Common Problems with Flygt Mechanical Seals and How to Fix Them

Common Problems with Flygt Mechanical Seals and How to Fix Them

Mechanical seals are an essential component of many industrial machines and systems. They prevent the leakage of fluid or gas from the mechanically moving components, and keep the system running without any loss or damage. Flygt mechanical seals are known for their high quality and durability, but even the best mechanical seals can experience problems over time. In this article, we will discuss some common problems with Flygt mechanical seals and how to fix them.

Problem 1: Leakage

Mechanical seals are designed to keep the fluid or gas inside the system and prevent any leakage. However, if the seal is damaged or worn out, it can cause leakage, which can be highly dangerous. If you notice any leakage from your Flygt mechanical seal, stop the machine immediately and assess the extent of the damage. Leakage can lead to serious damage to the machine, as well as harm to the workers and the environment. The cause of leakage can be due to many factors such as improper installation or misalignment of the shaft. Therefore, it is important to address the issue promptly and fix it appropriately.

Solution:

To fix the leakage issue, first, isolate the machine and disconnect it from the power source. Drain the fluid and remove the Flygt mechanical seal. Clean and inspect the seal components thoroughly for any signs of damage or wear and check the housing for proper alignment and damage as well. If the seal components show signs of wear, they need to be replaced. Moreover, if the shaft is misaligned, it should be corrected, and the gap between the seal and shaft must be checked. Once the seal components and housing are cleaned and inspected, install the new seal ensuring proper installation and alignment of the seal faces. Reassemble the machine and test it for any leakage.

Problem 2: Shaft Movement

Another problem that can occur with Flygt mechanical seals is excessive shaft movement, also known as axial play. Shaft movement can be caused by misaligned shafts or excessive vibrations during the operation. Shaft movement can cause the seal faces to misalign, causing leakage and further damage to the machine. Excessive wear and tear can also result from shaft movement, leading to shortened seal life.

Solution:

To address shaft movement, you need to inspect the seal and the shaft for any damage, wear, or misalignment. If the shaft is misaligned, it should be corrected, or you can use a suitable coupling device to correct the misalignment. If excessive vibrations are the cause of the problem, you should dampen the vibrations by adding vibration dampening material or shock absorbers. In case of overloading, consider reducing the load on the shaft or adding additional support.

Problem 3: Overheating

Overheating is another common problem with Flygt mechanical seals, which can be a result of inadequate cooling or lubrication. Overheating can cause the seal faces to wear out more quickly, leading to increased leakage and damage to the machine. Overheating can also reduce the lifespan of the mechanical seal and the machine.

Solution:

To fix overheating, you need to first identify the root cause, which can be inadequate cooling or lubrication. If the cooling system is not working correctly, you need to check the cooling hardware, such as the heat exchangers, fans, and radiators, to ensure proper functioning. Moreover, if the lubrication is not adequate or there is oil or grease contamination on the seal faces, it can cause overheating. Therefore, you should ensure the proper amount of lubrication and avoid contamination.

Problem 4: Wear of Seal Faces

Wear of the seal faces is a common problem with Flygt mechanical seals over time. Wear can be caused by various factors such as excessive friction, misalignment, inadequate lubrication, aging, and environmental factors. Worn-out seal faces can cause leakage, reducing the efficiency of the machine and increasing downtime for maintenance and repair.

Solution:

To fix the wear of seal faces, you need to first inspect the seal faces for any signs of wear or damage. If the seal faces are worn out, they need to be replaced with new ones. Moreover, ensure that additional measures to reduce the wear are taken, like proper maintenance, lubrication, and reducing friction to extend the life of the new seal faces.

Problem 5: Damage to the Seal Housing

Flygt mechanical seals can experience damage caused by various factors, such as improper handling or installation, excessive spinning, or contact with corrosive materials. Damage to the seal housing can cause misalignment, leakage, and reduced efficiency of the machine, leading to increased downtime for maintenance and repairs.

Solution:

To fix the damage to the seal housing, first, assess the extent of the damage and identify the root cause. Repair or replace the housing if necessary. Also, take steps to prevent further damage by properly handling and installing the mechanical seal, avoiding contact with corrosive materials, reducing excessive spinning, and ensuring proper alignment of the housing.

Conclusion:

Flygt mechanical seals are robust and reliable, but they can experience various problems over time. Problems such as leakage, shaft movement, overheating, wear of seal faces, and damage to the housing can occur due to various factors. Proper maintenance, lubrication, proper installation, and alignment are essential to prevent these problems from occurring. If you encounter any issues with your Flygt mechanical seals, follow the solutions provided above to minimize downtime and prevent further damage.