56 Mechanical Seals for Pumps: Application Guidelines
Table 6.1: General application guide per seal type
Seal Type Applications
Non-pusher elastomeric bellows seal A–B–D–E–L
Non-pusher metal bellows seal A–D–E–F–I–J–L
Pusher O-ring secondary seal A–B–G–H–K Pusher polymer secondary seal A–B–G–K Pusher stationary slurry seal A–B–C–D–E–F–M Pusher split seal A–B–K
Pusher dual gas seal A–B–E–F–G–H–L
Fluids/Characteristics: A – Clean Lubricating B – Clean Nonlubricating C – Viscous D – Clogging/Scaling/Polymerizing/Fibrous E – Crystallizing F – Molten Liquid G – Corrosive – Acids H – High Vapor Pressure I – Cryogenic J – High Temperature (>260 C/500 F) K – Solids (<0.1% by volume and less than 10 micrometers [394 microinches] in size) L – Solids (<2% by volume and less than 10 micrometers [394 microinches] in size) M – Solids (>2% by volume)
applications. Elastomers have a variety of temperature limits in various
chemicals or acids as a result of chemical attack or swelling. These limits are beyond the scope of this guideline, but can be located in the manufac- turer’s literature. Seals that rotate with the shaft are limited in speed be- cause of unbalanced forces. The rule of thumb is that rotating seals should not be used at speeds in excess of 25 m/s (5000 ft/min). Stationary seal speeds are limited by the face material combination, known as the PV limit, which is a combination of the face pressure times the peripheral speed at the mean face diameter. Static pressure limits for mechanical seals, such as when the pump is subject to a hydrostatic pressure test, has a different set of parameters that needs consideration. The following is a short list of items that control static pressure limits for mechanical seals taking into account that leakage and mechanical damage is not acceptable: • Secondary seal extrusion • Primary ring or mating ring stresses