Installation, Operation, & Maintainance Guide
Style RKCS/D
BEFORE STARTING THE EQUIPMENT
1
. Ensure the pump shaft is properly aligned at
the coupling with the motor.
2
. Check that all gland plate bolts and all screws
are securely fastened.
3
. Once the pump is reassembled, turn the shaft
by hand if possible to check for free rotation, if
not, recheck installation.
4
. Verify that all plumbing and piping plans for the
seal are connected and configured according
to best practice.
5
. Flood the pump, vent all air from the seal
chamber, and again check seal for leakage.
Ensure the product is not leaking into the seal
support system by noting changes in liquid
level and buffer/barrier fluid pressure.
6
. Ensure all plumbing and venting for the seal
and seal support system are free of obstruction
and that the chamber is filled with liquid. Check
that all alarms connected to auxiliary systems
are properly functioning to alert personnel if
any issues arise.
Dry-running is a major cause for leakage
and/or failure of mechanical seals. It is
imperative that the seal chamber be
completely vented prior to startup and that
adequate lubrication is supplied to the seal.
7
. Start the pump per the pump manufacturer’s
recommendations, observe for proper
operation, and check for excessive heat at the
seal gland.
Check periodically during operation to
ensure that the seal is not overheating.
OPERATION & MAINTENANCE
If leakage is detected, it should be addressed as soon as possible to protect personnel and prevent hazards.
Leakage could come from a number of leak paths in the seal, or be caused by changes in the pump operation or
condition. Although seals should be inspected regularly for signs of leakage, a properly selected and functioning
mechanical seal will run for extended durations without need for extra attention and should not be disturbed
unnecessarily (i.e. shut down and disassembled without cause). Below is an inexhaustive list of possible causes
of leakage.
Primary Causes
• Worn seal faces
• Damaged O-rings
• Damaged springs
Secondary Causes
• Change in duty conditions
• Dry-running
• Worn bearings
• Increased vibration
It is important to periodically inspect and maintain flush systems, shaft alignment, and consistent duty
parameters to ensure the seal performs as designed. Often, there is a case of cause & effect with machinery
and processing issues upstream that can cause a seal to leak. Check for the root cause of leakage when
disassembling equipment for inspection or service.
Buffer/barrier fluids will break down over time or become contaminated with process leakage. Fluids should be
drained from the system as often as possible or during scheduled pump shutdowns. The reservoir and
tubing/piping should be flushed and filled with new, clean buffer/barrier fluid. It is important to clean the seal
support system after a seal failure; the cleaning fluid and procedure required will depend on the contamination in
the reservoir. Never re-use barrier fluid after a seal failure.
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