Plastic is a term that has become pretty commonplace in today’s society. Most people come in contact with some type of plastic daily. Although we interact with plastic frequently, not many of us know what it is or how we make them. Most people don’t even realize different types of plastic that we use for different things. Thermoplastic is one of those plastic categories that can be used to great effect. Today we look at what thermoplastic is and what advantages it may have.
A Quick Definition of Thermoplastic
Without getting too in-depth, a thermoplastic is a kind of polymer that can be molded when heat is administered. Essentially, it is a type of plastic that you can manipulate into any shape. Thermoplastic is also more easily recyclable due to its interaction with heat. Because of these features, companies use thermoplastic a lot in plumbing and mechanical products. At Real Seal, we distribute O-rings using this type of polymer.
What Is a Polymer?
Now that you understand the uses of thermoplastic, it’s time to understand what comprises it. “Polymer” is a term used to indicate both organic and synthetic products that are composed of monomers. Monomers are molecules that typically bond to other molecules. When monomers are repeatedly linked together, they make up branches and chains that are classified as a polymer. Essentially, it is a product that has a bunch of molecules connected together.
Our body is full of polymers, and the same concept is used in the production of products like plastic and nylon. What makes the polymers that form a thermoplastic unique is that they are weakly bonded so that it is easier to manipulate. This weak bond creates a reusable and moldable product. The only real drawback of this weak bond is that heat easily affects it. While this is good for the molding process, it is not good for the application. If you are to use thermoplastics in a high heat environment, they will become weak and pliable.
Why Should You Use Thermoplastics?
One of the main reasons to use thermoplastics is their high rate of recyclability. The chemical property of thermoplastics does not degrade even after many times of heating and cooling. This means that you can reuse thermoplastics in a new environment when needed, even someone molded them before. Another big reason to use thermoplastics is that they do not corrode or rust like steel. This is why it is a great alternative for pipes.
Disadvantages
The biggest downfall of steel pipes is their susceptibility to rust and corrosion. Utilizing thermoplastic pipes in homes and office buildings is a great way to lower costs for maintenance and replacement. In fact, it doesn’t just resist corrosion, but it has electrical insulation as well. This means that it will not allow electrical currents to flow through it easily. And it is safe to use in many areas. If rust and electricity resistance wasn’t enough, they are also resistant to humidity changes. Harsh environments can be a problem for a lot of materials, but thermoplastic is tough.
Full of Usages
Thermoplastics are also great for custom jobs because they are so easily moldable. The fact that you can create almost anything you need makes this a go-to product for many industries. Finally, the weight is a huge strength in favor of using thermoplastic over other products. Ultimately, this material’s versatility makes it a jack-of-all-trades for many industries and tons of unique applications. The only major downside to using it is its limited service temperature performance. For all its strengths, you still have to be careful of the temperature fluctuation where you use it.
Leaking pipes are an immediate problem that requires a quick response. If you ignore them, then you can expect lots of damage to your home. Sometimes, replacing parts and seals is not an option right away, so you need some alternatives to stop the leak quickly. Temporary fixes are not meant to last forever, but will at least mitigate any damage to rooms or furniture in your house. Having the proper parts and seals is very important to minimize pipes leaking. Real Seal manufacturers some of the greatest seal components to help avoid frequent plumbing problems. But leaks are bound to happen sometime, so here are some temporary fixes for leaks to use while waiting for a seal replacement.
Turn Off the Water Supply
This may not stop the leak completely, but it is an essential first step for any plumbing problem. Be sure to turn the water off before trying any of these temporary fixes. Cutting off the water supply to the pipes will stop the possibility of more damage happening. If turning off the water doesn’t stop the leak, it will at least slow the leak down. You may not be able to use your bathroom sink, but at least your bathroom won’t be flooded.
Epoxy Putty
You can use this compound to seal areas that have a leak. For the best results, you want to apply it to a dry and clean pipe. This may be difficult to do if the leak is persistent. Once the water is turned off, you should have an easier time getting the pipe exterior dry. Knead the putty to make it soft, and fully cover the surface area of the leak in the putty. Wait for the putty to harden, and then test the flow of water and make sure the leak has been patched.
