Root Cause Analysis of Mechanical Seal Failures: Reading the Evidence on the Faces

Replacing new failures without finding the cause of the failure often leads to the next failure. Analysis of the root cause helps turn the failure into data to improve reliability.

Keep the scene.

Before removing, take a picture and record the leak, temperature, vibration and operating parameters. Do not wipe off the face of the debris and debris, as traces on it are evidence.

Common signs on the face.

• Burns or heat cracks: suggests running dry or losing liquid membranes.
• Abrasion scars are irregular: may be due to axle deviation or vibration.
• Deep wear and sticking: usually due to solid particles or lip crystallization.
• Hardened, cracked or broken metal: the metal material is not suitable for temperature or chemicals.

The primary cause groups.

Operation outside the design area of the pump, incorrect installation, inappropriate material selection, poor functioning of the auxiliary system and vibration due to axle drive or alignment.

Action after analysis.

• Fix the original cause before running again.
• Update the installation and inspection process.
• Consider upgrading the faulty configuration if the problem repeats.

Source of reference.

Synthesized from common technical practice in mechanical debris maintenance.