Analysis and Maintenance Plan of Mechanical Seal Leakage Points for Pump
Mechanical seals are critical components of most types of pumps. Seals run at speeds up to 3000 feet per minute and pressures up to 300 psi. The combination of these two factors can cause wear on seals, resulting in leakage of the pumpage through the stuffing box. In order to identify and correct these problems, the factors leading to leakage must be analyzed and a maintenance plan established.
The first step to the analysis of mechanical seal leakage is to determine the root cause of the leak. The primary sources of leakage can be due to pressure and/or temperature changes in the pumpage, mechanical adjustments, wear of the seal components, contamination of the pumpage, or improper installation. It is important to note that certain factors may have an effect on the seal’s performance, such as the rotational speed of the shaft, the type of lubricant used, and the choice of stuffing box.
Once the root cause of the leakage has been determined, the next step is to implement a proper preventive maintenance plan. This plan may include inspection and adjustment of the mechanical seal, lubrication of the seal components, and testing of the seal’s performance. It is important to ensure the mechanical seal is operating properly at all times to ensure efficient and reliable operation.
In addition to the maintenance plan, leak detection devices should be installed to notify operators if leakage occurs. These devices can include indicators such as pressure gauges, thermometers, and stress gauges. These devices can also alert operators to any excessive temperatures, pressures, or other changes in the pumpage. If any of these readings exceed the nominal range, it may point to a potential problem with the mechanical seal.
In order to extend the life of the mechanical seal, the type of seal should also be considered. For example, certain seals are designed for low-vibration applications and provide more reliable sealing than others. Additionally, O-ring seals may necessitate additional inspections and may require more frequent maintenance compared to other types of seals.
Overall, it is important to analyze the potential leakage caused by a mechanical seal and then develop and implement a plan for proper preventive maintenance. This plan should include inspection and adjustment of the seal, lubrication and testing of the seal’s performance, and installation of leak detectors. Choosing the right type of seal and considering other factors such as rotational speed and the choice of lubricants can also ensure reliable operation of the pump and reduce the chance of leakage. Combined, these tasks will increase the efficiency and reliability of the pump system, while minimizing the downtime caused by leakage.