Clamps and Patches
A pipe clamp is meant to suppress the leak so that the water doesn’t have a way to leave the pipe. If you have a crack in the pipe, you can use a clamp to cover the spot and keep the water flowing like normal. It is prudent to also use a patch with the clamp for the most effective fix. Cover the leaking area with a rubber or plastic patch. You can use electrical tape to keep the patch in place, which will make applying the clamp much easier. Once the patch is covering the leak, apply the clamp to the patch for a tight fit.
Wrap the Leak
There are multiple alternatives at hardware stores that you can keep at home to wrap a leaky section of plumbing. For leaks that happen at the joint or middle of a pipe, a rubber pipe connector will work. Repair sleeves are also a good alternative for this type of leak. In both cases, you tightly fit the sleeve or connector over the leak. This will stop the flow of water and will temporarily be like a pipe on the outside of the pipe. Pipe wraps are more similar to epoxy because they harden around the leak to prevent water flow. In any case, you are covering the leak and hopefully stopping the water.
Duct Tape
When all else fails, or you have no other option, duct tape is an alternative that you will most likely have in your garage. Wrap the duct tape around the section of the pipe that is leaking multiple times. The more times you wrap it, the more likely it will hold. This is the least effective way to fix a pipe temporarily, so use the plumbing in that section of the house as little as possible until it can be properly fixed.
Remember, temporary fixes for leaks are exactly that: temporary. They can keep they problem at bay until you get professional help. Only a real seal will actually solve the problem in the end.
When most people think about industrial manufacturing, they think of heavy equipment, grease, and loud noises. However, industrial manufacturing is a broad term that refers to a large number of industries. Some may seem more familiar, including metal manufacturing. However, food production and clothing manufacture are also common fields in industrial manufacturing.
What is Industrial Manufacturing?
Global Edge defines industrial manufacturing as a process that transforms raw materials into commodified products on a large scale. In addition to this rather simple definition, other common markers of industrial manufacturing include the use of mechanical labor, assembly-line production, efficiency evaluations, and, in most developed countries, heavy regulation. In essence, industrial manufacture applies to any industry that uses machines to produce products at high rates of efficiency in large quantities.
What Types of Industrial Manufacturing Industries are There?
There a literally dozens of different industries with examples of industrial manufacturing; however, that does not mean that the entire industry uses practices that would cause them to fall into the category of industrial manufacturing. Each of the following industries contains major providers whose practices do fit the industrial manufacturing model according to the Sustainable Development Indicator Group:
Apparel
Chemicals
Electronics
Fabricated Metals
Foodstuffs
Furniture and Fixtures
Industrial and Commercial Machinery
Leather
Lumber and Wood
Measuring, Analyzing, and Controlling Instruments
Paper
Petroleum Refining
Printing and Publishing
Rubber and Miscellaneous Plastics
Stone, Clay, Glass, and Concrete
Textiles
Tobacco
Transportation Equipment
The list is both large and diverse, yet all of these industries have one thing in common: the need for reliable equipment to keep the process working smoothly.
Centralizing Equipment in the Manufacturing Process
Regardless of how good your equipment is when you first start out, the connections between different parts or symptoms will always be the weak points where things can easily go wrong. As a result, during their initial setup, as well as during routine maintenance, the seals and sealants that keep your manufacturing system running smoothly should be your first concern.
For more than twenty years, Real Seal has been manufacturing seal systems and mechanical component products. As noted experts in the field, they emphasize the importance of medium quantity and local production for domestic companies. Each manufacturing system is unique, requiring a level of specialization and customer service, which can’t be achieved with larger or foreign providers.
Maintaining and Replacing Equipment
If any part of an industrial system fails, there is the potential that is could slow down or stop production for days or even weeks at a time. Given the potential loss of production and profit, it is vital to properly maintain industrial equipment. Researchers at Cal Poly Pomona San Luis Obispo suggest that having a set schedule for maintenance and a system for deciding when an element should be replaced are crucial to the long-term success of an industrial manufacturing system.
