mechanical seals differ from regular packing

Like day and night. Conventional packing requires a lubricant so as not to burn up while the shaft is turning on the equipment. Often the material being pumped serves as the lubricant. However, as a result, packing needs to leak a little to function properly. Mechanical seals, on the other hand, can achieve practically a leak-free environment. With tighter environmental emission regulations placed on manufacturers, this becomes even more important.

Packing requires a higher level of attention and maintenance than mechanical seals. Packing must be adjusted and repacked periodically. What’s more, packing tends to wear on pump parts, cutting the shaft or sleeve. With a static “O”-ring mounted to the shaft, mechanical seals will not damage the shaft or sleeve.