Feature

Avoiding the problem of leaking pump seals

Dynamic seals in pumps can be basic or works of great ingenuity. However, since almost all seals utilize the process liquid to lubricate the seal faces, they are fundamentally designed to leak. Torque to overcome a dry running seal is two to three times that of a lubricated seal.

08/12/2013 13:40:21

Even the best designed and fitted seal is prone to wear and eventually will need to be replaced. The fact is that in excess of 85% of mechanical seals fail prematurely because of abrasive particles, shaft vibration, pipe strain, misalignment etc. Replacing a seal will often bring respite but it seldom provides a long-term cure to a leak problem.

Wanner's Hydra-Cell seal-less pumps are high-efficiency, hydraulically balanced diaphragm pumps that have no dynamic seals in contact with the pumped liquid, totally eliminating the need for seal maintenance. Many Hydra-Cell models can operate at pressures in excess of 140bar, offering 100 percent safe containment of corrosive, aggressive and abrasive liquids.

Pump manufacturers make claims about the time taken to replace shaft seals but any time taken in seal maintenance is downtime for the pump and potentially for the process. In terms of parts and labour this can be costly… In terms of lost production this can be disastrous. Users of Hydra-Cell pumps don’t have such problems.

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.