A cost-benefit analysis is key in these situations, with the majority of the evidence siding with initially using high-quality equipment rather than repeatedly replacing inferior equipment. At its root, it comes down to establishing the efficiency of your equipment by minimizing the manufacturing process while simultaneously minimizing potential down-days.
The State of Manufacturing
Overall, industrial manufacturing is a core part of the American, economic process. Without it, many of the consumer goods you buy every day would cost more, be less accessible, and demonstrate less predictability in terms of quality. We gain convenience and efficiency due to the industrial processes’ ability to maximize efficiency, but it also requires that manufacturers invest in regular maintenance and high-quality solutions that continue to maintain the quality and predictability that we expect.
Optimal rubber seal performance is crucial for manufacturers and engineers. If for any reason the rubber seal malfunctions, it could result in everything from corrosion and water damage to weathering and loss of air/heat. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance to be aware of how temperature affects rubber seals. For more information on specialty and rubber seals, contact the experts at Real Seal here.
Low-Temperature Issues with Rubber Seals
The temperatures that rubber seals are exposed to play a significant role in how well they function both immediately and over time. If the temperature is too low, then it can cause the elastomeric materials in the seal to contract. This directly results in decreased compression, exposing the seal to a possible leak. Other complications can ensue since the lower temperatures also compromise the rubber’s ability to be flexible and malleable. It is also important to note that simply raising the temperature back up will not erase the damage that has been done.
High-Temperature Issues with Rubber Seals
Much like low temperatures, high temperatures also have an effect on rubber seals. According to the experts, the rubber on the seal is prone to deterioration at higher temperatures. This can cause the rubber to initially soften, which can cause issues with the seal. However, the opposite effect can also occur. If the rubber is exposed to the higher temperatures for too long, it can cause the rubber seal to become hard. These changes to the compound can cause it to change in volume, which will not result in a well-performing seal.
How to Adjust for Different Temperatures
Ideally, you would be able to perfectly adjust the temperature surrounding your seal like the thermostat in your house. However, that is rarely the case. Fortunately, there are a variety of tests that can be done by trained engineers who specialize in rubber seals. These tests will measure the rubber’s performance at different temperatures to get insight into how the material will react. From there, they can analyze the data and provide a better understanding of what can happen to the seal when exposed to certain temperatures. The experts at Real Seal will be able to help you by selecting the right material and seal that will consistently work for your project. For more information from their team on products, manufacturing, materials, and datasheets, visit their website here.
Corrosion is something that we can identify, but most of us do not know how it comes to be. We just know that when something is corroded, it probably needs to be replaced or at least cleaned. Whatever the case may be, corrosion is not something you want in any situation. When it comes to plumbing and mechanical parts, corrosion can cause a ton of trouble. Real Seal manufactures superior mechanical components and wants you to know how to prevent corrosion from causing a fuss with your project or home.
What is corrosion?
Corrosion can be widely defined as the “degradation of material through contact with its environment.” This essentially means that almost any type of material can be a victim of corrosion. The “environment” mentioned in the definition means that anything from moisture, temperature, acidity, and oxygen could create corrosion. Many people only think of corrosion as happening when something is consistently wet. Although that is a common cause, it is only one of many environmental factors that can cause the degradation of a material. There are slight variations in the type of corrosive process for different materials, but the outcome is typically the same. Unprotected material can be broken down over time, compromising its integrity. In our daily lives, we see this with pipes and other metal materials most often.
How to prevent corrosion
One factor of corrosion is contact between two different types of metal. Some metals are weaker than others, which is referred to as being less noble. One particularly weak metal is stainless steel. In the case of stainless steel valves, graphite is commonly used to create a barrier to stop the corrosion. This is one of the biggest preventative measures against corrosion: always make sure you have a barrier to slow down corrosion between two metals. Galvanization is a common practice where a thin layer coats a metallic part to protect it from this stress. Another way to prevent corrosion is to design ample space and drainage around an area. If you create a way for less environmental impact on pipes and other metals, then they will last longer. Controlling the environment is most effective. Controlling moisture, oxygen, acid, and temperature can help keep corrosion at bay. Finally, if you want to prevent corrosion, then you have to maintain the material. Consistent cleaning and replacing will prolong the life of many materials.
