Pumps have several uses. Seals are more application-specific than pumps. The pump model alone is not the solution since manufacturers use numerous seal arrangements.
First, seal component numbers are useful. Major manufacturers mark seals with part numbers that indicate their Elastomer, Seal Faces, and metallurgy.
If there’s no part number or the service has worn it away, certain components may still be identified. Choose the weakest elastomer. Deductive reasoning helps. First, examine rubber parts. Chemically damaged, melted, brittle, or hard? If they’re flexible and in excellent condition, we know the elastomer worked. If not, we need another elastomer. You may limit down suitable elastomers by temperature and application. Over 325 F, it’s Viton or Aflas. A chemical compatibility table can help if the temperature is above 325 F.
Consider seal faces next. It’s easy if you’re not colorblind. Ceramic seals are white. Brass, bronze, or aluminum bronze seal faces seem metal. Grey and lightweight Silicon carbide. Ceramic and Silicon Carbide are related. Tungsten carbide is grey to silver and hefty. Black=Carbon. Most seal faces are above. Exception: spray-on coatings. Because they fail quickly, they’re less common.
Each seal has a way to energize its face. Spring usually. Single, multiple, and wave springs are spring sets. Rare wave springs. When the pump has little room. 80% of seal applications employ single springs (water service). Not a spring? Metal bellows. Metal bellows are pricey yet useful in boiler feed pumps.
Metallurgy is less crucial since it fails slowly. Most seals are brass, bronze, 304, or 316 stainless. Hastelloy is utilized in high-temperature applications and Monel in saltwater.
Conclusion
Junty has all the information you need to identify mechanical seals. Contact Junty if you are interested in investing in mechanical seals. We will provide you with more satisfactory products and competent advice.
