To improve the performance of any piece of equipment requires a
complete understanding of its operation and the effect on its
component parts. The definition of mechanical reliability is the
probability that a component, device or system will perform its
prescribed service without failure for a given time when
operated correctly in a specified environment. A component part
is the smallest part that would normally be replaced. A device,
such as a pump, compressor, agitator, mixer, etc., is made up of
many component parts. A system, such as a process plant,
refinery, power plant, ship, etc. is made up of many devices.
Thus, when a critical component fails, it can have a tremendous
economic impact, not only on the device in which it is
installed, but on an entire system. A mechanical seal is just
such a component. The major causes for seal failure on a pump
are a result of the following conditions: Identifying the cause
for failure will lead to significant savings for the user. As
the shaft of a pump begins to r