How to clean corrosion
Since metal is the most common material that corrodes, here are some tips for removing the corrosion. This will hopefully increase the lifespan of these metals.
White vinegar is one of the oldest cleaning agents around. Your great grandparents probably even used this stuff. The cleaning power is in its high acidic profile. Soak corroded material in white vinegar for 24 hours and the rust will melt away.
Baking soda isn’t only useful for making cookies. It is a powerful cleaning agent as well. You can’t just use the powder, however. You need to create a paste by mixing baking soda and a small amount of water. This paste can then be applied to corroded material for a few hours before scrubbing it away.
A mixture of lemon and salt has the same acidic, cleaning properties as white vinegar. You need to create a paste using lemon juice and salt for the most effective outcome.
Potatoes have also been proven to help clean rust. You may not want to waste a perfectly good potato, but it can really help. Cut a potato in half, and then apply salt to the potato. Scrub the inside of the potato over the rusted area to clean it.
Sandpaper is a useful tool to help get off the stubborn corrosion. This won’t clean the rust on its own but can help loosen it up with one of the other options above.
It is amazing how the tiniest parts can affect performance in such a large way. Like the small cog in a clock or a tiny gear in an engine, these things seem insignificant. But the reality is that without them, the part as a whole will not function. Seals are one of those small parts that are required for proper functionality. Without the right seal, you can expect many problems. Real Seal is one of the most technically advanced manufacturers and distributors of seals and will help you with tips on how to properly engineer them to get peak performance.
Why You Need a Seal
Unless you work with machines and components that involve fluid, you may not realize how important a seal is. You also may not realize that seals are in a lot of things in your house. They play a key role in the functionality of our daily lives. The main reason to use a seal is to keep fluids in and contaminants out. You are essentially “sealing” an area from letting anything in or out. There are many different styles of seals that all lend themselves to different scenarios. Some are more durable than others, and most need pressure and lubrication to work efficiently. Without a seal that works properly, you are lowering the integrity of the entire mechanism. If you want the best performance out of your mechanical seal, then follow these tips below.
Pressure Requirement
As stated above, most seals require pressure to do their job effectively. The caveat is that too much pressure can deform the seal. Be aware that there is always potential for pressure to spike. Make sure that the seal can handle that increase in pressure. But also be sure to account for the low pressure. When testing a seal, it would be an oversight to only test its performance at the highest level of pressure. In reality, the seal will be under a lower amount of pressure for the majority of its life.
Seal Environment
A seal will have various load weights it must handle. The impact from these loads, such as pistons or rods, can possibly wear out the seal. Most machines that require a seal are not static, but a moving and dynamic mechanism. There are many parts that make up the whole, and the seal needs to be able to coexist with the other parts. Do not neglect the impact conditions that the seal will need to handle. The speed of these other components is very important as well. Because machines are dynamic, they will have different motions and speed changes occurring regularly. The internal components and their speed can change the movement of the fluid or gas that the seal is meant to contain. Test for all likely scenarios with this environment in mind. Make sure vibrations, misalignment, and deformation will not negatively affect your seal.
Temperature Changes
As humans, we think of temperature as a mostly stagnant, predictable function. If it’s 40 degrees outside, it’s cold; if it’s 99 degrees outside, it’s hot. This is not the case for the machines that have seals. Although the exterior and interior temperatures need to be considered, that is not the only temperature factor at play. As mechanical components move, they can cause heat from the friction. Be sure to account for this increased temperature. Find a seal rated for the increase of frictional heat.
Installation
The most common reason for premature failure of seals is improper installation. Because there are many different types of seals, know which one is right for which scenario. It’s one thing for a seal to fail under conditions it was meant to handle, it’s another thing for the seal to fail due to poor installation.
