Mechanical seals
You use a mechanical face seal, also known as a pump seal, to seal a water pump or centrifugal pump in a dynamic application. In the past, gland packing gaskets were used for this, but mechanical seals are a better alternative in many cases, as they reduce friction and leakage. Mechanical seals also have a longer useful life.
When purchasing a mechanical seal, you should consider the components in the assembly, the size, and the product material.
Components in a mechanical seal assembly
A mechanical seal always consists of a stator and a rotor. The stator is fixed in position in the pump cover and the rotor rotates with the shaft. You can purchase a complete mechanical seal from ERIKS. The individual components are also available separately.
Some mechanical face seals are directional. You should always check this. You can also purchase a non-directional product. However, the price tag is higher in the latter case.
Mechanical seal dimensions
All mechanical seals comply with the DIN 24960 standard. In addition, you can select these products based on metric or imperial measurements. Always consider the chamber diameter (for the stator), the shaft diameter (for the rotor) and the installation lengths for these parts. Once you know these dimensions, selecting the right product is fast and simple.
What if you want to replace an old mechanical shaft seal, but it is not available in the size you need? Simply filter based on equivalent types. You will quickly find the right pump seal.
Mechanical seal materials
The stators and rotors are available in different materials. The exact design you need depends on the conditions in your application. Always consider the medium and the temperature. The summary below provides concise information about the most popular materials and their properties.
- Ceramic and carbon
If the medium in your application is a clean liquid, you can use a mechanical seal made from carbon and ceramic. However this design is not suitable for abrasive particles that lead to accelerated wear.
- Cemented carbide
Do you process liquids with a slight degree of contamination in your application? If so, you should use a cemented carbide seal. This material is resistant to abrasive particles to a certain extent.
- Silicium carbide
Silicium carbide can withstand high temperatures. You use this material for sealing highly contaminated liquids. It is also suitable for liquids containing abrasive particles.
Are you looking for more information about the chemical resistance of our materials? Refer to our Chemical Resistance Guide for a handy overview.
Ordering mechanical seals at ERIKS
What prices does ERIKS charge for mechanical seals?
The price of our mechanical seals for water pumps and centrifugal pumps is shown on the product pages. If the price is not immediately visible, it will be displayed after you have logged in.
What delivery times does ERIKS offer for mechanical seals?
The delivery time for a specific mechanical seal is indicated on the page for that product. If you need your seal faster, choose a different material that also works in your application.
What if you have trouble finding a good alternative? Let us help - contact us via the enquiry form.
Can I order custom mechanical seals?
Are you looking for a mechanical seal of a different size, shape, colour or material? Or do you need a mechanical seal for a special application, or one that meets specific certification requirements? Please contact us via the enquiry form and we will provide the support you need.