The main difference between a cartridge mechanical seal and a non-cartridge seal lies in their installation process and operational reliability. Cartridge mechanical seals are delivered as complete units, making them straightforward to install and significantly reducing the risk of errors. Many issues with mechanical seals occur during startup due to improper installation, but cartridge designs help prevent these problems. This distinction is important because it affects installation speed, maintenance frequency, and overall pump performance. In 2023, cartridge mechanical seals accounted for 34.6% of the global market and continue to gain popularity. Customers seeking OEM mechanical seals or an Alfa Laval pump seal frequently choose cartridge mechanical seal solutions for their ease of use and dependable performance.
Key Takeaways
Cartridge mechanical seals are simple to put in. They come as one whole piece. This lowers mistakes and saves time.
Non-cartridge seals need you to build them from parts. This makes putting them in harder and takes longer.
Cartridge seals last a long time and need less fixing. They work well in tough places.
Non-cartridge seals cost less at first. But they might need more repairs later because they are harder to use.
Picking the best seal depends on what you need. You should think about the pump, the fluid, and how you can install it.
What is a Cartridge Mechanical Seal?
Definition and Features
A cartridge mechanical seal is a full sealing unit for pumps. Engineers put together all the needed parts, like the rotating face, stationary face, elastomers, other seals, and metal pieces. These seals are already on a sleeve, so workers can install them fast and correctly.
Cartridge mechanical seals are small and built in sections. They fit into tight spots and can be changed for different jobs. The seal faces use strong materials like carbon and silicon carbide. The elastomer parts use PTFE or Viton to fight off chemicals. This design lets the seal handle both side-to-side and up-and-down movement. That makes them good for moving machines.
Cartridge mechanical seals are tough against heat changes, rust, and wear. They help stop leaks and keep the environment safe, which makes things safer and more reliable.
The table below shows the main features and benefits of cartridge mechanical seals:
Feature/Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
Compact Design | Fits easily into equipment, simplifying installation. |
Easy Installation | Reduces downtime and maintenance costs. |
Modular Design | Allows customization for specific needs. |
Accommodates Movement | Handles shaft movement in dynamic applications. |
Thermal Cycling Resistance | Withstands temperature changes. |
Corrosion and Abrasion Resistance | Maintains performance in harsh environments. |
Minimizes Product Loss | Reduces leaks and contamination. |
Enhanced Sealing Integrity | Delivers reliable sealing in tough conditions. |
Long-term Durability | Extends operational life in aggressive media. |
How Cartridge Mechanical Seals Work
Cartridge mechanical seals make a tight barrier between the spinning shaft and the pump body. The part that does not move fits into the pump with an O-ring or gasket. The spinning part goes on the shaft and uses an O-ring too. Where these two parts touch is the main seal. One part has a spring to keep the seal tight as the shaft moves.
Cartridge seals can be single, double, or tandem to fit different jobs. The seal comes ready to use and slides over the shaft. It bolts in place, so you do not need to measure much. This design helps avoid mistakes and saves money on repairs.
The table below explains how cartridge mechanical seals work:
Component/Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
Configuration | Assembled into a cartridge unit for reliability and easy installation. |
Types | Available in single, double, or tandem setups. |
Functionality | Prevents leakage by sealing between stationary and rotary parts. |
Cartridge mechanical seals are used in many fields. Oil and gas companies use them in important pumps and offshore gear. Chemical plants use them in reactors and pipes. Power plants use them in turbines and cooling systems. Water treatment plants use them in pumps and filters. Food and drink factories use them in clean machines.
The main parts of a cartridge mechanical seal are:
Rotating face (primary ring)
Stationary face (seat or secondary ring)
Elastomers (O-rings and gaskets)
Secondary sealing elements
Metal parts
Cartridge mechanical seals are dependable, simple to install, and last a long time in tough places.
What is a Non Cartridge Mechanical Seal?
Definition and Features
A non cartridge mechanical seal comes in separate pieces. The person installing it must put all the parts together. These seals have a rotating face, a stationary face, springs, and elastomers. Each piece goes right onto the pump shaft and housing. Non cartridge seals do not have a sleeve or a pre-made unit.
Non cartridge seals let you pick different materials for each part. This helps match the seal to what the pump needs. Many pumps in farms, water systems, and small factories use these seals. They work well in simple machines and jobs with low pressure.
