1. Overview
The double-end face cartridge mechanical seal is a highly efficient
and reliable sealing device widely used in various industrial
fields. Unlike single-end face mechanical seals, it features two
sets of sealing faces, which greatly enhance its sealing
performance and reliability. This type of mechanical seal is
pre-assembled into a complete unit in the factory, making
installation on the equipment quick and easy, and significantly
reducing installation errors and time-consuming debugging
processes.
2. Structural Features
2.1 Dual - Sealing Faces
The most prominent feature of the double-end face cartridge
mechanical seal is the presence of two sealing faces. These two
faces are arranged in series, forming a double-barrier sealing
system. The inner sealing face directly contacts the pumped medium,
while the outer sealing face is mainly used to prevent the leakage
of the inner medium to the external environment, or to isolate the
pumped medium from the external corrosive or harmful substances.
2.2 Cartridge Design
It adopts a cartridge design, meaning that all components,
including the sealing faces, springs, O-rings, and drive
mechanisms, are pre-assembled into a single cartridge unit. This
design allows for easy replacement as a whole, improving
maintenance efficiency. The cartridge structure also provides
better protection for internal components, reducing the impact of
external factors on the sealing performance.
2.3 Spring Compensation Mechanism
The built-in spring compensation mechanism can automatically adjust
the contact pressure between the sealing faces. When the sealing
faces wear during operation, the spring can push the moving ring to
move axially, maintaining a proper sealing force and ensuring
long-term reliable operation of the mechanical seal.
3. Working Principle
The double-end face cartridge mechanical seal works based on the
principle of forming a thin liquid film between the two sealing
faces. When the equipment rotates, the dynamic and static rings in
the mechanical seal rotate relatively. The spring force presses the
dynamic ring against the static ring, and a certain pressure is
maintained between the two sealing faces. A thin liquid film is
formed between the sealing faces, which acts as a lubricant to
reduce friction and wear between the sealing faces, while also
blocking the leakage of the pumped medium. In the case of
double-end face seals, the two sets of sealing faces work in
coordination. The inner sealing face seals the medium inside the
equipment, and the outer sealing face, combined with a suitable
barrier fluid (if used), further strengthens the sealing effect and
prevents the medium from leaking to the outside or external
contaminants from entering the equipment.
4. Key Parameters
4.1 Pressure Rating
- Maximum Operating Pressure: Generally ranges from 0.1 MPa to 5 MPa. High-pressure models can
reach up to 10 MPa or even higher, depending on the specific design
and application requirements.
- Pressure Differential: The pressure difference between the two sides of the sealing
faces should be within the specified range to ensure normal
operation of the mechanical seal. Usually, it is designed to
withstand a certain pressure differential to prevent the failure of
the sealing structure due to excessive pressure difference.
4.2 Temperature Range
- Low - Temperature Limit: It can typically operate at temperatures as low as -40°C, and
special materials and designs can enable it to work in even lower
temperature environments, such as -196°C for cryogenic
applications.
- High - Temperature Limit: For general applications, the upper temperature limit is around
200°C. However, with the use of high-temperature resistant
materials and cooling measures, it can be used in environments with
temperatures up to 400°C or more.
4.3 Speed Rating
- Maximum Rotational Speed: Commonly, it can handle rotational speeds from 500 rpm to 5000
rpm. High-speed models are available for applications that require
higher rotational speeds, such as some high-speed centrifugal
pumps, and can reach speeds of up to 10,000 rpm.
4.4 Shaft Diameter
- Applicable Shaft Diameter Range: Usually, it can be used for shafts with diameters ranging from 10
mm to 200 mm. Different models are designed to fit various shaft
diameters to meet the needs of different equipment.
4.5 Material Selection
- Sealing Face Materials: Common materials include silicon carbide (SiC), tungsten carbide
(WC), and carbon graphite. Silicon carbide has high hardness, good
wear resistance, and chemical stability, making it suitable for
high-speed and high-pressure applications. Tungsten carbide also
has excellent wear resistance and mechanical strength. Carbon
graphite has good self-lubricating properties, which is beneficial
for reducing friction and wear between the sealing faces.
- Elastomer Materials: O-rings and other elastomer components are usually made of
materials such as nitrile rubber (NBR), fluororubber (FKM), and
ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM). NBR is suitable for
general oil-based media, FKM has excellent resistance to high
temperatures, chemicals, and oils, and EPDM is mainly used in
applications involving water and steam.
5. Application Fields
5.1 Petrochemical Industry
In the petrochemical industry, it is used in pumps, reactors, and
compressors to seal various corrosive, flammable, and explosive
media, such as hydrocarbons, acids, and alkalis. The double-barrier
sealing structure can effectively prevent the leakage of hazardous
media, ensuring production safety and environmental protection.
5.2 Pharmaceutical Industry
In pharmaceutical production, where high hygiene and sealing
requirements are necessary, double-end face cartridge mechanical
seals are used to ensure that the production process is free from
contamination. They are applied in equipment such as pharmaceutical
reactors and centrifuges to seal process fluids and maintain
product quality.
5.3 Food and Beverage Industry
To meet the strict hygiene standards of the food and beverage
industry, these mechanical seals are used in pumps and mixers for
processing food and beverages. The use of food-grade materials in
the mechanical seal ensures that there is no contamination of the
products during the production process.
5.4 Power Generation Industry
In power plants, they are used in pumps for boiler feedwater,
cooling water, and other systems. The high reliability and long
service life of double-end face cartridge mechanical seals can
ensure the stable operation of power generation equipment.
6. Maintenance and Precautions
6.1 Regular Inspection
Regularly check the leakage condition of the mechanical seal. A
small amount of leakage is normal during the running-in period, but
if the leakage exceeds the specified value, it indicates that there
may be problems with the mechanical seal, such as wear of the
sealing faces or damage to the elastomer components.
6.2 Lubrication and Cooling
Ensure proper lubrication and cooling of the mechanical seal. For
some applications, a suitable barrier fluid needs to be used and
its flow rate, pressure, and temperature should be monitored and
adjusted regularly. In addition, if the mechanical seal is used in
a high-temperature environment, effective cooling measures should
be taken to prevent overheating of the sealing components.
6.3 Replacement of Worn Parts
When the sealing faces or other components are severely worn, they
should be replaced in a timely manner. It is recommended to use
original manufacturer's replacement parts to ensure the performance
and reliability of the mechanical seal.
In conclusion, the double-end face cartridge mechanical seal, with
its excellent sealing performance, easy installation, and wide
range of applicable parameters, plays a crucial role in various
industrial processes. Understanding its parameters and
characteristics is essential for correct selection, installation,
operation, and maintenance, thereby ensuring the safe and efficient
operation of industrial equipment.