Leakage
Normal leakage for a properly adjusted box, depending on shaft size and speed, varies from a few drops
a second to a small trickle out of the gland.
Mechanical seal
The mechanical seal used in an ATEX classified environment must be properly certified.
The mechanical seal must always be properly flushed. Failure to do so will result in excess heat gen-
eration and seal failure
Most mechanical seals are installed and adjusted at the factory. A common seal type used on the AF
pump is the cartridge type. Cartridge seals are preset at the seal manufacturer’s facility and require no
field settings. Due to size and design, some installed mechanical seals are supplied with holding clips.
These clips keep the sealing faces apart to avoid damage during transport. The clips must be removed
before the shaft is to be rotated. Pumps with retained seal faces will be specifically marked and instruc-
tions from the seal manufacturer for clip removal will be provided.
If the seal has been installed in the pump at the Goulds Pumps factory, these clips have already been
removed. For other types of mechanical seals, refer to the seal manufacturer’s instructions for installation
and setting.
Mechanical seals have a stationary and a rotating sealing face. Commonly, these sealing rings are of
carbon and ceramic material, brittle in nature, and easily damaged. As the sealing rings seat with the
operation of the pump, a compatible wear pattern develops between the mating surfaces.
To disassemble the mechanical seal after the wear pattern is established would necessitate the replace-
ment of the rotating element and stationary sealing elements. Do not replace only one component.
To ensure the life and sealing characteristics of the mechanical seal, lubricating liquid must be circulated
through the seal gland. Clear, grit-free liquid is necessary. Goulds Pumps strongly recommends the
stocking of replacement sealing elements.
WARNING:
Do not make shaft adjustments on mechanical seal installations without consulting seal instruc-
tions and the pump assembly drawing. Damage to the mechanical seal may result.
5.2 Start the Pump
Priming the pump
Pumps that are not self-priming must be fully primed at all times during operation.
DANGER:
All openings (e.g. pipe connections, flanges) must be sealed off with proper fitting and material
prior to filling pump. Failure to plug all openings will result in personal injury.
WARNING:
Foreign objects in the pumped liquid or piping system can block the flow and cause excess
heat generation, sparks and premature failure. Make sure that the pump and systems are free
of foreign objects before and during operation.
5.2 Start the Pump
40
Model AF (42"/1200mm/54"/60"/66") LM/LMR Bearings Installation, Operation, and Maintenance Manual
