A close look at sealing options available to effectively reduce or eliminate the water needed for the pump sealing element.
Heat Exchanger Gaskets: Tips for Safety & Performance
When it comes to gasket applications, heat exchangers are among the most difficult pieces of equipment to seal. These are complicated pieces of equipment that require special gasketing attention for proper safety and maximum efficiency. When you are having issues with heat exchanger gaskets, there are four major areas to consider: Heat exchanger design: Because […]
Using Gas Seals to Improve the Reliability & Energy Efficiency of Pumps
Gas seals are by no means a new technology, however more users are now effectively leveraging this once complicated and expensive solution to improve equipment reliability, move closer to ultimate efficiency, and save energy and money. A contacting wet seal has a finite life that is determined by the amount of its consumable, narrow face. By […]
Reducing the Impact of Abrasion in Coal Processing
Coal processing involves transporting coal in various stages as bulk coal is refined into fine particular coal suitable for burning. The impact on equipment can be significant. Ever-persistent abrasion and wear takes a major toll on pulverizers, conveyors, chutes, screws, and other equipment. It can ultimately cause unexpected, costly downtime and/or greatly reduced equipment life. […]
Cost-Effective Ways to Control Leaking Valve Stem Seals [Part 1]
Note: As part of our series Extending the Life of Aging Fixed Plant Equipment, this post will focus on how to identify and stop leaking valve stem seals, while Part 2 will address best practices for reducing leaks in flange sealing. Coping with Older Fixed Equipment Process plants in Europe and the US are facing […]
Five Tips to Reduce Maintenance Costs for Older Hydraulic Presses
Upgrading cylinder sealing for hydraulic presses can pay off in reliability, longer asset life, and shorter repair time. It’s a common dilemma for the operators of heavy-duty hydraulic systems and press machines around the world: When large diameter cylinders become worn and/or damaged – should you invest in new cylinders or repair the existing ones? While […]
Pump Packing Materials for Worn Equipment: The Benefits of Injectable Packing
Injectable packing is an ideal pump packing material when you are looking to seal equipment with worn shafts or fretted sleeves. In this post, you’ll learn when to use this flexible packing technology and tips for implementing it. The Limits of Standard Pump Packing Braided packing is the oldest pump sealing method used in the […]
How to Gain Pump Efficiency with Restoration & Protective Coatings
In this post, you’ll learn how refurbishing and protecting worn pumps with the right high-performance coatings can restore lost pump efficiency often back to or exceeding the levels shown on the manufacturer’s pump performance curve. We’ll also talk about applying coatings to the internals of new pumps or purchasing them pre-coated, a practice that is […]
Using Split Seals for Improved Turbine Shaft Sealing
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 […]