High salt content: how to choose a flushing scheme for crystallization mechanical seals
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As the title suggests, I would be very grateful if everyone could share their insights. Thank you very much
There are two main issues: first, crystallization can easily hinder the normal expansion and contraction of the spring; it is best to use an external water source for cleaning. If that’s not possible, using an external spring or bellows for sealing would be a better solution； The second issue is that crystallization entering the sealing surface increases wear on that surface; using an external water source for cleaning can prevent the medium from reaching the sealing surface. Additionally, wear-resistant materials such as cemented carbide, tungsten carbide, or silicon carbide can be used. Moreover, a sharp-edged design for the edges of the sealing surface can also help reduce the amount of medium crystals that get in
I have an example here of flushing the seal area with additional fluid at night. The pump used to transfer soda ash (in solution) has a slight leakage in its mechanical seal; replacing it is not cost-effective. Moreover, the white substance that results from the recrystallization of the leaked soda ash is difficult to deal with. As a solution, a pouring funnel is used to flush the mechanical seal, which helps to cool it down and prevents leakage.
Specifically, what is the plan amount? Or is the external flushing internal or external?
PLAN32 is commonly used for granular and crystalline media, with demineralized water or fresh water being directly connected to continuously flush into the pump chamber. Moreover, larger springs are often chosen; compared to using multiple springs, they are less likely to get stuck.
If a long-term shutdown is required, the pipes and pumps are flushed with water; there’s no such measure for short-term shutdowns
External flushing; the pump is a Hangzhou alkali pump with a mechanical seal. Another type is the Zeus pump (K-ring). You can modify your pumps by referring to the sealing structure of these two types of pumps.
Basically, mechanical seals that meet API standards are not very suitable; if a centrifugal pump must be used, then the P32 model, which is simple, straightforward, and highly effective, should be chosen
It is washed with external process water; this is the case for all transfers of ammonium sulfide solution/slurry in our ammonium sulfide plant