This library consists of 4 interactive, on-line lessons. These lessons were designed for persons with a basic understanding of the operation and maintenance of pumps, agitators, and rotating equipment.

Introduction to Mechanical Seals


Mechanical Seal Designs


Failure Analysis


Mechanical Seal Maintenance

• Explain the purpose of mechanical seals.
• Identify the basic components of a mechanical seal.
• Identify the types of materials commonly used to make seal faces and elastomers.
• Describe the characteristics of materials commonly used to make seal faces.
• Identify the types of materials commonly used to make seal hardware.
• Describe the characteristics of materials commonly used to make seal hardware.
• Identify the primary sealing points of a mechanical seal.
• Identify the secondary sealing points of a mechanical seal.
• Identify the characteristics and limitations of mechanical seals.
• Describe the characteristics of packing.
• Identify applications in which packing is installed to control process leakage.
• Explain when packing should be replaced by a mechanical seal.

• Describe a single seal and list its uses.
• Describe a double seal and list its uses.
• Describe a tandem seal and list its uses.
• Describe a cartridge seal and list its uses.
• Define an inside seal and explain its use.
• Define an outside seal and explain its use.
• Explain how process fluid affects mechanical seals.
• Explain how temperature affects mechanical seals.
• Explain how operational conditions affect mechanical seals.

• List the steps necessary to prepare for removing a failed mechanical seal.
• List the steps to removing a failed mechanical seal.
• Perform a failure analysis to determine the cause of seal failure.
• Identify the means to correct the problem or condition that caused seal failure.
• List the steps to follow to properly analyze seal failure.
• Describe seal damage caused by chemical attack.
• Describe seal damage caused by heat.
• Describe seal damage caused by mechanical action.

• Remove a failed mechanical seal.
• Disassemble a failed mechanical seal.
• Identify the correct tool for O-ring extraction.
• Remove O-rings from a mechanical seal.
• Replace O-rings on a mechanical seal.
• Perform the preliminary checks prior to seal installation.
• Reassemble and install a new or repaired mechanical seal.