How to Measure Component Mechanical Seal Size

So – how do you ensure that you have the right seal for your pump?

Here’s what you need to know about measuring your mechanical seal…

What Are Mechanical Seals? 

Mechanical seals are devices designed to prevent the leakage of fluids and gases during transport through rotating equipment, such as pumps and mixers. They are typically comprised of both stationary and rotary components, which together establish a secure seal.

There are many types of mechanical seals, with various designs, arrangements, and materials to handle liquids and gases at a variety of pressures, temperatures, and speeds.

What Are Common Components of a Mechanical Seal?

Mechanical seals are essential parts of industrial pumping processes. To maintain a controlled flow of liquid, prevent leaks and cross-contamination, and sustain a high level of cleanliness, using the right seal is a must.

Before you can properly measure your seal, though, familiarize yourself with its elements. Though different seals have different parts, mechanical seals generally consist of four distinct sections:

The seal face is affixed to and rotates with the shaft to seal against the stationary element.

The secondary seals provide sealing around the mating ring, gland, and in the housing. 

Stationary seats are mounted in the housing and do not rotate with the shaft.

Springs or other mechanical loading devices are incorporated to exert axial force, maintaining a static seal when the pump is not running.

How Are They Measured?

To accurately measure your mechanical seal, you must separate each component and calculate its dimensions individually:

1. Remove the seal face from the spring and assess its inside diameter. This will determine the shaft or the sleeve size.
2. Next, determine the length of the spring once separated from the seal face.
3. Measure the outside diameter, the inside diameter, and thickness of the stationary seat.

Once you have your measurements, identify and cross-reference the appropriate seal for your application.

How to Select the Right Mechanical Seal for Your Processes

Now that you know how to measure your mechanical seals, the next step toward determining what mechanical seal you need is to verify it meets the correct design and material requirements for your processes.

There are three main types of mechanical seals used in processing: cartridge, component, and gas.

A cartridge seal is a self-contained unit housing the sealing components, pre-assembled and preset by the manufacturer. These can be equipped with one or two seals, depending on the usage.

A component seal consists of a separate rotating unit and stationary seat mounted in a housing.

A gas seal does not use a wetted barrier fluid, so the seal faces operate only on a thin film of air or nitrogen. These are primarily installed in applications where maximum protection against leaking or contamination is required.

Mechanical seal materials can determine whether it functions properly and how long it will last before requiring maintenance. The primary sealing surfaces are typically made from hard material, such as silicon carbide, ceramic, or tungsten carbide, in conjunction with a softer material, such as carbon. Many others can be used, depending on pressure, temperature, and chemical properties of the liquid inside.

Whether you’re selecting from a line of standard cartridge seals, or seeking something a bit more specialized, Sunair Co. can equip you with exactly the seal you need.

Supplying everything from non-chemical external seals to cartridge-mounted double seals, and providing a full range of support systems, including fluid distribution units, easy-clean systems, and myriad other configurations, you can trust Sunair Co. to keep your processes running smoothly.

Sunair Co. is the industry-leading expert on mechanical seals, pumps, compressors, and more. Our team has been developing custom systems and advising clients on which mechanical seals they need for their systems, across dozens of industries and hundreds of applications, for nearly 50 years.

Contact Sunair Co. today to learn more about how we can help you choose the perfect mechanical seal, along with other equipment, for your needs.