While gland and packing seals have been the industry standard for quite some time, mechanical seals are also a beneficial option due to their operational benefits. When it comes to choosing the best specialty seals solution for your pumps, agitators, or other equipment, the technological advancements in sealing have provided more options. Below you will find the respective benefits of packing seals as compared to mechanical seals. In other words, let’s look at gland seal vs mechanical seal.
Gland Seal vs Mechanical Seal
Before you decide which seal to use, compare the respective differences between mechanical and gland seals to see which one is right for your project.
Mechanical Seals:
For diverse applications where you need to avoid leaks, mechanical seals prove more beneficial than traditional packing seals. This is because mechanical seals are more durable and are designed to withstand a lot. Most basic mechanical seals use multiple sealing points to eliminate the leakage issue.
Packing Seals:
These have been the most widely used type of solution for many years. Packing seals use a material that is rope-like to wrap around the shaft of a pump. They can fill dead space and minimize fluid loss. Fluid loss increases as the packing materials being to wear down. This can impair regular lubrication and reduce the ease of placement required for it to function properly.
Best Uses for Mechanical Seals
Mechanical seals should be used when seal leakage is not an option for equipment or applications. This often occurs when pump leakage can cause environmental or safety issues. Mechanical seals are more durable and are a better choice for the long-term life of your pumps. However, they are more expensive than packing seals, but it is a good initial investment. Without using a mechanical seal, you will likely have to replace and repair the seals. Doing so often costs you more in the long run. Mechanical seal is also best for minimizing sleeve damage because they do not need to be replaced. Choosing packing seals can result in the need for a replacement, which can cause wear and tear on your pumps as they are disassembled and assembled over and over again.
Best Uses for Packing Seals
Packing seals are the most common and economical choice when it comes to sealing solution. This is the very reason why they are still widely used. One of the major benefits of packing seals is that they are much easier to install compared to mechanical seals. They also make for easy installation. And they take significantly less time than mechanical seals as they don’t require you to decouple the driveshaft. Packing seals are also much more forgiving than mechanical seals as they can adapt to the conditions and maintain their integrity well. Pumps and agitators have a lot of radial movement and issues with misalignment, and packing seals can easily adapt to the environmental changes.
When deciding which seal is right for you, it’s important to note the respective pros and cons. If you end up having difficulty determining which is right for you, consult with a seal specialist.
Specialty Seals
Real seal is a manufacturer and distributor of seal products and mechanical component goods. Established in 1970, the company has had decades of experience in the industry with excellent consumer satisfaction. They offer a wide variety of performance-oriented plastic and rubber solutions for sealing and mechanical applications. As one of the most technologically advanced companies in the industry, Real Seal maintains a fully equipped laboratory with a full-time chemist and technical staff. Contact Real Seal today with any questions you have related to your specialty seal needs.
