In its efforts to curb the ever-rising costs of replacement components, global engineer- ing and technology company Metso has developed a new, complete line of slurry pump cartridge-type mechanical seals.
After extensive research and development, the Orion series cartridge seals were launched to the mining, mineral and related industries in August. This is to address the demand for reliable sealing, especially where conditions are arduous, aggressive and often remote, which is highly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, says Metso.
One of the design criteria addresses environmental challenges such as reducing any chance of leakage, thus reducing water consumption. It decreases any dilution of the product/ slurry that is being pumped and also prevents it from entering the sealing chamber. This feature enhances the service life cycle of the seals, which ultimately reduces downtime. Further, time saving and reduced costs are achieved as the cartridge is easy to install, the company adds.
The range comprises the BF Single and BA Double cartridges and the ESF Single mechanical seal that fits into existing gland housings. Tungsten carbide is only offered on Metso’s ESF seal, while BA and BF seals are manu- factured using silica carbide.
Conversion and retrofit installation from the box packing to the cartridge system is a simple procedure and the ESF cartridge will fit all standard Orion series pump flushed gland housings, notes Metso.
Another benefit is the flushed gland port, which reports to an internal chamber to create a barrier of clean fluid. This is replenished continuously to prevent incur- sion of slurry material on the seal face, with special tools not necessary to replace O-ring mounted seal faces in the field, adds the company.