Tip: You need to be careful when putting in non cartridge seals. Every part must line up right or the seal might leak.
The table below shows the main features of non cartridge mechanical seals:
Feature | Description |
|---|---|
Separate Components | Installer assembles each part individually. |
Customizable Materials | Users choose materials for faces and elastomers. |
Direct Fit | Parts mount directly onto shaft and housing. |
Space Efficient | Fits pumps with limited space. |
Cost Effective | Often less expensive than cartridge seals. |
How Non Cartridge Seals Work
Non cartridge mechanical seals make a seal between the pump shaft and housing. The installer puts the stationary face in the pump body. The rotating face goes on the shaft. Springs push the faces together. Elastomers like O-rings keep the seal tight and stop leaks.
When installing, the worker must measure and line up each part. The seal faces need to touch evenly. If the worker makes a mistake, the seal can leak or wear out fast. Non cartridge seals need to be checked and fixed often.
Steps for installing a non cartridge seal:
Clean the shaft and housing.
Put the stationary face in the pump body.
Slide the rotating face onto the shaft.
Add springs and elastomers.
Line up all parts and tighten everything.
Non cartridge seals are best for pumps with simple designs. They are good for jobs where price matters and skilled workers can install and take care of the seals.
Note: If you install and line up non cartridge seals the right way, they last longer and work better.
Pros of Cartridge Seals
Easy Installation
Cartridge mechanical seals are easy to put in. Workers do not need to measure or line up parts. The seal comes as one piece. They just slide it onto the shaft and lock it in place. This saves time and helps avoid mistakes. Victor’s cartridge mechanical seals show how simple this can be. Many people say they have less downtime with cartridge seals.
The table below shows how long it takes to install each seal:
Seal Type | Installation Time |
|---|---|
Cartridge Mechanical Seal | About 1 hour |
Non-Cartridge Seal | 4 to 6 hours |
Victor’s seals help teams finish work faster and get machines running sooner.
Maintenance Benefits
Cartridge seals make fixing pumps easier. Workers do not need to take apart the pump or handle tiny parts. The seal’s design lets them remove and replace it quickly. Victor’s cartridge mechanical seals help cut downtime and keep pumps working longer.
Cartridge seals give these maintenance benefits:
Workers do not need to line up parts when installing.
Downtime is less because seals are easy to swap.
The built-in design lowers leaks and helps the seal work better.
Victor checks every seal to make sure it is good. Each seal is measured and tested for pressure before shipping. Victor also has good prices, so many companies pick their cartridge seals.
Reliability and Performance
Cartridge mechanical seals are very reliable. Their design stops leaks and keeps pumps working well. Victor’s cartridge seals work in hard places like ships, chemical plants, and oil and gas jobs. The seals last longer and need fewer fixes.
The table below shows how cartridge seals help reliability:
Intervention | Typical MTBF Boost | Pulp & Paper Example |
|---|---|---|
Maintenance Training | 20–50% | MTBF went from 6 months to over 18 months |
Ergonomic Tools | 15–40% | Better alignment added 25% to MTBF |
Combined Approach | 50–100%+ | Programs doubled MTBF in tough jobs |
Victor’s cartridge mechanical seals help companies get better results and longer use. The good things about cartridge seals are easy installation, less maintenance, and strong performance.
Cons of Cartridge Seals
Upfront Cost
Cartridge mechanical seals have many good points, but they usually cost more than non-cartridge seals. Companies need to think about the starting price when picking a seal for their pumps. A basic component seal costs about $50 to $100. Cartridge seals can cost from $200 to $800. High-performance double seals can cost over $2,000. The table below shows the usual price range for each type:
Type of Seal | Price Range |
|---|---|
Basic Component Seals | $50–$100 |
Cartridge Seals | $200–$800 |
High-Performance Double Seals | Exceeding $2,000 |
A higher starting price can change a company’s budget, especially if they have big projects or lots of pumps. Some companies pick non-cartridge seals to save money at first. But cartridge seals might help save money later by needing less fixing and causing less downtime.
Tip: Teams should think about both the first price and how much they might save later when choosing a seal for their machines.
