Mechanical Seal not leak After cleaning flushing line

[Rafael Dos Santos]

Greeting everyone.

I have some question regarding the title. Before this, 1 of our pumps leak through mech seal. The leakage was really bad. The pump is over hung type spray tower recirculation pump by flowserve.So, someone try cleaning the flushing line thoroughly. After cleaning and test run, there is no leakage. So its okay? I thought if the seal leak and the leakage is too much which is bad, it means the seal need replacement.I wonder why is this okay?

Seal specs

 

[gerhardl]

Not an easy one to answer. The golden rule is: if in doubt, change parts. (Flushing fluid, the cleaning process or other might have stopped the leak, but you can not be sure this is a longlasting effect. The seal was leaking before and this indicates mechanical leak.)

 

[TiCl4]

It IS possible for foulants to push the two seal faces apart and, when they are removed via cleaning/flushing, for the seal faces to mate properly again with no lasting damage. I have talked with some other engineers who have seen that phenomenon on a pump handling acrylic acid in water. On the other hand, the seal faces may be now slightly misaligned and will have a much reduced life. You won't be able to tell until it starts leaking again.

 

[Rafael Dos Santos]

I thought so. Maybe if waiting material is too long or the pump need to run anyway, this method can be applied for emergency. Well, Mr.Gerhardl is right. The pump leaks again.
thanks