ACHEMA – The Global Forum for Chemical Engineering and Process Industries
Date: June 15 – 19, 2015
Location: Frankfurt, Germany Visit Flexaseal Engineered Seals and Systems, LLC at Hall 9.1, booth B78
ACHEMA 2015 is the leading international forum for the chemical engineering and process industries. This symposium hosts a global network of experts and executives who will discuss a broad range of topics: this year’s major themes include industrial water management, process analytics technology, and bio-based production in industrial biotechnology. On the convention floor, over 3800 exhibitors will be displaying the newest technical developments and trends.
We are excited to be participating at Achema for the first time. Attending this year’s event will be:
Jose Sorensen, Flexaseal’s Director of International Sales. Jose has 30 years of experience in mechanical seals (having worked with both Sealol and John Crane) and international business (developing and managing sales teams over four continents during his career).
Juergen Uhl, Flexaseal’s Technical Support and Applications Engineering Manager. Juergen’s extensive knowledge of fluid-, thermo-, and system dynamics will be an asset as we reach out to the Achema attendees. His application experience will also be invaluable as we discuss how Flexaseal can address the challenges that face the chemical engineering industry.
Rodney Strong, Flexaseal’s Business Development Manager. Rodney is the first point of contact for many of our new customers. He brings his 30 years of customer service, sales, and product development experience to Achema.
Jose, Juergen, and Rodney will be on hand throughout the exhibition to discuss your specific challenges and to answer questions. We will also have a few of our innovative product designs such as the Style 85 two-piece split cartridge mechanical seal and welded metal bellow seals and devices on display. Be sure to stop by Hall 9.1, booth B78 to meet the team!
Choosing the Right Split Cartridge Mechanical Seal
A variety of factors must be considered when you’re deciding which split mechanial seal to use. These choices fall into two categories: the component-style which also includes ‘semi-cartridge’ designs and the two-piece fully split cartridge mechanical seal design. Flexaseal’s Style 85 fully split cartridge mechanical seal has the clear advantage over component-style split seals in a variety of sealing scenarios.
For instance, the Style 85 is the clear-cut preference in the following pump arrangements:
The Style 85 two-piece split cartridge mechanical seal is engineered for pump shafts up to 11.00” – far exceeding the range of most component-style and semi-cartridge seal designs currently available.
Have a pump in an awkward location or with a lot of pump insulation? The Style 85 is simple and quick to install, eliminating the need to spend unnecessary time and energy with pump preparation.
The Style 85 fully contained two-piece design just make sense for double-ended pumps: no need to dismantle the entire pump if only one seal needs maintenance.
It is not necessary to remove the complete top assembly on most large vertical pumps to install a Flexaseal Style 85 split cartridge mechanical seal.
Here’s a side by side comparison of how component-style and semi-cartridge seal designs stack up to the Flexaseal Style 85 fully split cartridge mechanical seal.
Component Style Split Seal
Style 85 Fully Split Cartridge Mechanical Seal
Seal components are immediately exposed to contamination once unpacked and handled.
All delicate components are encased and protected in the cartridge halves.
If a component is lost or damaged, an entire new repair kit must be ordered.
Since only the two halves are handled, no loose or delicate parts can be dislodged, lost, or damaged.
The responsibility for sealing success is on the operator to install all components in the correct order and with precise placement to avoid creating leak paths.
The Style 85 is assembled and pressure tested at our facility before being sent to the field. This process ensures a high success rate on start up.
Actions such as lubricating parts, reading markings, and installing gland tabs must take place as the seal is being installed, requiring maneuvering in confined spaces.
Installation is a simple process of bolting the two cartridge halves together, greatly reducing the amount of time spent hunched over a pump.
Tools needed to repair/rebuild a component – style split seal can include vice grips, an arbor press, rubber mallet, and channel lock pliers.
No tools needed to repair the Style 85! Just use the enclosed Allen wrenches to install the fully assembled and pressure tested split seal.
Repairing a component-style split seal in the field requires the operator to analyze the components in an attempt to determine and correct the cause of failure. This process is only as successful as the operator’s knowledge and experience.
Flexaseal offers a failure analysis service, including suggestions to improve seal run time. These analyses utilize our years of engineering proficiency and are included in the purchase of every Flexaseal Style 85.
A component-style split seal must be removed to make any impeller adjustments. Once the adjustments are complete, the entire seal installation process must occur again before the pump can be restarted.
The Flexaseal Style 85 design allows you to easily adjust the impeller without dismantling the seal. Simply reinstall the set clips, loosen the set screws and readjust the impeller position. When you’re finished, tighten the set screws and remove the clips!
Free Tip Sheet: Choosing the Right Split Cartridge Mechanical Seal
With so many split seal designs on the market today all promising to solve common sealing challenges, it can be tough to choose one that will work best for your specific application. Anyone who uses mechanical seals in their work understands that there is more at stake than functionality if a seal fails. Failure could cause serious downtime and money loss. It could also have an impact on safety.
That’s why, when you’re considering a split design for your needs, it’s important to choose the right one. Our free tip sheet outlines how split cartridge mechanical seals overcome assembly difficulties for rotating equipment and includes a comparison of seal designs to help you make an informed decision.
