Goulds Pumps 3409 - IOM - Manual (Page 35)

box. Then install each succeeding ring, staggering the joints as
described above, making sure each ring is firmly seated.
If your pump is supplied with seal cages (optional) make
sure the seal cages are properly located in the stuffing
boxes under the sealing water inlets. The function of the
seal cage is to establish a liquid seal around the shaft,
prevent leakage of air through the stuffing box and
lubricate the packing. If it is not properly located it serves
no purpose.
MECHANICAL SEALS
General instructions for operation of the various
mechanical sealing arrangements are included below. It is
not feasible to include detailed instructions for all
mechanical seals in this booklet because of the almost
unlimited number of possible combinations and
arrangements. Instead, seal manufacturer’s instructions will
be included as a separate supplement to this book, where
required.
a. Mechanical seals are precision products and should be
treated with care. Use special care when handling
seals. Clean oil and clean parts are essential to prevent
scratching the finely lapped sealing faces. Even light
scratches on these faces could result in leaky seals.
b. Normally, mechanical seals require no adjustment or
maintenance except routine replacement of worn or
broken parts.
c. A mechanical seal which has been used should not be
put back into service until the sealing faces have been
replaced or relapped. (Relapping is generally
economical only in seals two inches in size and above.)
Four important rules which should always be followed for
optimum seal life are:
1. Keep the seal faces as clean as possible.
2. Keep the seal as cool as possible.
3. Assure that the seal always has proper lubrication.
4. If seal is lubricated with filtered fluid, clean filter
frequently.
3409 IOM 11/04
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