The hazards and countermeasures of shaft seal failure in slurry pumps

---

• TIME : 2024-12-13

The failure of the shaft seal of the slurry pump may lead to a series of serious hazards, including:

1. Leakage issue:

High pressure liquid leakage: Failure of the shaft seal can cause high-pressure liquid to leak from the slurry pump, which not only wastes resources but may also pollute the environment.

Air entering the pump body: Air entering the pump body may lead to a decrease in pump efficiency and even cause cavitation.

2. Security risks:

Leakage of flammable, explosive, and toxic liquids: If the pump is transporting flammable, explosive, or toxic liquids, the leakage may lead to fire, explosion, or poisoning accidents, with unimaginable consequences.

Mechanical failure: Leaked liquid may enter the motor or other critical components, causing equipment damage or malfunction.

3. Performance degradation:

Reduced pump efficiency: Failure of the shaft seal can lead to a decrease in the sealing performance of the pump, which in turn affects the operating efficiency of the pump.

Increased wear: The leaked liquid may carry particulate matter, which entering the pump's interior can exacerbate the wear of internal components.

4. Increased maintenance costs:

Frequent maintenance: Shaft seal failure requires frequent maintenance, which increases maintenance costs and downtime.

Replacement of parts: Severe leaks may require replacement of the entire shaft seal assembly, or even other damaged components.

Response measures

To reduce or avoid the harm caused by the failure of the slurry pump shaft seal, the following measures can be taken:

1. Correct selection of shaft seal type:

Select the appropriate type of shaft seal based on the operating conditions and medium characteristics of the slurry pump, such as mechanical seal, packing seal, or packing and auxiliary impeller seal.

Considering the characteristics of the medium: For flammable, explosive, high-temperature, high-pressure, and highly corrosive liquids, mechanical seals are preferred.

2. Regular maintenance and inspection:

Regularly check the leakage rate: Regularly check the leakage rate of the shaft seal water. When the leakage rate increases, adjust the bolts of the packing gland or replace the packing and failed O-ring seals in a timely manner.

Check the cooling water: Ensure that the pressure and flow rate of the cooling water meet the requirements, and regularly check the smoothness of the cooling water system.

3. Keep clean:

Clean lubricating oil: Regularly check the quality of lubricating oil to ensure its cleanliness and prevent dust or oil aging and deterioration.

Clean the cooler: replace the scaled cooler in a timely manner to maintain the heat transfer efficiency of the cooler.

4. Correct installation and debugging:

Pre installation inspection: Check the mating surface of the dynamic and static ring friction pairs before installation to ensure that there is no deformation, abrasion, or cracking.

Static pressure test: Conduct a static pressure test after installation and commissioning, observe the leakage situation, and promptly detect and solve problems.

5. Operating standards:

Avoid abnormal working conditions: Avoid abnormal working conditions such as emptying, air pockets, and pressure build-up to reduce the risk of damage to the shaft seal.

Pre start inspection: Ensure that the cooling water system is functioning properly and adjust the cooling water pressure to the specified value before starting.

Through the above measures, the risk of shaft seal failure in slurry pumps can be effectively reduced, ensuring the normal operation and safe use of the pump.

　　This article originates from https://www.fuyangpumps.com/news/288.html. Please indicate the source when reprinting.

(Editor in charge: Slurry Pump https://www.fuyangpumps.com/)

• Previous: Advantages of lithium based grease in lubrication of slurry pump bearings
• Next: Wear and tear of overcurrent components: cost increasing factors for slurry pumps