Application Limitations
Cartridge mechanical seals do not work for every job. Some pumps and fluids are hard to seal. For example, sticky fluids like glue or paint can make the seal faces stick together. This can hurt how well the seal works. Tough conditions, like fast speeds or changing pressure, can also cause problems even if the seal is put in just right. Government rules say how much dangerous fluid can leak, so seals must follow these rules.
The table below lists common limits for cartridge seals:
Limitation Type | Description |
|---|---|
Application Compatibility | Using the wrong materials can make the seal break too soon. |
Installation Precision | Even with good design and careful work, tough conditions can cause problems. |
Environmental Factors | Changes in speed and pressure can make the seal less reliable. |
Leakage Control | Government rules limit how much dangerous fluid can leak. |
Process Fluid Compatibility | Sticky fluids like glue and paint can make seal faces stick, which hurts performance. |
Engineers need to check the pump’s place and the kind of fluid before picking a cartridge seal. Some jobs need special materials or designs to work right. These limits are some of the cons of cartridge seals, so people should always make sure the seal fits the job.
Pros and Cons of Non Cartridge Seals
Advantages of Non Cartridge Seals
Non cartridge seals are also called component mechanical seals. They give pump users many good things. Many people in the industry pick these seals to save money. The first price is lower than cartridge seals. Companies can buy single parts instead of whole seals. This makes it cheaper and easier to keep spare parts.
These seals fit small pumps very well. Their design lets workers change them for different jobs. Technicians can pick what each part is made of. This helps the seal work better for each pump. These seals come in many sizes, so it is easy to find one that fits. When a seal needs to be changed, it does not take long.
The table below shows the main good points:
Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
Reduced expenses on initial seal purchase | Non-cartridge seals typically have a lower upfront cost compared to cartridge seals. |
Reduced spares costs | Individual components can be stocked, leading to lower spare part costs. |
Superior adaptability to very small pumps | These seals are designed to fit smaller pumps effectively. |
Other good things are:
They cost less to buy and fix than cartridge seals.
They are great for small pumps and are easy to put in.
You can change them for special jobs, which helps them work better.
They fit many pump sizes, so you do not have to wait long for a new one.
Disadvantages of Non Cartridge Seals
Component mechanical seals also have some bad sides. Putting them in takes skill and care. Each part must be measured and lined up right. If someone makes a mistake, the seal can break or wear out fast. It takes more time to put in than a cartridge seal.
These seals have parts that stick out when being put in or moved. This means they can get damaged more easily. Reports show that if you do not install them right, they do not last long or can break right away. Workers need to spend more time to make sure everything fits and works.
Some common bad points are:
The separate parts need skilled workers to put them in.
If you do not install them right, they can break or not last long.
The parts can get damaged when being put in or moved.
You must measure carefully or the seal will not work.
It takes more time and work to install these seals.
Component mechanical seals work best when trained people put them in and take care of them. People should think about these things before picking this kind of seal.
Cartridge Mechanical Seal vs Non Cartridge Seal
Installation Comparison
Cartridge mechanical seals are easy to put in. Workers do not need to measure many parts. The seal comes ready to use. They clean the shaft and seal chamber first. Then, they slide the seal onto the shaft and attach the gland plate. This job is quick and helps stop mistakes.
Non cartridge seals take more work to install. Workers must put together each part by hand. They also cut and wrap packing material. Skilled workers use shims to line up the seal. If the seal is not installed right, it can wear out fast.
Cartridge seals:
Slide onto the shaft with little effort.
Only need basic cleaning before use.
Need very few changes during installation.
Help stop mistakes when installing.
Non cartridge seals:
Must be put together piece by piece.
Need skilled workers to line up the parts.
Take longer to install.
Have a bigger chance for errors.
Victor’s cartridge mechanical seals help teams finish faster and make fewer mistakes. This is good for busy places like factories and shipyards.
Maintenance and Reliability
Cartridge mechanical seals do not need much care. Their design means workers do not take apart the pump or handle lots of small pieces. Maintenance teams can swap the seal quickly, so machines keep working.
Non cartridge seals need more attention. Workers must check and fix the seal often. If a part breaks, they take the seal apart and change the broken piece. This takes more time and can lead to mistakes. Each time they put the seal back together, there is a chance for error.
