m.seals for alga seaweed process information 1

[9888]

Hello:

I are working in the ALGAS / SEAWEED process plant, and all pumps in this place are whit leakage in the stuffing boxes.
The seal material in use is mechanical packing in pure graphite, and my question is what is the best system for sealing this pumps.I have not experience in this process, some people can help me about this work, I need information about process fluids, chemical composition, fluids temperature, etc.

Thank you for help me and sorry for my bad english.

Jorge Alonso
agmarargentina@ciudad.com.ar

 

[smckennz]

Hello again Jorge
packed seals are designed to leak. Its just that they should not leak very much. It the water is coming outs in drips then they are probably working as designed. If the water is spraying out, then something is wrong. This is normally one of 4 things.
1) not adjusted. Tighten the gland bolts and see if the leakage reduces.
2) Worn out shaft sleeve. This is the rotating cylinder that the packing presses on. If its worn out, it will be badly grooved so the packing cannot seal the grooves and water comes out. New sleeve required.
3) Worn out/ poorly fitted packing. Sleeve looks good but tightening does not reduce leakage. Make sure the bolts and compression sleeve are not jammed. Replace packing. Graphite (hard) is normally a good choice with seawater. If you choose Teflon, do not use a stainless rotating sleeve.
4) Worn out pump bearings. The seal is not strong enough to act as a bearing and will wear out fast. Check bearings.

There are about 100 other causes; hopefully your problem is one of these simple ones.

Cheers

Steve Mckenzie