A mechanical seal, also known as a face seal, relies on the combined force of a spring and the pressure of the sealing medium to produce an appropriate clamping force between the rotating moving ring and the stationary ring's contact surfaces. This ensures that these two faces are tightly attached. A very thin layer of oil film is maintained between the faces, creating significant resistance when the medium passes through, which prevents liquid leakage and achieves the purpose of sealing while providing lubrication for the moving and stationary rings. When adjusted properly, it can achieve complete leak-proofing.
1 Characteristics of Mechanical Seals in Water Pumps
The main advantages of mechanical seals in water pumps include reliable sealing with minimal leakage over a long usage cycle; long service life, generally lasting around 5 years; and long maintenance intervals. However, mechanical seals have a complex structure, requiring high precision in manufacturing and installation, resulting in higher costs. Additionally, they demand high technical skills from maintenance personnel. Since the mechanical seals used in oil pipelines are all internal types, repairing the mechanical seal often requires disassembling the oil pump, which is labor-intensive. Therefore, ensuring the reliable operation of mechanical seals and extending their service life is crucial.