Reliability Matters

Fluid Sealing & Equipment Protection Expertise

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 […]

Fugitive Emissions: Understanding API Standards for Valves & Packing

Since the introduction of the U.S. Clean Air Act in 1963, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and individual states have set increasingly stringent consent decrees for fugitive emissions from industrial facilities. Many companies have implemented Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) programs, and industry groups have focused efforts on helping member companies decrease valve emissions.  Most […]

The Benefits of Low Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Coatings

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are defined by the EPA as “any compound of carbon, excluding carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, carbonic acid, metallic carbides or carbonates, and ammonium carbonate, which participates in atmospheric photo-chemical reactions.”  The most common source of VOCs in the paint and coatings industry are “solvents and thinners” used in the formulation itself […]

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 […]

Stepping Up Your Chain Lubrication Program for Best Performance

Chains are the workhorses of many industrial production processes. But as important as chains are in the day-to-day functions of many plant operations, chain lubrication and maintenance is often an afterthought. The reality is that internal chain wear (especially in the popular metal-pin-and-bushing chain type) can put a real kink in production up-time if not […]

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 […]