Troubleshooting Mechanical Seals - Coking
(part 7)
from Chesterton
Posted 2-23-04
SEAL FACE - COKING SEAL
FACE - CRYSTALLIZED
SYMPTOMS:
Coking or crystallized product
CAUSES:
Excessive temperatures (both)
Dirty or contaminated fluid (coking)
Operating outside of the temperature envelope of the fluid
(both)
Small clearances in the seal chamber
Pump cooling jacket not efficient
Fluid evaporation between the seal faces (crystallization)
FAILURE MODES:
Inadequate environmental controls
Product harden, set-up or coked
Exceeded limits (speed, temperature, pressure)
SOLUTIONS:
Proper use of environmental controls
Operate within seal limits
Understand the temperature envelope of the fluid being sealed |
