Coheretech

Guide to Mechanical Seals: Types, Materials, Applications, Standards, and Troubleshooting

Mechanical seals are critical components used to prevent leakage in rotating equipment such as pumps, compressors, and mixers. They provide a more reliable sealing solution compared to traditional packing, especially in high-pressure and high-temperature applications.

Type Description Applications
Single Mechanical Seal One set of sealing faces General-purpose pumps, water treatment
Double Mechanical Seal Two sets of faces with barrier fluid Hazardous fluids, high-pressure systems
Cartridge Seal Pre-assembled unit for easy installation Chemical processing, food industry
Split Seal Can be installed without disassembling equipment Large pumps, maintenance-friendly
Balanced Seal Reduced face pressure for high-PSI applications Refineries, oil & gas
Unbalanced Seal Simpler design for low-to-medium pressure Water pumps, light industrial

The technical information, data, and recommendations provided in this guide are intended solely for general guidance and reference purposes. While Cohere Tech India Pvt Ltd has made every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information presented, it does not constitute a warranty, guarantee, or representation of any kind, either expressed or implied. Users are strongly advised to consult our technical team prior to selecting or ordering any products to ensure suitability for the specific application or project requirements. Cohere Tech India Pvt Ltd shall not be held responsible for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from the use or reliance upon the information contained in this guide without proper consultation. Product specifications are subject to change without prior notice as part of our ongoing commitment to innovation and quality improvement.

Type Description Applications
Pusher Seal Uses springs to maintain face contact High-speed rotating equipment
Non-Pusher Seal Flexible bellows instead of springs Corrosive or slurry applications
Metal Bellows Seal All-metal construction for high temps Steam turbines, cryogenics
Elastomer Bellows Seal Rubber/FKM bellows for flexibility Chemical pumps, wastewater

Material Configurations

Component Common Materials Key Properties Applications
Primary Sealing Faces Silicon Carbide (SiC), Tungsten Carbide (WC), Carbon Graphite High wear resistance, thermal stability High-speed pumps, abrasive fluids
Secondary Seals (O-rings, gaskets) Nitrile (NBR), FKM (Viton®), PTFE (Teflon®) Chemical resistance, flexibility Chemical processing, food-grade seals
Metal Parts (Springs, Housings) Stainless Steel (SS 316), Hastelloy, Titanium Corrosion resistance, strength Offshore, marine, acidic environments
Bellows PTFE, FKM, Metal (Inconel) Flexibility, thermal cycling resistance High-temp/pressure systems

The technical information, data, and recommendations provided in this guide are intended solely for general guidance and reference purposes. While Cohere Tech India Pvt Ltd has made every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information presented, it does not constitute a warranty, guarantee, or representation of any kind, either expressed or implied. Users are strongly advised to consult our technical team prior to selecting or ordering any products to ensure suitability for the specific application or project requirements. Cohere Tech India Pvt Ltd shall not be held responsible for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from the use or reliance upon the information contained in this guide without proper consultation. Product specifications are subject to change without prior notice as part of our ongoing commitment to innovation and quality improvement.

Technical Standards & Specifications

Standard Description Applicable Seals
API 682 Standard for centrifugal pump seals Refineries, oil & gas
ISO 21049 Equivalent to API 682 International applications
EN 12756 European mechanical seal standard Chemical & process industries
ASME B73.1/B73.2 ANSI pump seal specifications Industrial pumps
DIN 24960 German standard for mechanical seals European machinery

The technical information, data, and recommendations provided in this guide are intended solely for general guidance and reference purposes. While Cohere Tech India Pvt Ltd has made every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information presented, it does not constitute a warranty, guarantee, or representation of any kind, either expressed or implied. Users are strongly advised to consult our technical team prior to selecting or ordering any products to ensure suitability for the specific application or project requirements. Cohere Tech India Pvt Ltd shall not be held responsible for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from the use or reliance upon the information contained in this guide without proper consultation. Product specifications are subject to change without prior notice as part of our ongoing commitment to innovation and quality improvement.

Standard Sizes & Dimensions

Shaft Dia. (mm) Seal Face Width (mm) Housing Dia. (mm) Common Applications
20 10 50 Small chemical pumps
40 15 80 Water treatment
65 20 120 Oil & gas pumps
100 25 150 Large industrial pumps

Troubleshooting Common Mechanical Seal Failure

Issue Possible Cause Solution
Leakage Worn faces, misalignment Replace seal, realign pump
Excessive Heat Dry running, poor lubrication Ensure proper fluid film, use cooling flush
Face Cracking Thermal shock, improper material Upgrade to SiC or WC faces

The technical information, data, and recommendations provided in this guide are intended solely for general guidance and reference purposes. While Cohere Tech India Pvt Ltd has made every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information presented, it does not constitute a warranty, guarantee, or representation of any kind, either expressed or implied. Users are strongly advised to consult our technical team prior to selecting or ordering any products to ensure suitability for the specific application or project requirements. Cohere Tech India Pvt Ltd shall not be held responsible for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from the use or reliance upon the information contained in this guide without proper consultation. Product specifications are subject to change without prior notice as part of our ongoing commitment to innovation and quality improvement.

Issue Possible Cause Solution
Corrosion Chemical attack on metal parts Use Hastelloy or PTFE-coated seals
Vibration Damage Unbalanced shaft, cavitation Balance rotor, check pump condition

How to Order Mechanical Seals

Safety & Handling Guidelines

  • Storage: Keep in a dry, clean environment away from UV exposure.
  • Installation:
    • Clean shaft and housing thoroughly.
    • Avoid touching sealing faces with bare hands.
    • Use proper alignment tools.
  • Lubrication: Apply compatible grease on O-rings before installation.
  • Pressure Testing: Verify seal integrity before full operation.
  • Disposal: Follow environmental regulations (some materials are hazardous).

The technical information, data, and recommendations provided in this guide are intended solely for general guidance and reference purposes. While Cohere Tech India Pvt Ltd has made every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information presented, it does not constitute a warranty, guarantee, or representation of any kind, either expressed or implied. Users are strongly advised to consult our technical team prior to selecting or ordering any products to ensure suitability for the specific application or project requirements. Cohere Tech India Pvt Ltd shall not be held responsible for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from the use or reliance upon the information contained in this guide without proper consultation. Product specifications are subject to change without prior notice as part of our ongoing commitment to innovation and quality improvement.