical seal
4. Types of mechanical seals and
use
5. Details to consider when
assembling mechanical seals
6. Improve the life span of
mechanical seals
7. Secure your operations from the
machinery
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Why use a
mechanical seal?

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7/13/24, 10:29 PM Autmix Blog | Assembly and use of mechanical seals

Unlike other sealing systems,


mechanical seals are the most
efficient option because they
generate little friction and, in turn,
can work in a wide range of
temperatures and pressures. Even
when the liquid must be kept tight,
this ensures safe operation.

The reason for, and benefit of


using mechanical seals effectively
in an agitation system, is that it has
the pressure of the container and
prevents product contamination.
Moreover, to prevent the escape of
gases, in case the process has this
type of fluid, mechanical seals are
highly functional components for
side-entry or bottom-entry
agitators.

Sealing benefits the machinery


functionality, performance, and can
reduce maintenance tasks.

When to use a
mechanical seal?
There are processes in which may
be necessary to handle abrasive or
dangerous fluids, or under no
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that, a recurring question from
users is how to select the ideal
mechanical seal?

But before starting, what are the


requirements for mechanical
seals? Some technical data must

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7/13/24, 10:29 PM Autmix Blog | Assembly and use of mechanical seals

be considered by an expert to make


the right decision or
recommendation:

Chemical compatibility between


the seal’s material and the fluid.
Balanced or unbalanced
pressure type.
Mechanical seal material’s
temperature, a guise that will
define spam life.
Physical and chemical features
of the fluid that will be
processed.
Material of the agitation system
(agitator, container, and mobiles).

Also, the mechanical seal can be


applied in safety-critical
environments, such as those where
explosive atmospheric conditions
may exist. Above that, it is
recommended to use a double
mechanical seal, which works with
two sets of rotating faces:

Internal: which is in constant


contact with the product.
External: works as a safety
barrier for small particles that
pass through the first set.

Next, we will give you some tips to


install a mechanical seal properly.
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Tips for proper


mechanical seal
installation
Sometimes, there are questions
such as “which way does a
mechanical seal go?” Or about the
best way to use them. The use of
mechanical seals becomes
necessary to preserve the
functional state of the machinery.
Therefore, it is important to know
how to use them and the proper
use.

We must know that common


failures, such as leaks or heating
due to friction, result from
improper installation. Since each
seal poses distinctive features, the
expert’s recommendation must be
followed entirely to avoid problems.

A functional mechanical seal in the


implementation is the result of
good practices before starting the
assembly, such as those that we
will show you in the following
points:

You should not touch the faces


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between them.
Mechanical seal components
must be completely free of
foreign particles.
It is necessary to check the
alignment of the shaft, as it must
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have minimal misalignment to


prevent the seal from wearing
out faster than usual.

For example, it is recommended


that for the shafts with a diameter
of 50.8 mm (2”) or less, the radial
misalignment be less than 0.05
mm in TIR. For shafts with a larger
diameter, this value increases.

Installation and how to


correct use mechanical
seals.

After reviewing the last parameters,


we will start with the assembly
process. With this guide, you can
extend the life span of the chosen
mechanical seal for the processing.

1. The first thing will be to define


the working height of the
mechanical seal. To do this, draw
a mark on the axis, where the
static face will be placed.
Subsequently, you must check
and mark the operational length,
which is the limit distance in
which the seal must be
compressed for its correct
operation; the manufacturer
determines
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2. The next step is inserting the


seal’s static face into the
housing located on the flange
across the shaft. It is worth
mentioning that the flange must
be properly lubricated.

3. After that, insert and compress


the mechanical seal’s rotary side
in the defined operational length
mark. As in the previous steps,
the piece must be lubricated in
advance.

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4. Set the rotary side to the shaft to


avoid axial movements by its
means. This is usually done by
using springs to apply pressure.

5. In some models, the mechanical


seal may have a compression
unit, such as a spring. In these
cases, only both rotating sides
are inserted at the beginning,
followed by the spring. T A
clamping ring is placed where
the operational length is signed
to set in this component. Finally,
you can complete the assembly
and screw the flange, placing the
components inside.

