Flex-a-Seal Mechanical Seals

Flexaseal supplies mechanical seals, welded metal bellows seals, split seals, cartridge seals, and support systems for pumps and other rotating equipment in industrial service.

A mechanical seal helps contain fluid where a rotating shaft passes through equipment. Its performance depends on face conditions, materials, alignment, lubrication, and the operating environment.

Packing uses compressed rings around a shaft and may require controlled leakage. A mechanical seal uses mating faces, with different installation, support, and maintenance requirements.

A cartridge seal packages key sealing components into an assembled unit. It can simplify installation, but dimensions, setting procedures, and compatibility must still match the equipment.

A split seal assembles around the shaft in sections, potentially reducing equipment disassembly. Confirm access, shaft condition, application limits, and the installation requirements of the selected design.

A welded metal bellows provides an element of the seal's flexible assembly. Selection must consider materials, movement, pressure, temperature, and compatibility with the process fluid.

A single seal uses one primary sealing arrangement, while a dual arrangement uses two. Dual designs can involve buffer or barrier systems with additional monitoring and support requirements.

A support system supplies conditions needed by the seal, such as flushing, cooling, or barrier-fluid pressure. The arrangement must suit the selected seal and process duty.

Face materials influence wear, heat behavior, and chemical resistance. Their suitability depends on fluid lubricity, solids, temperature, pressure, and the combination of mating surfaces.

Elastomers can swell, harden, or degrade in incompatible fluids. Evaluate process chemicals, cleaning agents, concentration, and temperature for all secondary sealing materials.

Suitable seal designs and support arrangements may address abrasive service. Report particle size, hardness, concentration, and settling behavior so the application can be assessed accurately.

Potential causes include dry operation, unsuitable materials, misalignment, vibration, thermal changes, and inadequate support conditions. Investigating the system helps avoid repeatedly replacing a seal without correcting the cause.

No. Selection also requires chamber dimensions, speed, pressure, temperature, fluid properties, and equipment movement. Existing drawings and seal identification help establish the required configuration.

An upgrade may improve suitability when conditions have changed or failures recur. Check equipment dimensions, support-system requirements, and expected operating conditions before choosing a different arrangement.

Monitor leakage, temperatures, vibration, and support-system conditions as applicable. Follow the manufacturer's inspection and replacement guidance, and investigate changes before a minor problem becomes a larger equipment failure.

Call Industrial Air Services at (615) 641-3100 with equipment details, seal dimensions, fluid properties, operating conditions, and failure history to discuss an appropriate sealing solution.