which type of mechanical seal is used for high pressure applications?

Table of Contents

Dual mechanical seals are ideal for high-pressure applications. Victor offers a wide range of mechanical pump seal solutions designed to perform reliably in demanding environments. Their selection includes specialized options such as the metal bellow mechanical seal and the alfa laval pump mechanical seal, ensuring optimal performance even in challenging conditions. Victor’s mechanical seals are engineered to support high-pressure systems across various industries.

Key Takeaways

  • Dual mechanical seals give extra safety from leaks in high-pressure systems. They have two sealing faces for more safety and reliability.
  • Balanced seals lower the force on seal faces. This makes them good for high-pressure jobs. They help stop leaks and make seals last longer.
  • Cartridge mechanical seals come ready to use. They are easy to install. This design helps avoid mistakes and saves time when fixing things.
  • Picking the right seal material is very important. Materials like tungsten carbide and silicon carbide can handle heat and chemicals. This makes seals stronger and last longer.
  • Doing regular maintenance and installing seals the right way is needed. This helps stop leaks and keeps seals working well for a long time.

Mechanical Pump Seal Types for High-Pressure Applications

Victor has many mechanical pump seal choices for high-pressure jobs. They know a lot about different mechanical seals. Each seal is made for different industries. Picking the right seal is important for safety. It also helps with reliability and efficiency in high-pressure systems.

Dual Mechanical Seals

Dual mechanical seals are sometimes called double mechanical seals. They have two sets of sealing faces. This gives extra protection from leaks. In places with high pressure, dual mechanical seals stop dangerous or costly fluids from leaking out. They also keep dirt and other things out of the process fluid. These seals often use buffer or barrier fluids. The fluids help control pressure and temperature between the seal faces.

Dual mechanical seals have many good points:

  • Stop leaks that could hurt the environment.
  • Keep expensive fluids safe.
  • Help seals last longer by controlling the fluid film.
  • Give a backup seal if one breaks.

Big pump systems often use API Plan 52 or Plan 53A with dual mechanical seals. These plans move buffer or barrier fluids around. This keeps the right pressure and helps with cooling.

API PlanDesignPlan Description
Plan 52Buffer Fluid Seal PotMoves buffer fluid between seals. It is not pressurized. It takes away heat and acts as a second seal.
Plan 53ABarrier Fluid Seal Pot Pressurized by NitrogenMoves pressurized barrier fluid. It stops leaks and helps remove heat.

Balanced and Cartridge Seals

Balanced seals can handle more pressure than unbalanced seals. Their design lowers the force on the seal faces. This makes leaks less likely. Balanced seals are good for important high-pressure jobs where leaks must be very small.

Seal TypePressure Handling CapabilityApplications
Balanced SealsHandles more pressureUsed in important jobs with little leakage
Unbalanced SealsHandles less pressureUsed for cheaper jobs in factories

Cartridge mechanical seals come already put together. They are easy to install. This helps make sure they line up right. It also means fewer mistakes when putting them in. Cartridge seals save time because workers can change them fast. They do not need special tools.

Cartridge seals give:

  • Better sealing.
  • Less chance of leaks.
  • Fast and easy to put in.
  • Always work well because they are set at the factory.

Metal Bellows and HPPS Pusher O-Ring Seals

Metal bellows seals are great for high-pressure jobs. They use special metals that do not get ruined by chemicals. They can also handle high heat. Metal bellows seals work at pressures up to 20 bar. They can spin up to 6000 rpm. Their design cleans itself. This stops thick fluids from building up. It keeps the seal chamber clean.

  • Metal bellows seals give:
    • Can run for a long time without breaking.
    • Resist chemicals and heat very well.
    • Balanced design helps stop leaks when under pressure.

HPPS pusher O-ring seals also work well in high-pressure places. These seals can handle up to 2,000 psi (138 bar). They are strong and good for tough factory jobs.

