Troubleshooting Mechanical Seals | Coking | Part 7

Chesterton

Coking

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

Chesterton

This is a 9 part series. Click to view each article: 1 : 2 : 3 : 4 : 5 : 6 : 7 : 8 : 9

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Troubleshooting Mechanical Seals | Coking | Part 7