Time to Replace
Seals are constantly under stress, so time is not on their side. Be sure that seals are replaced when they begin to weaken. If seals are left longer than their lifespan, they can cause major trouble in other areas of the machine. Such a small part of the overall mechanism may seem insignificant, but that little part can throw everything out of order. If you need help understanding seals, be sure to talk with the experts at Real Seal.
Even though summer is over, the fun can still continue on the weekends! While the school year is in full effect this fall, spending quality time with your children is a definite priority. Making that time enjoyable for kids can sometimes be tough, but a water-based science experiment never fails. Below you will find a few fun and educational water-based activities to do with your kids at home. For more seal products, get in touch with Real Seal today!
1. Home Made Bath Bomb Experiment
This is a great experiment for kids of any age. This experiment involves bath bombs, varying temperatures of water, and how the two interact.
Before you get started, you’ll need three mason jars and three bath bombs (this experiment can accommodate three children). You can either make your own bath bombs or purchase them. If you purchase bath bombs, make sure they are all the same (size and ingredients) to ensure the experiment is consistent.
Set out the three mason jars on a baking sheet (this will get messy). You will have three different temperatures of water that will go into each jar. The first jar will include water straight from the fridge (cold), the second one will have water straight from the tap (room temperature), and the last one will have water straight from a boiling kettle (hot).
Before you drop the bath bomb in the water, ask the kids what they think the effect of the water temperature will have on the bath bomb once it is dropped in the water. Once you have all of the water set and ready to go, have each child (ideally three) drop their bath bomb into their respective mason jar.
When each mason jar has been filled with a bath bomb the results will be clear. The warm water will fizz substantially faster than the cold. It’s slightly messy, but it’s definitely fun!
2. Water Wall Experiment
The water wall experiment is great for kids of all ages, but is especially entertaining for the little ones. A water wall is essentially a wall-like structure that holds containers, tubes, and funnels. This should set up by an adult (or with substantial help from an adult).
The kids pour water into the contraptions affixed to the wall and are able to see how the water pours, flows, and drips through the series of various containers, tubes, and funnels. At the very end is the final bucket that all of the water drops into.
This activity helps teach kids about gravity, angles, and water flow. It also can help the little ones with their hand-eye coordination. For a water wall on a budget, use recycled containers, zip ties, and a staple gun.
As you are attaching the recycled pieces to the wall, be sure to line them up accordingly so that the water can pass through each piece into the bottom bucket.
For a fancier version, use Real Seal products to attach your containers to the water wall. Real Seal is a manufacturer and distributor of custom seal products and mechanical component goods, perfect for your upgraded water wall needs!
3. Solutions Experiment
This experiment is fast and easy to set up and can be fun for all ages. To get started you’ll need five mason jars, water, stirring sticks, sugar, salt, gelatin powder, flour, and pepper.
Before getting started, have the kids guess which substances will dissolve in the water and which ones won’t. Before putting the water in the jars, warm the water on the stove so the interaction happens faster. You can also try it with both hot and cold water to note the differences in time for an additional component to the experiment.
When you’re ready, place a tablespoon of the selected ingredient in the jar and then add the water. Stir for 60 seconds and see what happens. This is the perfect chemistry experiment for kids to be introduced to solutions. The ingredients are the “solute” and the water is the “solvent.” Together, they are a solution. A solution occurs when the solute is mixed with the solvent and ultimately dissolves with an even consistency. This is also known as a homogenous mixture. This a great way for kids to get a glimpse into the world of chemistry!
Whether your kids are bored, or you want to do something fun and educational outside of school, these water-based experiments should keep your kids busy and entertained.
Everyone loves a rainy day occasionally — it gives us the chance to stay inside, cozy up with a book or our favorite television show, and provides a gentle, relaxing sound to fall asleep to. If you’ve got leaky windows, however, a rainy day may instead be a point of stress. Nobody wants to spend their rainy day running around their house with buckets and towels, mopping up the mess, so here are some tools to get you to stop a window from leaking.
Summer or winter, leaking windows pose major issues. This includes structural and aesthetic damage as well as increased heating and cooling bills. It’s important to address water leaks when you first notice an issue. By taking the time to investigate the situation now, you’ll reduce the risk of costly repairs later.
