Mechanical seals play a vital role in many devices and processes. Your fridge would not be able to keep food cold if it couldn’t maintain a tight seal to keep cool air in and warm air out. Seals can dry out or become worn over time and it is important to regularly check them to ensure they are still performing their function. Troubleshooting a mechanical seal requires some regular observation and diligence.
Instructions
1.Examine the overall performance of the machine. If the machine is running smoothly without any performance problems, the seals in that machine are still functional. That doesn’t mean they may not need replacement since they could still be close to failure, but they are at least still providing a functional seal for the time being. If the machine is malfunctioning, a bad seal could be the root of the problem.
2.Look at the seals themselves to see if they show any signs of cracking, pitting or splitting. Seals are made of rubber and other elastic materials and they can dry out over time, resulting in a worn and possibly discolored appearance. If the seal is pitted or discolored, you may be cleaning or lubricating it with a corrosive chemical inadvertently. Review the current cleaning procedures for the seal and remove any potentially corrosive chemicals from the process.
3.Check for any large divots in the seal. This indicates that something may be striking the seal improperly during machine operation. Uneven wear marks on the seal indicate an alignment problem.
4.Feel the seal. If it feels excessively dry and roughly textured, the seal could be drying out and will likely need replacement soon, even it it still is working fine presently. If the seal is improperly wet, the moisture is likely because of a seal leak. Avoid feeling the seal with your bare fingers if the seal is in contact with corrosive chemicals.
5.Compare the size of the seal with the size of the area the seal is protecting. If the seal is smaller, it could be shrinking from temperature exposure and a leak is likely if it hasn’t already started. If the seal is much larger, it may be an incorrect seal to use on that particular machine.
Post time: Jun-25-2021