Tag: #Kirloskar dealer in Mumbai

Steps Involved in the Mechanical Seal Test Process

by vemcoblogs -

If you are a pump owner, you must be on top of all the processes and techniques of pump maintenance. One such crucial process is the mechanical seal testing. Mechanical seals control leakage of liquids in pumps and other rotating devices. The purpose of testing therefore is to analyse its effectiveness in preventing leakage at various speeds and sizes. VEMC is the leading Kirloskar dealer in Mumbai, and in this blog we tell you all you need to know about mechanical seal testing.

Testing process

  1. Preparation: 

Mechanical seals are tested in accordance with the API standard 682. This requires that all the seal types (A, B and C) be tested in all seal arrangements, single seal, pressure-less and pressurized dual seal. It specifies tests with diameters of 50 mm and 100 mm and speed of 3600 rpm. Further, each seal must be tested with four different media.

  1. Dynamic phase: 

The dynamic phase of the mechanical seal test is conducted at a constant pressure and temperature at the speed of 3600 rpm. The test has to be performed for more than 100 hours at base point conditions.

  1. Static phase: 

The static phase of mechanical seal testing takes place at constant pressure and temperature at 0 rpm for 4 hours.

  1. Cyclic phase: 

Tests are conducted at base point conditions at a speed of 3600 rpm till equillibrium is attained.

After this, the seal chamber pressure is dropped to 0 psi so as to vapourise the fluid. Base point pressure is then re-established.

Next, the seal chamber fluid temperature is dropped to 20 degrees C and then base temperature is re-established.

Finally, the fluid temperature in the seal chamber is raised to 80 degrees C, seal flush turned off for 1 minute and then the test is shut down (0 rpm) for 10 minutes.

Preventive measures to maintain the integrity of your mechanical seals

Leaking mechanical seals could be a source of serious housekeeping hazard, health concerns and business issues in your facility. To avoid repeated mechanical seal testing, it would be best to maintain it using some very simple but effective ways:

  1. Choose a mechanical seal based on your weather conditions. 
  2. The liquids being pumped are also vulnerable to changes in pressure, temperature etc. Although most liquids act as lubricants for your seals, nevertheless being aware of their nature helps you choose better.
  3. Be aware of the actual nature of leakage through a seal. This could be due to a shaft that has bent or bad bearings.
  4. Try to reduce pump vibrations as much as possible. Excessive vibration contributes to the cavitation of pump body and deterioration of component parts like seals.
  5. Finally, rather than running the pump dry, make sure you maintain proper lubrication.

For more on the maintenance and testing of your pumps’ mechanical seals, feel free to call VEMC on  022 43436655 or email us at marketing@vemc.co.in. We are the top-notch Kirloskar authorised dealer in Mumbai.

When to Repair vs. Replace a Pump

by vemcoblogs -

Whenever any of your equipment breaks down, you are required to make a choice between repairing or replacing it. This applies to industrial pumps as well. However, several variables come into play when making the repair vs. replace decision. Some of these are skills of the technician, current technology and of course the costs involved. 

VEMC is the leading Kirloskar dealer in Mumbai and in this blog, we talk about the repair vs replace dillemma that every pump owner has to face at some stage.

The repair vs. replace decision

The repair vs. replace discussion is often held whenever breakdown maintenance of a pump is being carried out. The decision is routed through a number of variables such as:

  1. What is the problem that caused the breakdown?
  2. Can it be fixed either internally or outsourced to an experienced technician?
  3. How much will it cost to fix the issue?

The first step is identifying the problem which in itself can be quite challenging. Often pumps break down due to more than one issue. To zero in on the problems requires plenty of expertise, skill, experience and even some amount of luck. In case an internal team-member is unable to resolve the problem, it may be better to outsource it to a third-party technician. 

At any rate, what really matters is how much cost will be involved in solving the problem. This is where the owner must figure out whether it would be more affordable to repair the pump, or simply to replace it with a new one. As a thumb rule, if the repair costs exceed half the costs for replacement, the pump should be replaced.

Age and performance history of the pump

If your pump is old, it is very likely to have undergone a significant amount of wear and tear. Plus, its technology has possibly become outdated which means it will be difficult to find spares for it. In terms of energy efficiency as well, the pump may not be performing up to the mark.

Another factor to look out for is how the pump has performed over the years. If it has had multiple breakdowns which has resulted in costly downtime, that makes another reason for you to consider replacement.

The environmental angle

Environmentally, it is always desirable that you prolong the lifespan of your equipment as much as possible and avoid frequent replacement. The latter causes unnecessary emissions and wastage of precious resources. However, if the outdated equipment has poor energy efficiency, it can be a heavy burden on not just the business but the environment as well. The eco-conscious pump owner is thus required to walk the tightrope between these two alternatives.

The repair vs. replace dillemma is one of the most confounding business decisions that any pump owner has to make. If you’re confused about what course of action to take on pump breakdown, let us help you navigate this uncertain territory. Call VEMC, the top-notch Kirloskar authorised dealer, on 022 43436655 or email us at marketing@vemc.co.in.