What is the difference between Mechanical Seal and Gland Packing? | LEAK-PACK

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WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MECHANICAL SEAL
AND GLAND PACKING?
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(No Transcript)
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THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MECHANICAL SEAL AND GLAND
PACKING?
Describe difference between mechanical seal and
gland packing  Seal and packing are integral and
essential elements in a pump system, shaft, and
several other mechanical engineering
applications. Mechanical seals and gland packing
are the top-rated and most-preferred sealing
mechanisms. There are differences between
features and work mechanism, though. Hence, the
selection has to be made with care. Incorrect
selection may lead to higher maintenance costs
and lower operational efficiency. The article
gives a quick comparison between the two.
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MECHANICAL SEAL The mechanical seal is popular
in diverse applications. It is almost maintenance
free, and leakage problems rarely happen in this
case. Thus, operations run smoothly and
uninterruptedly month after month. The
mechanical seal is durable and sturdy. However,
the life of seal depends on the work environment,
type of liquid, ambiance temperature and duration
of the operation. Mechanical seals use water or
other compatible liquid for lubrication. The seal
faces are lubricated using a boundary layer of
liquid or gas. Either the pumped liquid provides
lubrication, or it is provided externally
depending on the application. Due to constant
pressure and high temperature, wear and tear
happens in mechanical seals. Especially, the dry
run should be avoided as it may damage the seal
completely.
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Two flat primary sealing faces that are
perpendicular to the shaft minimize the leakage.
Typically, one soft and one hard material are
used so that there is minimal adhesion between
the two faces. Carbon-graphite is the preferred
material for the soft surface whereas
silicon-carbide or ceramic is the preferred
choices for a hard surface. In some cases, both
surfaces are hard, e.g., while handling abrasive
liquids. Low consumption of energy makes it
ideal for round-the-clock applications. One
static seal and secondary static seals are used
in mechanical seals. Single spring or multiple
springs (or metal elbows also used sometimes)
maintain face contact. Gland rings, collars,
compression rings, and pins are the other
hardware components.
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GLAND PACKING Gland packing is a conventional
shaft seal which is preferred by mechanical
engineers. In certain applications, gland
packing is preferred over mechanical seals, e.g.,
dealing with aggressive fluids. If there is any
leakage, then it can be adjusted while the pump
is in service. In the other scenario (when
mechanical seal is used), it is not
possible. The gland packing is not suitable for
every situation. For example, it is not an ideal
solution for applications where abrasive liquids
are used. In Gland Packing, rope-like braided
material is packed around the shaft. Thus, the
gap between the pump and shaft gets filled with
the packing material. The packing also requires
frequent adjustment and lubrication.
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Leakage increases with use because the packing
wears away gradually which needs to be repacked.
Also, the groove needs replacement time and
again. To keep the gland packing cool a
constant flow of water is required. As the
packing material generates friction against the
shaft, more drive power is needed to turn the
shaft. It causes wastage of energy. Both gland
packing and mechanical seals are effective and
useful. It depends on economic viability,
personal preference and requirement
specification which one will be
preferred. Leak-Pack specialize in providing
solutions to all types of leakages
by manufacturing Mechanical Seals and Sealing
Components as per customers drawings, samples or
requirements. To know more about Mechanical
Seal call on 91-(2739) 271592 or email
at info_at_leakpack.com.
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Read More Articles
What is the difference between mechanical seal
and oil seal? What is a Mechanical Seal in a
Pump? What are the parts of mechanical
seal? gland packing, mechanical seal
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