Five Secrets to Selecting a Good Mechanical Seal
You can install the best equipment in the world, but they won’t last long without good mechanical seals. Mechanical seals prevent fluid leaks, keep contaminants out, and can help save on energy costs by creating less friction on the shaft. To ensure longevity, we reveal our top five secrets to selecting a good mechanical seal.
1- Supply- Go local
The Global mechanical seals market size is projected to reach US$ 4.77 billion by 2026, with the highest market growth expected in Asia- Pacific. Australian supplier, Mechanical Seal Engineering, has had to open a new location in Western Australia to support this growth, with the established business offering a large range of component and cartridge seals, as well refurbishment and repair services and technical advice.
Some of the world’s best seal solutions are indeed right here on your doorstep. Avoid the current global supply chain and freight delay issues by sourcing your high-quality, cost-effective seals locally.
2- Repair/Pressure testing
An initial pressure test, combined with stringent quality control checks, should be undertaken on every seal before you receive them. To guarantee high-quality, effective performance from the start, ensure your seal supplier has the proper pressure testing facilities and a proven commitment to quality control. In addition, find a trusted supplier who will support you across the whole lifecycle- offering much more than just the product. And check waitlists for repairs- sometimes an issue can’t afford to wait.
3- Technical support/ Consult- Choose authenticity
If you’re looking to optimise your operating conditions, seek authentic technical support on material selection, design problems, etc.
Remember- anyone can pose as an expert and ultimately rip you off! Do your research on those offering advice. Approach an established mechanical seal provider and ask questions to help ensure the advice they’re giving is solid.
A supplier who offers up free knowledge and education is one who is comfortable demonstrating their understanding and capabilities. Check supplier websites to see if they offer useful tutorials, blogs, case studies, and if they’re authentic in their approach.
4- Failure analysis- Get the full report
There are several possible causes of seal fail- improper installation, excess pressure, lack of fluids. You may be tempted to self-diagnose the cause, but to ensure the best practice and minimise cost, it’s recommended you appoint an expert to analyse the issue and determine how to best rectify it.
Did you know you can request a seal failure report from your seal supplier? Such reports can help improve the productivity and long-term reliability of your seals, minimising potential breakdowns and downtime, and maximising operational efficiency. If your supplier isn’t willing to share failure reports, ask yourself what it is they be hiding.
5- Customer service- About the people
Customer service can make or break a business. Your supplier should know your business as well as their own, and should genuinely want to succeed as much as you do.
Select a supplier who can provide end-to-end service- one who installs, tests, manages, refurbishes, repairs, converts, reports, advises, understands. A partner in mechanical seals. Some you can trust to help keep your business operating at their best across their lifecycle.
An Australian-owed business based in SA and WA. Mechanical Seal Engineering is dedicated to providing the best seal services across Australia. We deliver holistic seal to a wide range of industries, keeping it all about our customers- the people. Contact us today for a chat to find out more about the local, reliable Mechanical Seal solutions available to you.
