Troubleshooting mechanical seals - Centered/ Miscentered

from Chesterton
Posted 10-12-03

STATIONARY (TYPE SEAL) - CENTERED     ROTARY (TYPE SEAL) - MISCENTERED

SYMPTOMS:
Centered or miscentered

CAUSES: Centered seal face wear track indicates -
Properly centered seal and good equipment operation Miscentered seal face wear track indicates
Miscentered seal (rotary type) during installation
Equipment condition - Radial runout
Equipment operation - Off curve, vibration

FAILURE MODES:
Misinstallation
Equipment conditions

SOLUTIONS:
Check bearings for radial runout exceeding limit of seal type
Review installation techniques/instructions
Check equipment for shaft - Seal chamber concentricity