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6. As an additional step, consider


verifying the shaft rotation.

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7/13/24, 10:29 PM Autmix Blog | Assembly and use of mechanical seals

Likewise, check that the


mechanical seal works correctly.

As we show you, the assembly


process for a mechanical seal is
simple. However, you must do it
cautiously to maximize its
efficiency and avoid premature
wear.

Types of
mechanical seals
and use
There are several types of
mechanical seals, including
cartridge-type, double and single
seals. Therefore, we will explain in
which case it is advisable to use
each.

Cartridge-type
mechanical seals.

A cartridge-type mechanical seal


is available to avoid mishaps,
which already has all the internal
components pre-assembled.
These can be single or double; if
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deflection.

To install them, you only need to


set the sleeve to the shaft using an
“O” ring, considering that it meets

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the maximum permissible


misalignment requirements.

Simple mechanical seals

We must consider the equipment’s


lubrication and cooling during the
assembly process. Simple
mechanical seals in horizontal or
bottom inlet agitators, the product
contained can fulfill this function, if
it has the necessary physical
properties for that process.

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Double mechanical seals
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Double mechanical seals allow


pressure and temperature
regulation and are essential
components for centrifugal pumps.

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Its composition is a little more


complex than the previous ones.

In this case, the double mechanical


seal must have an external cooling
system, because it is impossible to
lubricate the external assembly.
This also applies to vertical
agitators, where it is common for
the seal not to have contact with
the fluid.

Details to consider
when assembling
mechanical seals
An important detail to consider
when placing a mechanical seal is
its power, which can be wasted due
to the heat. Closely related to the
above is the design and operation
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To know those requirements, it is
especially significant to recognize
the need for a cooling system
complementary to the mechanical
seal. Another factor is the efficient
power consumption by the

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agitator’s components for better


work.

Deciding values, such as area and


speed, during the installation of
mechanical seals, is particularly
essential to keep the heat values
lower. However, supporting
sufficient dimensions to allow
correct sealing.

First, let’s review the area of the


face, which, when increased, we
can observe an exponential growth
in the loss of power. This is
affected by the difference in
diameters between the faces; the
smaller, the more compact the
diameter.

On the other hand, in the case of


speed, or velocity, we must
consider the following: to higher
angular velocity, more power is
wasted. This occurs because the
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rotational speed to which the
mechanical seal is subjected.

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Improve the life


span of
mechanical seals
As we have seen in the earlier
paragraphs, it is necessary to
continuously check the correct
functioning of the mechanical
seals and verify that they continue
to run according to specifications.
In this way, it is possible to watch
the function of the part and check
the wear.

If you require the corresponding


spare parts for double or single
seals, remember that we at Autmix
Flow can help you find the
components that fit your
equipment. Keep in mind that when
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you must be incredibly careful
when selecting them. This is how
we guarantee better performance.

Moreover, we recommend always


having at least one piece in stock

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to avoid downtime in the


production chain.

Dealing with mechanical cartridge


seals is different. In these cases, it
is advisable to take them to a
specialized workshop to dismantle
them and replace the elements that
show wear. However, the most
common thing is to replace the
seal completely.

Now that we know the


considerations for the proper
choice and installation of
mechanical seals, we can make the
investment last. By implementing
maintenance, the processes will
continue perfectly, just like the first
day.

To extend the life of these devices,


it is important to take the following
actions:

Proper cooling with a system or


support, as too much heat
caused by friction will affect the
pump and agitators.
Selection of lubricating oil
according to its compatibility and
the seal’s features.
Quality interfacial film is the
lubrication caused by oil between
two surfaces, one known as the
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Secure your
operations from
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the machinery
Now you know the many factors to
consider when selecting, installing,
and using mechanical seals.
Following some of these
recommendations will help ensure
the longest possible life of the part
and its components.

At Autmix Flow, we select the


mechanical seal or any other
sealing system that best adapts to
your equipment’s conditions, and
the industrial agitator’s mechanical
characteristics.

Division specialized in
research, design, and
Flow production of high
Division quality equipment for
industrial agitation
procedures.

Reduce your operating costs


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