Oct. 13, 2023
If your machines or equipment aren't making sounds, you and your co-workers probably haven't thought a whole lot about lubrication. I mean, why would you? That mindset happens for a lot of people working on the factory floor or the machine shop.
But you don’t have to wait until your gears are all rusty and worn out before you use lubricants. In fact, it’s better to lubricate regularly the seal components of your machines. Proper lubrication:
Reduces friction and heating of moving parts
Prevents premature wear and tear of seal components
Maintains the integrity of machines and other industrial applications
Machineries operate better when the seal components are lubricated. There’s less resistance and chafing, so the parts last longer. Some seals are prone to cracking easily, but when they are properly lubricated, they don’t snap just as easily.
Lubricant, oil, and grease. What’s the difference between the three?
People like to use those terms interchangeably, and they are somewhat correct in doing so. However, lubricant is an umbrella term for both grease and oil. For purposes of clarifying what a lube really is and what it does, let’s establish their differences.
The difference between the oil and grease lies in their application:
If you have machines that operate at high temperatures and speed, use
oil.If your machine operates at regular temperature and speed, use
grease.
That’s the most basic explanation. But of course, there are specific types of lubricants for specific types of operations:
Carbon can wear down due to abnormally high abrasives.
One often overlooked measure to ensure that a mechanical seal can function at its peak efficiency is to properly lubricate the seal. A properly lubricated seal is important because if a seal is not lubricated, it can lead to break-downs of pumps, as well as other potential damages to parts and machines which utilize mechanical seals. When a seal is properly lubricated, however, then it will be much more reliable and lead to fewer breakdowns. Fortunately, “Lubrication related failures are the most preventable type of machinery failures. With sufficient attention to details, they should be rare events. It is normally through the neglect of lubricants and lubrication systems that equipment fails prematurely.”1 Lubrication is also necessary “for proper mechanical seal installation. Lack thereof can damage o-rings or rubber bellows on the seal, causing them to tear, or roll.”2 As for what lubricant may be considered best, it is highly advised to “refer to the manufacturer’s recommendation”3 when selecting an appropriate lubricant.
Oil lubricants can be quite useful in lubrication processes because oil can help with sealing. “At the same time as it lubricates and cools, the lubricating oil also acts as a sealing agent, preventing the lubricant from flowing out and the entry of external contaminants.”4 Typically, “Mineral oils are the most commonly used industrial lubricants due to their relatively low cost.”5 At times, grease is preferred as a lubricant. Grease is usually used as a lubricant in “lower speed applications (1800 rpm or less).”6 Here at EMC, we are experts at lubricating seals and we would be more than happy to assist you with your seal lubrication needs!
Lubrication is critical for the reliable operation of mechanical seals. The primary function of lubrication is to establish a thin film between the seal faces that reduces friction and heat generation, which leads to longer seal life. The secondary function is to provide a barrier that prevents contaminants from entering the fluid side of the seal and causing damage.
Yes, mechanical seals require lubrication.
Mechanical seals can generate significant heat due to the friction between the rotating and stationary faces. This heat can degrade seal performance, lead to premature wear, or even cause seal failure. Therefore, in many situations, especially for high-speed or high-pressure applications, mechanical seals indeed need cooling.
If a mechanical seal is not properly lubricated, the seal faces will experience excessive friction and heat generation. This can cause the faces to tear, leading to leakage of process fluid, loss of pump efficiency, and premature pump failure. Additionally, without proper lubrication, contaminants can enter the seal and cause wear and damage to the seal faces.
When it comes to lubricating mechanical seals, the type of fluid used is critical to its performance. Typically, a liquid lubricating fluid is used, such as water or oil, although greases can also be used for external seals. Petroleum-based lubricants are commonly used, but hydraulic fluids can also be used in specific applications. The key is to select a fluid that will provide sufficient lubrication without being too viscous or causing contamination of the process fluid.
Yes, proper lubrication can significantly extend the life of mechanical seals and pumps. By establishing a thin film between the seal faces, lubrication reduces friction and heat generation, which in turn reduces wear and tear on the seal components. Proper lubrication also prevents contamination of the fluid side of the seal, which can cause premature failure.
The best lubricant for mechanical seals depends on the application and the type of fluid being pumped. In general, petroleum-based lubricants are commonly used, but water or specific hydraulic fluids may be required in certain applications. It is important to consult with an engineer or manufacturer to select the best lubricant for the specific application.
When choosing a lubricant for mechanical seals, the factors to consider include the type of fluid being pumped, the temperature and pressure of the application, the viscosity of the lubricant, and the materials used in the seal components. It is important to select a lubricant that will provide sufficient lubrication without causing contamination or premature failure of the seals.
The effects of temperature on mechanical seal lubrication are significant. High temperatures can cause premature wear and tear of the seal components, leading to leakage and failure. The type of lubricant used must be able to withstand the temperature of the application and provide sufficient lubrication to prevent excessive friction and heat generation.
The fluid properties of the pumped fluid can also affect mechanical seal lubrication. Viscous fluids, such as slurries or high-density liquids, can cause excessive friction and heat generation, leading to premature wear of the seal components. The lubrication fluid selected must be able to provide sufficient lubrication without causing contamination or damage to the process fluid.
The atmospheric side of a mechanical seal plays a crucial role in lubrication by providing a barrier between the sealed fluids and the external environment. The pressure of the atmosphere helps to establish a seal that prevents leakage and contamination of the process fluid. Proper atmospheric side design and maintenance are critical to ensuring the reliable operation of mechanical seals.
In conclusion, proper lubrication of mechanical seals is critical to their reliable operation and to extending the life of pumps. The key factors to consider when selecting a lubricant include the type of fluid being pumped, the temperature and pressure of the application, and the materials used in the seal components. By properly installing, lubricating, and maintaining mechanical seals, you can improve pump reliability and reduce the likelihood of costly repairs and downtime.
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FOUNDED IN 1993
China SBT Oil Seal is an international company integrating design, research and development, production and processing.
No. 68, Hua'an Street, Renze District, Xingtai City, Hebei Province, China
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Won many honorary certificates through a number of patented inventions
