MECHANICAL SEAL CLASSIFICATIONS

Over the years, mechanical seals have undergone continuous improvement. Today, numerous classifications and design features are available to end users. Each mechanical seal design offers specific strengths that make its use advantageous for certain situations, and tradeoffs that may make its use impractical or ill-advised for particular applications. As the technological sophistication associated with mechanical seal design has increased, users often have a difficult time deciding which seals to use, and where to apply them most appropriately.

Mechanical seals can be classified by design, or by application.

Classification by design:

1. Component or cartridge seals

2. Spring-type seals

3. Stationary or rotary seals

4. Balanced or unbalanced seals

5. Pusher or bellows seals

6. Split vs. non-split seals

Classification by application

1. Pump or mixer seals

2. Metallic versus nonmetallic seals

3. High-temperature seals

4. Single versus dual seals (such a tandem, back-back or face-face de signs)

5. Wet lubricated seals or gas seals