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Mechanical seals are extensively used in a wide variety of chemical pumps for transferring corrosive liquids, alkalis, solvents, and other chemicals. They play a vital role in reliably preventing leaks of hazardous or flammable fluids from pumps. This protects the pumping equipment from damage and ensures worker and environmental safety. For instance, mechanical seals designed for pumps transferring concentrated sulfuric acid are made from corrosion-resistant materials that can withstand the highly corrosive acid without degradation. They allow safe, long-term pumping of this aggressive chemical. Mechanical seals also enable pumps to pressure-transfer flammable liquids like ethanol without any leaks. This is important because ethanol is volatile and even minor leaks could lead to fire hazards.
Within chemical production facilities, mechanical seals see extensive implementation in mixers and agitators. During mixing or agitation of chemicals, fine dust particles may sometimes be generated. Mechanical seals form a tight barrier between the rotating shaft and static housing. This containment of dust effectively protects the health and safety of plant workers. The seals prevent hazardous airborne particulates from escaping the equipment and entering the surrounding workplace environment where they could potentially be inhaled.
Mechanical seal designs incorporate specialized engineering thermoplastics, elastomers, ceramics and metal alloys that enable them to withstand prolonged exposure to high temperatures, pressures, and chemically aggressive environments. They are often essential for reliable operation of equipment like reactors processing chemicals at extreme conditions over 600°C. Without robust seals, even minuscule leaks could occur over time at these elevated process severities.
Within chemical process lines, control valves such as isolation valves and reflux valves are commonly sealed using mechanical seals. They reliably prevent backflows and leaks when valves are opened and closed, ensuring process continuity and safety. Even minute leaks from valves could interfere with downstream unit operations or contaminate product streams. The seals are therefore critical for valve integrity.
