the initial symptoms indicates the seal problem

Typically, the first symptom will be some level of leakage. This could range from a small tight spray on the outside of the seal that can be felt on the hand to a full spray out of the back of the seal to a continual drip. Another common symptom is a squealing sound that results when the seal cannot maintain a barrier/buffer fluid. Depending on the type of seal and the American Petroleum Institute (API) piping plan, symptoms could also include leaking of process water into the product or material being pumped. This may dilute the process, or it must be treated further down into the system separate contaminants.

What can cause a mechanical seal to leak or fail?

The loss of the liquid film, or lubricant, between the faces of a mechanical seal is the largest cause of seal failure. This usually results due to a lack of maintenance on the seal’s lubricating parts. Sometimes a seal fails because it wasn’t the right type of mechanical seal for the application. Other causes include improper assembly or installation, cavitation, and improper operation of the pump itself.

What can cause the seal to lose lubrication?

Losing lubrication to the mechanical seal faces can result from a number of factors. Some of these include dry start up, suction loss, plugged flush orifice, increased temperature, the wrong balance, or contamination in the cooler, water jacket, or flush lines.⁴