Component vs Cartridge Seals: How to Choose - Hayes Blog

Jul. 02, 2024

Component vs Cartridge Seals: How to Choose - Hayes Blog

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Mechanical seals are an integral part of machines that deal with hydraulics, pumps being an excellent example. Since there are different types of seals available, however, choosing the one that would work best for your pump can get tricky.

This guide will help you choose between the two most common types of seals, component and cartridge, by detailing their use cases, pros, and cons.

What are Component Mechanical Seals?

A component mechanical seal comes as a set of components that you must assemble before installing. Hence, the process requires skilled service technicians. When you order a component mechanical seal, you will receive several parts in a package like seal faces, O-rings, boots, etc. Since you, as a customer, take care of the assembly process, component mechanical seals are the affordable option among the two and are also easier to service.

Pros of component seals

Component mechanical seals cost less than cartridge seals
These seals are the most common and widely available for different pump models

Cons of component seals

Installing these seals is a complex process and requires a skilled technician
Inaccurate spring tension on seal faces often causes the seal to fail

What are Cartridge Mechanical Seals?

Cartridge mechanical seals come pre-assembled from the factory. Hence, there is no need for a service professional to assemble or calibrate the seal before installation. Furthermore, since the part comes pre-assembled and tested by the manufacturer, the leeway for errors is significantly low.

Pros of cartridge seals

Easy installation, no assembly required
These seals have low chances of failure

Cons of cartridge seals

Cartridge mechanical seals can cost two to three times the price of component seals
These seals are available only for specific pump types

Choosing between Component and Cartridge Seals

Choosing between the two types of mechanical seals comes down to certain key factors.

Cost

Cost is a major part of any maintenance project. Cartridge-type mechanical seals are much more expensive than component mechanical seals when comparing the two options.

Ease of installation

While both types of seals offer reliable performance once installed correctly, the degree of installation complexity varies significantly based on your choice. Component mechanical seals must be assembled before installation and require spring tension adjustment. This is a task best reserved for skilled technicians. On the contrary, cartridge mechanical seals come assembled. Hence, the installation process is simple and leaves less room for errors.

Parts availability

Cartridge mechanical seals are easy to install when you have the right make and model. However, they still lack compatibility with a broad range of pumps available in the market. Since component mechanical seals have been in the industry for the longest, they are available for almost all types of shafts and pumps.

Not sure which seal will perform best for your pump?

What are cartridge seals used for?

Mechanical seals are available in various configurations. Each variant has some pros and cons. However, if you rate them in popularity, then component mechanical seals and cartridge mechanical seals take the top positions.

For more information, please visit cartridge type mechanical seal manufacturer.

What is a cartridge seal?

A cartridge-type mechanical seal is a pre-assembled package of seal components. Therefore, its installation is very easy.

The elements of a cartridge seal are:

Gland
Sleeve
Seal faces (2 or 4)
Energizing force source (single spring, multiple springs, metal bellows, or elastomer)
Lock collar

While choosing a mechanical seal type, the following parameters need to be considered:

Cost of installation
Long-term running costs
Characteristics of the pump
Anticipated operational conditions, such as heat, vibration, and pressure.

These factors will determine whether a component seal is preferable to a cartridge seal.

Benefits of cartridge seal

Since a cartridge mechanical seal is a completely enclosed seal system with preassembled components, it brings several advantages.

It is easy to install. You don&#;t need any specialists.
Since it has a pre-assembled seal with fixed axial settings, the functional security is high.
There are no measuring errors.
There is no possibility of axial misplacement and resulting seal performance issues
Prevents dirt entry
No damage to seal faces
Reduced installation cost, time, and maintenance.
Reduction in the degree of pump disassembly for seal replacement
Easily repairable cartridges
Protection of shaft sleeve and customer shaft

When using cartridge seals, it is important to ensure that the unit is in good operating condition. Thus, you can ensure minimize any future problems, such as a leak after the seal installation.

It is also important to check whether the bearings are within tolerance or not. The shaft should be straight, and the impeller has to be balanced. And most importantly, cartridge seals offer a level of standardization regardless of the type of OEM machine is being sealed. There is no drop-off in seal performance when switching from a conventional seal to a cartridge seal.

Cartridge mechanical seals have preset spring tensions. To hold the rotating and stationary elements in alignment, a retaining device is used during the installation process.

Most of the times, a cartridge mechanical seal cannot be installed on the wet side of a pump&#;s seal chamber, behind the impeller. It is generally incompatible with submersible pumps because of this reason only.

The cost of cartridge seals can be double or triple more than component seals. However, it requires lower labor costs and less production lost from seal replacement.

Leak-Pack is ISO : certified company and one of the best mechanical seals manufacturers, exporters and suppliers in India, providing solutions to all types of leakages by manufacturing Mechanical Seals and Sealing Components as per customer&#;s drawings, samples or requirements. To know more about Mechanical Seal call on +91-() or at .

Also Read:

Cartridge Seals: The Modern Option to Conventional Seal Choices

Component vs. Cartridge Mechanical Seals &#; What&#;s the Difference?

Are you interested in learning more about China cartridge type mechanical seal? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

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