Why is My Window Leaking?
In order to address fixing a leaky window, we need to find out why it’s leaking the first place. Window leaks can occur for a number of reasons. Most of the time, they occur in homes that are quite old, which is just a sign that your home may need a little TLC.
Over the years, your home is exposed to differing temperatures, especially if you live in an area that experiences all four seasons to an extreme degree. Because of this, windows slowly start to deteriorate, their frames wear, seals break, and they no longer become tight enough to seal off water. New windows are also at risk, though generally less so. With poor installation, maintenance and design of the house, leaky windows can occur at any time. If your house or windows are relatively new, you’ll want to take a look at the overhangs that drain water from your roof, that the window was properly installed, and that there is no missing caulk or cracked putty along the seal.
How to Stop Window Leaks
Once you’ve figured out why your window is leaking, you can address the problem. Depending on what the problem is, here are some ways to fix a leak:
Replace your weatherstripping
Recaulk damaged caulking by first removing the old, cleaning the window, and reapplying with new caulk.
Reseal the glass to the gasket between the frame and glass.
Make sure windows are clean from a build-up of debris, dirt, and insects.
Replace the frame on old windows.
Make sure the wood attached to the window isn’t rotting.
Each leaking window situation is unique and could be caused by a number of problems. If you’re having a hard time diagnosing the issue, don’t hesitate to call a professional to take a closer look. Window installers not only install the window properly, they will also handle any damaged wood/wall structure surrounding the area if applicable.
How To Prevent Window Leaks
Window leaks are not uncommon, but it’s best to keep up on maintenance to prevent them from happening altogether. Be sure to check the caulking around the outside of the window to make sure it’s properly sealed. Over time, extreme weather conditions can deteriorate the caulking causing the seal to break and thus leak water in through the window.
In addition, making sure you’re keeping up on cleaning maintenance will also help prevent leaks from occurring. Leaves, dirt, and insects are all debris that can fall into the window channel and thus block the flow of water from being able to exit the window properly. The water then pools up in the window and start to leak.
Making sure your roof maintenance is up to date can also prevent leaks from happening. Loose-fitted siding can cause rainwater to leak through and run down a window frame.
No matter the cause, making sure your windows are properly sealed, maintained, and installed is the best way to ensure no water enters your home through your windows. If it’s a sealing issue, Real Seal has you covered.
Valves are an important part of regulation in any system. In cars, for example, they regulate how much fuel and air are allowed into cylinders. They also prevent combustion gasses from passing through. At Real Seal, we are known for our top-notch polyurethane materials and high-quality valve seals.
Having a proper, valve seal can save you thousands of dollars in repairs at the end of the day. It’s important to check them regularly. Here are some symptoms of a bad valve seal that may need to be replaced.
Performing the Cold Engine Test
One sure-fire way to tell if you have a faulty valve seal is to perform a cold engine test. When your vehicle has been sitting overnight or for a longer period of time, the top of the head of the valve cover will have some oil left over from the last time you drove. When you start the engine up again, the oil ends up getting sucked down through the bad seal into the combustion area, producing a blueish smoke out of the tailpipe. This may indicate that your valve is not securely sealed and that it’s time to get a new one.
Idling
Another way to test a bad valve seal is to be aware of what happens while your vehicle is idling. When your vehicle is stopped for a significant amount of time, high vacuum levels will cause the oil to build up around the valve system while it is closed. In a faulty valve seal situation, when you begin to accelerate again, this oil can end up getting sucked past the seal an into the valve guide. This causes more of this blueish smoke, due to the burning of oil, to come out the tailpipe.
High Levels of Oil Consumption
High levels of oil consumption is another indicator that you have a bad valve seal. This is because oil is being leaked out or burned excessively and causing oil to decrease at a higher rate than normal. You can detect this loss of oil with a basic oil dipstick and keeping a regular log of oil levels. If no oil leaks can be found around the vehicle, you may still have a bad valve seal, as the oil will likely be burned up causing excessive smoke.
