Why does ATACH pump recommend that new seals should be replaced immediately when the existing seals start to leak?

Some customers in the centrifugal pump mechanical seal leakage, think that the leakage is large, do not replace, think that this is a small problem, in fact, should immediately replace the new mechanical seal, otherwise it will lead to more serious pump damage. 

The most direct and effective solution is to immediately stop the centrifugal pump and replace the new shaft seal, while also checking the wear condition of the pump shaft. 

1. Identify the signs of damage

The most obvious sign of an axial seal failure is leakage. You can observe liquid continuously seeping out at the connection point between the pump body and the shaft. Usually, there will be a heating phenomenon as well, because the failure of the seal leads to increased friction, causing a significant rise in local temperature. During operation, you may also hear abnormal friction sounds or vibration noises, which are all signals that require immediate attention. (ATACH PUMP CHINA) 

2. Analyze the causes of damage

The damage of the shaft seal is mostly caused by long-term wear. The high-speed friction between the mechanical seal components and the shaft gradually wears down the sealing material. If the transported medium is corrosive, it will accelerate the aging and erosion of the sealing material. Improper installation, such as eccentric installation or insufficient tightening, can also cause the shaft seal to fail prematurely. The impact generated by excessive pressure fluctuations in the pump system can also damage the sealing surface. 

3. Solutions

After discovering that the shaft seal is damaged, the pump should be stopped and isolated to prevent further damage due to continued operation. New shaft seals of the same specification should be purchased based on the pump's model. When disassembling the old parts, be careful to protect the surface of the pump shaft. Before installation, it is essential to check if the pump shaft is worn or scratched. Minor damages can be repaired by grinding, while severe damages require replacement of the entire shaft. The new shaft seal installation should be aligned to the center and pressed in evenly to ensure that the sealing surface is fully in contact. For corrosive medium conditions, it is advisable to upgrade to mechanical seals or double-end face seals made of corrosion-resistant materials.