Industry-Knowledge

centrifugal pump mechanical seal installation​

Centrifugal Pump Mechanical Seal Installation Guide

1. Safety Precautions

  • Lock out/tag out (LOTO) the pump and motor

  • Depressurize and drain the pump completely

  • Allow the pump to cool if previously in operation

  • Wear appropriate PPE (gloves, eye protection)

2. Tools and Materials Needed

  • New mechanical seal kit (correct type and size)

  • Dial indicator (for shaft runout check)

  • Micrometer or calipers

  • Torque wrench

  • Clean, lint-free rags

  • Isopropyl alcohol or non-petroleum based cleaner

  • Silicone-based lubricant (for O-rings)

  • Soft-faced mallet (if needed)

  • Bearing grease (for shaft)

3. Removal of Old Seal

  1. Disconnect and remove coupling

  2. Remove bearing housing (if necessary)

  3. Extract the gland plate assembly

  4. Carefully remove old seal components:

    • Stationary seat from gland plate

    • Rotating assembly from shaft

  5. Clean all surfaces thoroughly

4. Pre-Installation Checks

✔ Verify shaft runout (< 0.05mm)
✔ Check shaft/sleeve for wear or scoring
✔ Inspect seal chamber for damage
✔ Confirm new seal matches specifications
✔ Ensure all components are clean and dry

5. Step-by-Step Installation

A. Stationary Seal Installation

  1. Lightly lubricate O-ring with silicone grease

  2. Install stationary seat into gland plate

  3. Ensure proper orientation (consult drawing)

  4. Seat firmly but don't force

B. Rotating Assembly Installation

  1. Lubricate shaft lightly with grease

  2. Slide rotating assembly onto shaft:

    • For component seals: install spring, rotating face, collar separately

    • For cartridge seals: install as complete unit

  3. Align carefully to prevent O-ring damage

C. Setting Seal Compression

  • For component seals:

    • Set proper spring compression (typically 3-5mm)

    • Align set screws with shaft flats (if applicable)

    • Tighten set screws gradually in sequence

  • For cartridge seals:

    • No adjustment needed (pre-set compression)

D. Gland Plate Installation

  1. Install new gaskets

  2. Al gland plate carefully

  3. Tighten bolts evenly in crisscross pattern

  4. Torque to manufacturer's specifications

6. Post-Installation Verification

  1. Rotate shaft manually - should turn smoothly

  2. Check for proper alignment of all components

  3. Verify no binding or interference

  4. For dual seals, fill barrier fluid chamber

7. Startup Procedure

  1. Prime the pump completely

  2. Vent air from seal chamber (if applicable)

  3. Start pump slowly

  4. Monitor for:

    • Leakage (should be minimal)

    • Vibration

    • Temperature

  5. Allow for initial run-in period (seal faces may seat)

8. Common Installation Mistakes to Avoid

  • Forcing components into place

  • Over-tightening set screws

  • Dry running the seal

  • Incorrect spring compression

  • Contaminating seal faces

  • Improper gland bolt tightening sequence

  • Using incompatible lubricants

9. Maintenance Tips

  • Check seal flush system operation

  • Monitor leakage rates

  • Record operating temperatures

  • Keep spare seal kits on hand

  • Follow manufacturer's relubrication schedule

10. Troubleshooting Guide

ProblemPossible CauseSolution
Excessive leakageDamaged faces, improper installReinstall correctly, replace seal
Seal overheatingDry running, misalignmentEnsure proper lubrication, align
Premature failureWrong seal type, chemical attackVerify compatibility, material
VibrationImproper installation, imbalanceCheck alignment, balance

Note: Always refer to the pump and seal manufacturer's specific instructions for your equipment. Proper installation is critical for mechanical seal longevity and leak-free operation.

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