The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Mechanical Seals: Everything You Need to Know
Mechanical seals provide a seal at the point of entry or exit of a rotating shaft. Generally, it is used to prevent a high-pressure fluid’s leakage into a lower-pressure fluid. Given that Health and Safety and Environmental legislation are becoming stricter, mechanical seals easily solve the problem. As the name suggests, they are part of intricate mechanics and are mostly used in all industrial sectors; examples include power plants, chemical plants, and factories. The need for improved efficiency and reliable performance of the process equipment has given rise to the popularity of mechanical seals.
Design and configuration of the Mechanical Seals
Although the actual mechanical seal designs may vary greatly, mechanical seals are generally characterized by a pair of seal faces. One of the seal faces is connected to the rotating shaft, and the other one is connected to the stationary casing of the equipment being sealed. During normal operation, a thin fluid film is present between the rotating and the stationary face. This works as a lubricant to the seal faces, preventing excessive wear and tear. In most practical applications, the fluid film must be approximately 2 microns thick and composed entirely of process fluid. These seal faces are known as the primary seal faces, and the secondary static seals consist of O rings, wedges, V rings and a spring to maintain the face contact.
When it comes to the design of the mechanical seals, understanding the materials is essential. Choosing the faces and metal parts of the seals based on the type of liquid, pressure, and temperature is ideal. When selecting the faces of the seal, it is recommended to choose ceramic instead of carbon for oxidation of chemicals. In the case of using a tungsten carbide as a face material, using a nickel-based tungsten carbide is recommended instead of choosing a cobalt-based one. This is suggested because cobalt is too hard and may crack with a normal seal face at different temperatures.
The advantages of using a Mechanical Seal
Now that we have studied the design and configuration of mechanical seals, let’s learn about the advantages of using mechanical seals.
- It handles a wide range of acids and salts, including rough particles: – Mechanical seals are highly durable and resistant to most chemicals. Hence, strong chemicals and salts with high alkaline content don’t corrode the seals easily.
- Long working life: – These seals have a long working life due to their durability and strength. However, their long working life depends on the material used, so one needs to be careful during the design and configuration of the mechanical seals.
- Special shaft condition: – Unlike most other seals, mechanical seals have a specialized shaft, which makes them different from other seals with basic shafts. They work more usefully and efficiently and have a longer shelf life.
- Handling bi-directional shaft revolution, huge weights, various temperatures and speed trips: – Since mechanical seals are strong and sturdy and are built with one of the toughest materials, they can handle heavy weights, different temperatures and varying speeds quite easily. They also handle the directional shaft revolution like a piece of cake.
- Great fix for sustenance preparation, dangerous chemicals, toxins, and radioactive liquids: – They are perfect for managing toxins and radioactive liquids in case of sustenance preparation. Most other seals fail in case of radioactive materials and toxins, but mechanical seals can withstand even the strongest and harshest of chemicals and radiation from radioactive fluids.
Hydraulic seals: What are they?
Filling the spaces between the parts of a hydraulic cylinder are hydraulic seals, which resemble gasket-like rings. Many components in hydraulic cylinders may come in contact with the fluid. Like mechanical seals, hydraulic seals prevent the fluids from seeping into the other hydraulic components. Thus, hydraulic seals are made to suit the components of a hydraulic cylinder while providing leak-proof relief.
Supplies Needed to Make Hydraulic Seals
Wide arrays of materials are used to make hydraulic seals. Hence, they come in all forms to suit the category and criteria. But mainly, the most popular material for making a hydraulic seal is rubber. Rubber hydraulic seals are malleable yet durable and last long. Since they are made from rubber, they are crack-proof. Polyurethane hydraulic seals are also famous and commonly used in making the hydraulic seals. They are similar to rubber but more durable and resistant to wear and tear.
To sum it up
Both mechanical and hydraulic seals are a must-have in the industrial sector. Today, BMG World offers essential mechanical seals at the best prices. They will help you identify which mechanical seal is best for you. They have a wide collection that you can choose from. You can pick any hydraulic or mechanical seal according to your preference and criteria at an affordable price today. Visit their site to learn more about what they offer and avail yourself of the best deals.