High Levels of Smoke
Another indicator of a faulty valve seal, as mentioned above, is the high presence of smoke. It’s common for some exhaust smoke to be present when you first start your vehicle, but if it begins to last longer than normal, your valve seal may be deteriorating. In addition, if you have a bad valve seal the excessive smoke will tend to come in waves as an indicator of oil burning.
Engine Braking Test
Engine braking is when other ways besides external braking are used to slow down your vehicle within an engine. When you have a bad valve seal, the oil that collects at the front cover of the head will end up burning when you push on the accelerator after coasting for a while. This is apparent especially when going downhill and again indicated by the excessive smoke that leaves the tailpipe. The oil here burns longer than in normal cases.
Acceleration Power is Compromised
Another indicator of a poor valve seal is a lack of acceleration power. You can also perform a compression test to see if this is the case. A higher level of compression will indicate that it’s a valve seal problem, while a low level of compression will indicate a piston ring problem. These two areas can be very similar in their faulty symptoms so it’s best to be informed on their differences. To get a closer look at the difference between a valve seal problem vs a piston ring problem, click here.
If any of these symptoms apply to your vehicle, it’s likely your valve seal will need to be replaced. Give Real Seal a call or visit our website today to start addressing the issue.
If you’re no stranger to the mechanical field, you may still be having trouble troubleshooting specialty seals at the site of the pump itself. When a seal is in action, it can be difficult to tell exactly what’s going on. But being able to tell exactly what’s going on with your mechanical seal no matter where it’s in use is a sign of a veteran troubleshooter.
Our Real Seal experts want to shed some insight on the best ways to troubleshoot your specialty seals when they start to break down. From leakage to warping, there are a lot of things that can go wrong. Here’s how to handle them.
1. Know Your Leakage
The first step to troubleshooting your seals is to identify the different types of leakage that can go on with your seals themselves. You can tell what kind of leak you’re dealing with based on the visibility, odor, or general function of the leak. Identifying the leak at its source is a great way to get started figuring out the long-term solutions to your seal problems.
2. Find the Culprit
According to McNally Institute, there are multiple ways a leak can start. Some of the more common reasons for a leak springing include crystallization, dirt buildup, improper tightening, faulty installation, or the buildup of too much pressure.
The location of the leak is also very important. Did the problem occur in the gasket? What about the seal face or the shaft sleeve? The components of your machinery require careful attention and knowledge in order to be properly cared for. You can always reach out to our experts if you are having trouble identifying the source of the leak. Specialty seals are built to last, but they must also be maintained constantly.
3. Identify Alternative Causes
If some of the main causes of the failing seal are not identified, you might need to seek alternatives. Seals can fail for a variety of different reasons, including:
Working against a stationary object
Facing the wrong direction
The seal is open
There is too much heat or pressure in the shaft
If you end up being able to identify the source of the mechanical seal failure, you are ready to move on to the next step – implementing a solution.
4. Look Past the Leakage
Vibration and heat also play a huge part in seal failure. If you can’t find any signs of leakage, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re in the clear – you need to find what’s wrong before moving on to the solution stage.
Vibration that isn’t properly calibrated can cause the mechanical seal to be thrown off its own rhythm. This is very dangerous and damaging to the entire hydraulic system, as it can warp and bend other components out of shape as well. Make sure you review every possible opportunity before you are confident in the solution.
5. Find a Solution
Have you been able to successfully identify the source of the seal trouble? Was it a leak in a certain area, or perhaps a buildup of heat or vibration? Regardless of the cause, you now know how you can go about fixing it. Consult the instruction guide that came with your specialty seals to ensure that you properly installed and calibrated them. If you are looking for further assistance, our Real Seal pros are here to help!
Contact Real Seal For All Of Your Specialty Seal Needs!
At Real Seals, we don’t just sell specialty seals – we show you how to use them. If you’re looking for a specialty seal upgrade, or you are in need of further assistance for your own seal troubleshooting, look no further. Our pros would be happy to assist you. To get in touch with us, simply contact us online or give us a call at (800) 542-6162.
