Some considerations on the mechanical seal of centrifugal pumps
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When you have time, how do cavitation and erosion affect seal leakage respectively? I hope experts can give some advice! Thank you
Vacuum and cavitation can cause intense vibrations in the pump, and these have the greatest impact on the mechanical seal; in severe cases, they can even destroy the seal.
If you take a look at what cavitation is, you’ll understand: it causes severe vibrations in the pump. The static ring of the mechanical seal is usually made of SIC, and it can easily break under such vibrations. When there is a pause, cavitation is not severe, but the vibrations are sufficient to crack the mechanical seal.
This ultimately leads to leakage; cavitation has an even greater impact, disrupting the dynamic balance of the mechanical seal and causing it to deviate from its designed operating conditions, thus resulting in leakage
Both air extraction and cavitation are operational issues; while following the operating procedures strictly, it is also necessary to enhance a sense of responsibility； For example, cavitation: everything is taken care of during venting, but if there is still air in the pipeline, cavitation can still occur.
I agree with the view expressed in this thread; both of them can cause vibrations, and in severe cases, they can lead to damage to the graphite static ring. Typically, the stationary ring is made of graphite, while the rotating ring is made of SIC
Excessive time without operation can cause the mechanical seal to overheat, and when liquid enters again, it will damage the mechanical seal