Seal Installation Guide

Routine mechanical seal replacement ensures continued optimal performance. However, replacing mechanical seals can cause damage to your application if done incorrectly. Prevent damage and additional part replacements with a step-by-step guide to seal installation. View our seal installation guide, including information on selecting a replacement seal sizing and material, the benefits of using lubrication, and the steps to complete a successful replacement.

Selecting the Right Seal Material & Sizing for Your Application

Mechanical seals come in various materials and sizes. Choosing a seal for installation requires the user to evaluate the needs of the seal application and select a solution that addresses the sizing and material needs. The inventory at Springer Parts offers a range of replacement seals in the following materials:

• Stainless Steel
• Monel
• Brass
• Plated Steel

In addition to a variety of seal materials, our mechanical seal components include extensive sealing face solutions. Sealing faces are available in several materials, including carbon graphite, cast iron, ceramic, molded plastic, Ni-Resist, silicon carbide, stellite, and tungsten carbide.

Sizing for Mechanical Seal Replacements

Mechanical seal sizing is determined by a range of factors, including seal head and shaft size, which informs appropriate operating sizing for an application. Seal heads are available in a variety of types, such as A, B, C, D, E, K, R, and T. Operating size indicates the component size within the application and is determined by various dimensions, including the inside and outside diameter of the head type, shaft size, rubber squeeze, inside diameter of bellows, and mating ring and gasket dimensions. The Springer seal sizing guide offers direction on assessing and determining the seal head size and applicable dimensions for an accurate seal replacement.

Benefits of Lubrication in Seal Installation

Lubricant is a vital aspect of accurate installation. Replacing and installing new mechanical seals requires extreme care to prevent damage to the application or components. Reducing surface friction between the mating surface and seal, lubrication allows ease of installation for the seal seat component. In choosing an appropriate lubricant, evaluate the lubricant compatibility with seal material, application temperature range, system fluids, and production of a high-tension surface film, and ensure the selected lubricant does not clog the application.

Installing a Replacement Seal

It’s essential to determine the needs of your mechanical seal application before attempting to replace the seal. Using an improper seal sizing or material can lead to leakage, seal failure, and more extensive application damage.

Prone to scratching and damage, protecting new seal components from fingerprints, damage, and dirt is crucial. Replacing a defective seal requires careful removal and installation. When removing an old seal, assess the assembly. Understanding the installation of the old component can provide important insight into how to install a seal replacement. Follow these steps for seal replacement:

1. Take apart the pump cavity to reveal the old seal component. Be sure to take extra care so as not to cause any internal damage to the application.
2. Remove the defective seal component carefully, making sure not to cause damage to the shaft or seat counterbore.
3. With a fine cloth, like emery, clean the shaft and counterbore components, remove rust and burrs, and wipe clean.
4. Lubricate the seat counterbore, rubber components of the seal head and seat, and the shaft with a lubricant compatible with the seal elastomer. Ensure seal surfaces are free of dirt, debris, or other contaminants.
5. Press the seal seat firmly into the counterbore to ensure proper alignment, then check for correct spring engagement by sliding the seal head along the shaft.
6. Re-assemble the pump application.

Proper installation of a mechanical seal solution informs the application performance; exercise care when installing a replacement seal to operate as intended and protect against damage.

Think Springer Parts for Quality Seal Installation and Seal Replacement

Our suite of solutions includes pumps and replacement part kits to address the needs of your mechanical seal application. We offer valuable technical knowledge and expertise to assist in your seal installations and replacements, with a desire to exceed expectations for OEM replacement parts. The experts at Springer Parts are proud to provide cost-effective, high-quality solutions for your pump and seal applications. Contact us for information on seal installation or with any questions, or request a quote for a solution today.