Case Studies

The Problem

A global manufacturer of printing inks required urgent support when four seal cartridges failed shortly after commissioning four new Pfaudler Balfour glass lined reactors. The seals were Pfaudler Balfour Flexseal UF8 double seal cartridges, shaft sizes 100, 125 and two 140 mm.

With the new plant in production and no spare seal cartridges available, all four seals needed to be removed, repaired and reinstalled as quickly as possible to minimise down time.

The cause of the problem also needed to be identified and eliminated.

The Solution

Each seal cartridge was removed by Pfaudler Balfour and sent overnight to NASH for assessment and repair.

Each seal was immediately stripped and evaluated.

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The outboard rotary carbon seal face was blistered and chipped in all cases, indicating poor fluid film formation.

Service history indicated a number of contributory factors including:

• Low sealant viscosity
• Unnecessarily high sealant pressure
• Drive systems not rotated for 6 months prior to commissioning

Each seal was repaired and tested to original specification within 48 hrs, returned to site overnight and fitted the following day.

A higher viscosity sealant was used and the seal system pressure was reduced.

The Benefits

By providing specialist aftermarket support for this type of seal, NASH had the necessary technical resources and parts available to provide a rapid solution that helped to minimise down time and lost production.