56 Mechanical Seals for Pumps: Application Guidelines

Table 6.1: General application guide per seal type

Seal Type Applications

Non-pusher elastomeric bellows seal A–B–D–E–L

Non-pusher metal bellows seal A–D–E–F–I–J–L

Pusher O-ring secondary seal A–B–G–H–K
Pusher polymer secondary seal A–B–G–K
Pusher stationary slurry seal A–B–C–D–E–F–M
Pusher split seal A–B–K

Pusher dual gas seal A–B–E–F–G–H–L

Fluids/Characteristics:
A – Clean Lubricating
B – Clean Nonlubricating
C – Viscous
D – Clogging/Scaling/Polymerizing/Fibrous
E – Crystallizing
F – Molten Liquid
G – Corrosive – Acids
H – High Vapor Pressure
I – Cryogenic
J – High Temperature (>260 C/500 F)
K – Solids (<0.1% by volume and less than 10 micrometers [394
microinches] in size)
L – Solids (<2% by volume and less than 10 micrometers [394 microinches]
in size)
M – Solids (>2% by volume)

applications. Elastomers have a variety of temperature limits in various

chemicals or acids as a result of chemical attack or swelling. These limits
are beyond the scope of this guideline, but can be located in the manufac-
turer’s literature. Seals that rotate with the shaft are limited in speed be-
cause of unbalanced forces. The rule of thumb is that rotating seals should
not be used at speeds in excess of 25 m/s (5000 ft/min). Stationary seal
speeds are limited by the face material combination, known as the PV limit,
which is a combination of the face pressure times the peripheral speed at
the mean face diameter.
Static pressure limits for mechanical seals, such as when the pump is
subject to a hydrostatic pressure test, has a different set of parameters that
needs consideration. The following is a short list of items that control static
pressure limits for mechanical seals taking into account that leakage and
mechanical damage is not acceptable:
• Secondary seal extrusion
• Primary ring or mating ring stresses