A Mechanical Seal Guide

The Mechanical Seal – one of the most effective ways of sealing rotating shafts. This consists of two plane faces arranged perpendicular to the axis of the rotating shaft (which gives rise to the alternative name “radial face seal”).

One face is fixed to the equipment casing or vessel, while the other is fixed to the shaft and so rotates with it. Frictional heat generation and wear is controlled by maintaining a film of lubricant between the seal faces. As such, mechanical seals resemble thrust bearings.

Mechanical Seals have replaced packings as the seal of choice in many applications, primarily because mechanical seals offer:

• Reduced wear (from lower friction)
• Reduced heat generation (from lower friction)
• Lower energy consumption (from lower friction)
• Reduced maintenance requirement (from reduced wear)
• Tighter control of shaft leakage (from extremely low or zero fluid emissions)

Mechanical Seals are precision devices, requiring, in general, more careful installation and higher initial investment than those of soft packings.

M Barnwell Services partners the world’s leading manufacturers of quality Mechanical Seal. As such, we have access to the widest range of standard mechanical seals available and all items are standard production seals and can be supplied ex-stock.

For more information visit our Mechanical Seals page, download the brochure or contact us today.