Sealing devices for Kaplan and Francis hydropower turbines are critical components that assure reliable operation and environmental compliance. Those working with these turbines in the hydropower industry are discovering that using mechanical split seals for main shaft sealing can make significant advances in their operations. In today’s post, we interview John Sousa, a Chesterton expert […]
Combating Corrosion in Hydropower Facilities with Protective Coatings
If you are operating a hydroelectric facility, you are most likely in an isolated region where the reliability of plant systems is paramount. The lack of easy access to spare parts, heavy equipment, and skilled maintenance staff requires careful planning and advanced preparation. Since plant up-time is especially critical you need to be able to […]
Using the Pump Performance Curve to Increase Pump Efficiency & Save Energy
Improving the efficiency of a pump can have an enormous impact on increasing the return on investment (ROI) of each pump in your operation.
Kaplan Turbine Sealing: Troubleshooting Leakage
About Kaplan Turbines The Kaplan turbine is one of the most commonly used turbines types in hydropower facilities around the globe. This “reaction type” propeller turbine is an evolution of the Francis turbine. It has adjustable blades and/or wicket gates (single- or double-regulation systems) to obtain optimal efficiency in different pressure/head conditions. It operates at efficiencies up to […]
Reducing Methane Emissions [Infographic]
Methane (CH4) is the second largest greenhouse gas emitted in the United States. In 2016, CH4 accounted for about approximately 10% of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions from human activities, according to the US Department of Environmental Services (EPA). A 2015 report in Environmental Science and Technology measured a total of 219 non-compressor connections with […]
Double Mechanical Seal Arrangement Options [Double Seals: Part 2]
In Part 1 of our series on double (dual) seals, we discussed the benefits of dual seal design and when to use it. In Part 2, we’re taking a closer look at the various rotary and stationary double seal arrangement options (configurations), and how to maximize their success. A double seal is designed with two primary […]
Understanding Spring Energized Seals and When to Use Them
Spring energized seals provide durable and reliable sealing solutions in critical applications and under extreme operating conditions in different industries. This seal design extends the operating limits of polymer-based seals by: Providing gas-tight sealing systems to end-users Helping to achieve fugitive emission reduction goals Meeting environmental regulation requirements Spring energized seals are a highly reliable […]
Pump Sealing Basics: Mechanical Seals vs. Packing
Mechanical seals vs. pump packing? Which is the best and most effective sealing technology for your pump or agitator application? Long ago, companies didn’t want to switch to mechanical seals because of the complicated installation and need to completely disassemble the equipment. The invention of cartridge and split mechanical seals effectively eliminated those dilemmas, but many operations […]
Taking the Hassle Out of Slurry Pump Maintenance
Seals, typically either packing or a mechanical seal, are one of the components most often replaced in a slurry pump. Abrasive particles can easily wear through packing or clog mechanical seal components. In either case, seal life in a slurry environment can quickly be reduced down to weeks or even days. In operations where downtime can […]
Selecting the Right Retrofitting for Your Mobile Mining Equipment
Those involved in mobile mining know that super-large, hydraulic equipment plays a major role in discontinuous surface mining operation for solid (hard rock) commercial minerals. This includes a wide range of equipment including off-road haul trucks, hydraulic excavators, shovels, dozers, and front loaders. Growing worldwide economic pressures in mining and 24/7/365 schedules have made the […]