Seal Type | Maintenance Needs |
|---|---|
Cartridge Seals | Easy to maintain, minimal adjustments, quick replacement |
Non-Cartridge Seals | Frequent checks, manual adjustments, time-consuming repairs |
Victor’s seals go through tough checks for leaks and size before shipping. This helps them last longer and break down less.
Cost Factors
Non cartridge seals cost less to buy at first. Companies can buy single parts and keep them on hand. This saves money on extra parts. If the company has trained workers, they can install these seals and save more.
Cartridge mechanical seals cost more when you buy them. But they save money later. They are easy to put in and do not need much fixing. This means less downtime and fewer repairs. When companies look at all the costs, cartridge seals often save more money over time.
Tip: Companies should think about both the first price and the savings later when picking a seal.
Application Suitability
Cartridge mechanical seals work in many jobs. Chemical plants, oil and gas companies, water plants, and food factories use these seals. They pick cartridge seals because they want strong equipment and quick repairs. Victor has many cartridge seals for these places. Their seals fit pumps, mixers, and compressors in hard jobs.
Non cartridge seals are best for small pumps and simple machines. Farms, small factories, and water systems use these seals a lot. They work well when skilled workers can put them in and take care of them.
Industry | Preferred Seal Type | Reason for Choice |
|---|---|---|
Marine | Cartridge Seals | Fast installation, high reliability |
Chemical Processing | Cartridge Seals | Handles corrosive fluids, easy maintenance |
Oil & Gas | Cartridge Seals | Withstands tough conditions, reduces downtime |
Water Treatment | Cartridge Seals | Durable, needs little maintenance |
Small Factories/Farms | Non-Cartridge Seals | Lower cost, fits simple equipment |
Victor’s seals are known for good quality and fast shipping. Their big stock helps customers get seals quickly, so machines keep running with less waiting.
Choosing Between Component and Cartridge Seals
Key Factors to Consider
Picking the right mechanical seal needs careful thought. Engineers look at how much it costs to install and keep running. They also check what kind of pump is used and how often it needs fixing. The table below shows how component and cartridge seals compare:
Criteria | Component Seals | Cartridge Seals |
|---|---|---|
Installation Costs | Lower | Higher |
Long-term Running Costs | Variable | Generally higher |
Pump Characteristics | Flexible | Specific |
Operational Conditions | Adaptable | Requires more info upfront |
Maintenance | Easier with skilled staff | May require outsourcing |
The type of fluid matters a lot too. Teams need to see if the fluid can cause rust or wear. How fast the pump goes and how much pressure it has also change the seal choice. Rules for the environment are important, especially in food or chemical places. Help from the maker can guide users to pick the best seal.
Tip: Get ready before you start. Clean every part well. Make sure each piece lines up and is tight. Use the right grease to help parts move smoothly.
Common Scenarios and Recommendations
Different jobs need different seals. Cartridge seals are best when you want quick setup and strong performance. They work well in pumps for ships, chemical plants, oil and gas, and water cleaning. Component seals are good for small pumps and simple machines. They help when saving money and making changes is important.
The table below shows when to use each seal:
Feature/Benefit | Cartridge Seal | Component Seal |
|---|---|---|
Installation | Easy, no expert needed | Needs skilled technician |
Efficiency | High, pre-set | May have performance issues |
Maintenance Costs | Lower | Higher |
Repair | Simple | Complex |
Customization | Less needed | Often required |
Transportation | Assembled unit | Separate parts |
Protection from Debris | Complete seal | More exposed |
Experts say you should check seals often and use tools to spot problems early. Single seals are simple and save money. Double seals give extra safety for dangerous fluids. Tandem seals are best for risky places.
Choosing between component and cartridge seals depends on how you install them, who will fix them, and how much you want to spend. Teams should pick the seal that fits their pump and job to get the best results.
Cartridge and non-cartridge mechanical seals are not the same. They have different designs, ways to install, and how you take care of them. The table below shows how they are different:
Feature | Component Seals | Cartridge Seals |
|---|---|---|
Design | Built at the job site | Already put together |
Customization | Can be changed for each job | Made the same for most jobs |
Maintenance | Easy to get to each part | Fast to swap out |
Installation Ease | Harder to put in, needs skill | Easy to put in, saves time |
Lifecycle Costs | Cheaper at first, but more fixing | Costs more at first, but less fixing |
