SEAL FACE MATERIAL SELECTION
Mechanical Seals and Gasket Supply is our Specialty.
American Seal and Packing is a leading manufacturer & distributor of mechanical seals, Grafoil, gasket material, cut gaskets and quality o-rings providing innovative solutions to mechanical seal problems.
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| Carbon: Carbon-graphite is
a self-lubricating material, and is a versatile seal face material used
with mating rings of harder materials such as silicon carbide, alumina, or
tungsten carbide. AST's standard grade, Pure Carbon P-658RC, has
superior wear characteristics and broad chemical resistance. For
severe corrodents including hydrofluoric and nitric acids, special carbon
grades are available. |
Recommended:
Most services
Marginal
lubrication |
Not
recommended:
Severe abrasive service |
|
Silicon
Carbide: Silicon carbide resists a wide range of
chemicals. It is also the hardest of seal face materials, giving it
excellent abrasion resistance. Silicon carbide's high thermal conductivity
and low coefficient of friction are essential for the effective sealing of
volatile liquids and high pressure services. Reaction-bonded silicon
carbide performs best at the highest speeds and pressures, but can be
corroded by caustics and hydrofluoric acid. Self-sintered silicon
carbide resists all chemicals, and has running characteristics almost as
good as reaction-bonded silicon carbide. |
Recommended:
Most services
High speed and
pressure |
Not
recommended:
Caustics (reaction-bonded only)
Hydrofluoric
acid (reaction-bonded only) |
|
Alumina Ceramic: Alumina
ceramic is inert in pure form and is used in chemical and water
applications as a mating ring for carbon-graphite primary rings. Alumina
is limited to moderate speeds and pressures. Alumina is susceptible to
thermal shock, and is not recommended for services involving periods of
dry running or for petroleum refinery services. |
Recommended:
Low speeds and
presssures |
Not
recommended:
Dry running and marginal lubrication |
|
Tungsten
Carbide: Tungsten carbide is a popular mating
ring for carbon-graphite primary rings in hydrocarbon process applications
and rugged applications involving vibration and mechanical shock. Tungsten
carbide is a good mating face for silicon carbide primary rings in severe
abrasive services, but is not as resistant to corrosion as silicon
carbide. |
Recommended:
Abusive service |
Not
recommended:
Most metal salts,
acids |
|