The pump is leaking, what should I do?

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Analysis of the cause of leakage 01: Leakage occurs during static testing. After the machinery is properly sealed and installed, it is tuned up, with static testing being the common method used to identify any leaks or other issues. If the amount of leakage is small, it can be determined that there is a problem with the static ring seal or the dynamic ring seal ； If a large amount of leakage occurs, it can be determined that there is a problem with the friction pair between the static ring and the ring seal. First, the amount of leakage and the nature of the leakage issue are observed and assessed. Subsequently, by observing the manual rotation of the component, if there is no significant change in leakage, it indicates that there is a problem with the position of the sealing ring between the stationary ring and the moving ring; if there is a noticeable change in leakage during rotation, it suggests that there is an issue with the friction pair between the stationary ring and the sealing ring. Observe the leaking medium again: if it sprays in an axial direction, it indicates that the main problem lies with the seal ring of the rotating ring; if it sprays from the cooling water holes or in all directions, it suggests there is a problem with the seal rings of the stationary ring. Furthermore, leakage pathways can exist simultaneously, and it is generally necessary to closely monitor situations where problems occur and leaks appear. 02 Leakage occurs during trial operation. After the mechanical components of the pump have been adjusted for sealing, high-speed operation during the initial phase of use generates significant centrifugal force, leading to leakage of the medium. Therefore, in the event of a leak during operation, the possibility of poor sealing at the end caps or between the shafts can be basically ruled out; it is determined that the leak is caused by damage to the friction pair between the stationary and rotating rings. The main factors causing problems with the sealing of the friction pair are as follows: First, during operation, abnormal conditions such as pressure buildup, cavitation, and evacuation occur, which lead to an increase in axial force and result in separation between the contact surfaces of the moving and stationary rings ； Second, when installing a mechanical seal, the amount of compression generated is significant, which leads to damage to the friction pair ； Third, the sealing between the moving rings is too tight, preventing the springs from performing their adjustment function, which results in axial play ； Fourth, if the static ring seal ring becomes loose, the dynamic ring starts to float, and under the intense force exerted, the static ring can detach from its seat. Fifth, a poor working environment can lead to pollution particles coming into contact with the friction pairs, thereby causing damage to the stationary and rotating rings ； Sixth, the design did not include an accurate assessment of the appropriate selection of components, which may lead to operational errors during use, or to improper tuning of the stationary and rotating rings. 03 Sudden leakage during normal operation: Mechanical pumps can experience sudden leaks while in use. The causes of such leaks include wear and tear resulting from long-term use, as well as improper operation or maintenance during use. First, if conditions such as pressure buildup, cavitation, or evacuation occur over a prolonged period in the machinery, it will lead to damage to the machinery’s sealing performance ； Second, the actual output of the pump’s machinery does not meet normal standards; the low output causes some gases to accumulate within the machinery. Under these conditions, the medium vaporizes, leading to seal failure ； Third, the backflow volume exceeds what the machinery can handle, causing the sediment in the container to rise to the surface and damaging the machinery’s sealing ； Fourth, prolonged idling of the machinery leads to problems with its friction pairs and manual turning devices, further damaging the machinery ； Fifth, certain substances present in the medium can cause corrosion to the machinery, which is detrimental to maintaining its good sealing properties ； Sixth, the operating conditions are not fixed, and they change or are adjusted quite frequently ； Seventh, the temperature of the working environment can also affect the sealing performance of pump machinery under certain conditions ； Eighth, sudden mechanical failures or power outages can have a significant impact on mechanical performance. During the operation of pump machinery, issues such as leaks can occur; failing to take effective measures in response to these problems often leads to severe accidents and damages. Common mistake in sealing maintenance: It is believed that a greater degree of spring compression leads to better sealing performance. However, excessive compression can cause frequent friction or severe damage to the friction surfaces; moreover, such high compression prevents the spring from fulfilling its regulatory function, which may result in sealing failure. 2. A too-tight sealing ring for the moving ring: An overly tight sealing ring on the moving ring hinders the proper operation of the machinery. An overly tight sealing ring can lead to increased friction or a disruption in the axial adjustment mechanism; the spring may suffer excessive damage, thereby severely affecting the sealing performance. 3. A tightly sealed static ring seal: The static ring seal is generally in a stationary state, and tightening it helps to ensure good sealing performance. However, excessive sealing can make the installation and removal process more difficult, and excessive stress on the static ring may lead to its fragmentation. 4. Repairing is more effective than not repairing it. Once a mechanical leakage occurs in the pump, the machinery is repaired; however, sometimes minor adjustments to the seals are sufficient to resolve the leakage issue. The dismantling and repair processes inevitably lead to unnecessary financial waste, and may affect the proper operation of the mechanical equipment to some extent.