EP Type 1 MECO Seal

The MECO EP Type-1 seal model is a precision machined, fully-split seal akin to a stuffing box and gland follower. The elastomer drive is comprised of two rotating seal faces and a drive elastomer. The drive elastomer and two rotating seal faces interlock with the shaft, forming a watertight seal at the shaft. The result places the rotating seal faces at right angles to the shaft and in full contact with the low-friction stationary seal faces. The rotating parts are fitted around the shaft prior to installing the seal housing. The nose or pilot of the gland follower provides the carrier for attaching the outboard (secondary) stationary seal face. A plate attached to the bottom of the seal housing (a.k.a. stuffing box) provides the inboard (primary) stationary seal face. These precision-machined stationary seal faces (stators) are inherently malleable to mate against hardened, lapped and polished rotating seal face surfaces. The seal cavity is flushed with water to remove any debris and quench or cool the seal faces.

The MECO EP Type-1 seal model uses a continual water flush to remove any process debris within the seal cavity, as a quench to remove the heat generated by the seal and as a diagnostic tool. The flush provides insight into the seal setup prior to startup and the overall performance during its lifecycle. By reviewing the clarity of the flush water, the change in water temperature from inlet to outlet, and the ability to hold water within the seal cavity, maintenance becomes predictable and the calibration is confirmed. External springs are attached to the back of the gland follower to close the seal faces and provide seal face alignment capabilities. As the sacrificial stationary seal face material wears, the springs will gradually expand and the flush water will expel process debris. After the springs have expanded measurably, an opportunity should be scheduled in the next 1-2 weeks to reset the springs to maximize seal life. Once the gland follower flange is in contact with the seal housing, a rebuild is needed. The seal may be rebuilt on-site or returned to MECO for factory refurbishing.

The MECO EP Type-1 seal model is designed and built to order. Assemblies are fully split. Common shaft diameters range from 4” (100mm) to 16.5” (420mm) and include all sizes in between and many outside the range. Dimensions will vary according to each application, but typical dimensions are shown in the illustration below. Any extra axial space is helpful for the installer and maximizes spring performance.The seals are readily designed fully-split to fit most mounting arrangements on customized, in-house process equipment. Seals can be built either to S.A.E or metric dimensions. Designer-friendly, they are equally appropriate as retrofits or for new equipment. Be sure to request MECO EP Type-1 on your next expansion project.

The MECO EP Type-1 seal’s rugged components are designed for long life. The standard assembly uses hardened stainless steel rotating seal faces. The housings and gland follower are typically machined from 304 or 316 stainless steel. Common high-performance bearing-grade stationary seal face options are as follows: MECO 3000, a slick polymer-filled PTFE; MECO 3120, a malleable ceramic-filled ptfe; MECO 4000, a hard, carbon fiber, graphite & ptfe-filled PEEK. The common elastomer is EPDM with white silicone, Viton® and Nitrile rubber are viable alternatives. These materials have an FDA-compliant option. Since Woodex’s MECO Seal division manufactures many custom shaft seals, they have the capability to fabricate from any material required.