Understanding How Mechanical Seals Work ?

Feb 05, 2015 Gaskets | Mechanical Seals

Seals are used to keep liquids and gases from entering certain areas or mixing with one another. A mechanical seal is a type of seal that uses mechanical pressure to seal a certain area or equipment.

Three Main Types of Mechanical Seals –

Plugs & Gaskets

A plug is jammed into an opening to keep any liquids or gases from entering. The mechanical pressure with which the plug is forced into an opening causes complete sealing. One of the earliest and simplest types of seals, plugs are used in wine bottles. A gasket is similar to a plug in function. It uses mechanical pressure to provide sealing properties. The difference lies in the material being used. A gasket is made of a spongy material. This helps in providing a surer seal. If two pipes or devices being sealed are not properly aligned, or slightly differ in size, this seal is able to fit into both and provide a better seal. It helps in sealing as well as joining the two misaligned parts.

Hose Couplings

A hose coupling is fitted at the end of a hose, which connects to the water source. Hose couplings are fit on tightly at the end of a pipe. This creates a very tight seal, which doesn’t allow any water to escape.

Complex Seals

Some seals use both pressure as well as tight fit to provide efficient sealing. Shafts are a kind of complex mechanical seal that fit tightly in their casing. There is a layer of oil where they meet. A gasket is also inserted between the casing and the shaft. All of this together helps in keeping the water from entering the seal.

Types of Mechanical Seals

Mechanical seals are used in a variety of applications to keep various liquids, gases, and dirt from entering specific parts of an application. They prevent contamination and increase operational efficiency of a unit.