Seal TypeMax Pressure
HPPS Pusher O-Ring2,000 psi (138 bar)

The table below shows how much pressure common mechanical pump seals can handle. It also lists their main features:

Seal TypePressure Rating (kPa)Characteristics
Type MG11200Mix of pusher and non-pusher, has bellows, good for dirty water.
Uniten Type1000Simple design, works well, uses rubber O-ring, good for clean water.
Cartridge Type1000Built together, can be removed from outside, good for dirty water but can get blocked by solids.

Victor’s mechanical seals, like dual mechanical seals, balanced seals, cartridge mechanical seals, metal bellows, and HPPS pusher O-ring seals, work well in high-pressure jobs. Their products help every customer find the best seal for their needs.

Why Dual and Balanced Seals Are Preferred

Why Dual and Balanced Seals Are Preferred

Reliability in High-Pressure Applications

Dual mechanical seals and balanced seals work well in high-pressure places. These seals have smart designs to stop leaks and problems. Dual mechanical seals are also called double mechanical seals. They have two sealing surfaces. This extra part helps keep fluids inside, even if pressure goes up. If the first seal breaks, the second seal still holds the fluid. This backup lowers the chance of leaks and keeps the pump safe.

Balanced seals put less force on the seal faces. This helps the seal last longer and work better when pressure is high. Cartridge mechanical seals also help with reliability. They come already put together. Workers can install them fast and easily. This means fewer mistakes and better performance in high-pressure jobs.

Places that use bellows seal valves for dangerous fluids have fewer leaks. These valves often keep emissions below 100 ppm methane. Packed valves can have much higher emissions. Bellows seal valves need less fixing and break rules less often.

A table shows how reliable different seals are in high-pressure jobs:

Seal TypeReliability FeaturesTypical Use Cases
Dual Mechanical SealsBackup seal, leak preventionChemical, oil & gas, power plants
Balanced SealsLower face load, longer lifeRefineries, hazardous fluids
Cartridge Mechanical SealsPre-assembled, easy installationIndustrial pumps, shipbuilding

Safety and Leak Prevention

Safety is very important in high-pressure pump systems. Dual mechanical seals help stop leaks that could hurt people or the environment. The second seal is a backup. If the first seal fails, the system stays safe. Double mechanical seals also help control heat and pressure. This keeps the seal faces cool and steady.

Balanced seals and metal bellows seals are good at stopping leaks. Places using bellows seal valves for hydrofluoric acid have 95% fewer leaks than those with packed valves. These seals can lower insurance costs and help meet safety rules. They also help keep workers safe from dangerous chemicals.

Dual-stage mechanical seal systems use special plans like Plan 23 and Plan 52. These plans help control pressure and temperature. If one seal fails, the other can handle all the pressure. This design makes big failures much less likely in high-pressure jobs.

Pump seals that meet industry standards, like Victor’s, go through tough quality checks. These seals help companies follow safety rules and protect workers. Victor’s mechanical pump seals give safe and reliable choices for high-pressure work. They help stop leaks and keep people safe in tough jobs.

Choosing Pump Seals for High-Pressure Applications

Key Selection Factors

Picking the right mechanical pump seal for high-pressure jobs is important. Engineers need to look at many things before choosing a seal. They must make sure the seal material works with the process fluid. If the material is not right, the seal can break. Temperature ratings matter too. Some materials get weak or hard when it is very hot or cold. The liquid’s thickness and if it has rough bits can change how long the seal lasts. Pressure ratings are also key. Only seals made for high pressure can do the job well. Reliability and emission rules are important in places that need to be very safe.

  • Material must match the pumped fluid
  • Seal material needs the right temperature rating
  • Liquid thickness and roughness matter
  • Seal must handle high pressure
  • Reliability and emission rules are important

Seals should also resist chemicals and wear. For example, FKM O-rings work well with acids or bases. Good heat control helps the seal work when things change.

