Single Cartridge Mechanical Seals

Single cartridge mechanical seals are pre-assembled, balanced sealing units designed to provide reliable, low-maintenance sealing in pumps, mixers, and other rotating equipment. They combine the primary sealing faces, secondary seals, shaft sleeve, and hardware into a single component, simplifying installation and reducing the potential for human error.
Key Features and Benefits
Ease of Installation: The pre-assembled design ensures all components are correctly aligned and positioned before installation. The unit slides onto the shaft and bolts to the pump gland area, significantly simplifying the process and reducing installation time and errors.
Reliability: Proper installation and the use of balanced designs (pressure is distributed evenly across the seal faces) contribute to longer service life and fewer unexpected leaks.
Reduced Downtime: Quick installation allows machinery to return to service faster during maintenance and repairs.
Versatility: Available in various materials (stainless steel, Hastelloy, various seal face materials like silicon carbide or carbon) and configurations to handle a wide range of fluids, temperatures, and pressures.
Environmental Protection: Many modern designs incorporate features to contain media and prevent emissions, meeting environmental regulations.
Common Types and Construction
Single cartridge seals are categorized by their specific features for different applications:
Standard Single Seals: The basic design used for general-purpose applications with clean, safe fluids.
Balanced Designs: These seals are pressure-balanced to perform in high-pressure applications without excessive face wear.
Metal Bellows Seals: The secondary seal uses a flexible metal bellows instead of a traditional O-ring or pusher, offering enhanced durability in high-temperature applications where elastomers might degrade.
Elastomer Bellows Seals: Use a flexible rubber bellows, suitable for less aggressive fluids and lower temperatures.
Applications
Single cartridge mechanical seals are used across industries where reliable sealing of rotating equipment is critical:
Chemical Processing: Sealing aggressive or hazardous fluids in pumps and mixers.
Oil and Gas: In refineries, pipelines, and offshore platforms for reliable sealing of various hydrocarbons and process fluids.
Water and Wastewater Treatment: Used in pumps and mixers for handling water, sludge, and other media.
Food and Beverage Processing: Specific hygienic designs are available for use with food products, resisting frequent washdowns and chemical cleaning.