Support Systems and Fluids

Seal support systems help seals work better in high-pressure jobs. These systems use barrier or buffer fluids that must fit the process fluid. Water is often used as a barrier fluid. It works with many process fluids. The table below shows some common support systems and their good points:

Support SystemKey FeaturesBenefits
GS USP-DConnects to water supply, delivers barrier waterMakes seals last longer, saves money
Continuous supply of clean waterLubricates seal, keeps things steadyStops leaks, keeps system safe

API piping plans help control the area around the seal. This makes the seal last longer and keeps things safe. Good design and care of support systems keep the seal chamber in good shape.

Installation and Maintenance Considerations

Putting in seals the right way and taking care of them helps them last longer. Workers should keep all tools and parts clean so nothing gets inside the seal. They need to check seal parts before using them and use the right tools. Lubrication is important, but only the kind that is recommended. The shaft should be smooth so it does not hurt the seal. Bolts should be tightened in a criss-cross way to keep things even. After putting in the seal, let it settle before starting the pump.

Checking seals often for wear, leaks, or damage is important. Doing things early, like using filters or better support systems, helps stop problems. These steps keep seals working well and make them last longer.

Seal Face Materials for High-Pressure Sealing

Picking the right seal face material is very important. High-pressure pumps need strong and tough materials. Each material has special benefits. Some are better at handling heat. Others are good at fighting chemicals. Victor uses new materials to make sure seals work well in hard places.

Tungsten Carbide

Tungsten carbide is very strong and tough. It is almost as hard as diamond. This makes it great for pumps with high pressure. It can handle a lot of rubbing and rough fluids. Tungsten carbide does not wear out fast. It also works well when there is shaking or vibration.

  • Very hard and does not wear out fast
  • Can handle heat up to 750°F (400°C)
  • Stays strong against acids and alkalis
  • Very strong under high pressure
PropertyTungsten CarbideOther Materials
Chemical ResistanceGreat against most acids and alkalisChanges, often not as good
Compressive StrengthHigh, good for high pressureUsually lower
Wear ResistanceVery good, lasts longerOften not as strong
Thermal StabilityVery good, does not change with heatChanges a lot
Erosion ResistanceWorks well with fluids with particlesUsually not as good

Tungsten carbide seals are good for pumps with rough or harsh fluids. They help stop leaks and need less fixing.

Silicon Carbide

Silicon carbide is another good choice for high pressure. It moves heat away fast. This keeps the seal cool. Silicon carbide does not react with most acids or bases. It is safe from many chemicals. It is good for pumps that move strong or fast-moving fluids.

  • Moves heat away quickly
  • Can take heat up to 800°F (427°C)
  • Does not get damaged by most chemicals
  • Good for rough and harsh fluids
  • Silicon carbide can save money over time because it lasts longer. It needs less fixing in tough places.
  • Tungsten carbide costs less at first, but silicon carbide may be cheaper later.

Specialty Carbons

Specialty carbon materials, like carbon graphite, have special uses. These materials make their own slippery layer. This helps lower rubbing and wear. They also fight chemicals and move heat away well. Specialty carbons are good for pumps that use many chemicals or run fast.

AdvantageDescription
Self-LubricatingMakes less rubbing and wear, so seals last longer, even if there is not much oil.
Chemical ResistanceWorks with many chemicals, so it is good for chemical plants.
Thermal ConductivityMoves heat away well, so seals do not get too hot or break early in fast pumps.

Specialty carbon seal faces help pumps work better by lowering rubbing and heat. This makes seals last longer and work more reliably.

Victor’s dual mechanical pump seals, like balanced and cartridge types, work well in high-pressure places. When picking a seal, match the seal type to the pressure. Think about the kind of fluid in the pump. Double seal systems are safer for tough jobs. Good support systems and regular care help seals last longer and do their job better.

Victor’s StrengthsDetails
Industry ExperienceOver two decades since 1998
Product RangeCartridge, bellows, and O-ring seals
Material QualitySilicon Carbide, Tungsten Carbide, Carbon
ComplianceMeets DIN24960, EN12756, ISO3069 standards

For the best results, talk to Victor’s experts. They can help you pick the right seal for your needs and make sure everything works well.