MECO EA Type-1

Where axial or linear space is limited, the MECO EA Type-1 seal model is the solution for sealing wet abrasive slurries encountered in pulpers, agitators, cylindrical blenders, paddle mixers, holding vessels, flocculators, mixing conveyors and similar rotating equipment. The MECO EA Type-1 model is used in process industries such as pulp & paper, home building products, sewage and water treatment, biomass and ethanol production, along with other processes handling water slurries. They are frequently used on side-entry mixers containing drywall or sheetrock mud. They withstand the abuse of shock loading, high shaft runout and abrasives often associated with pulpers recycling office paper and old corrugated containers (OCC). The entire assembly is fully-split and serviceable onsite.

The MECO EA Type-1 seal model is mechanically akin to a thrust washer. The seal utilizes an elastomer to interlock two rotating stainless steel seal faces, or “rotors”, with the shaft to provide the rotating thrust washer element, while forming a watertight seal at the shaft. Fixed, self-lubricating polymeric stationary seal faces, or “stators”, are built into two fully-split stainless steel housings . These are set at right angles to the shaft to provide the fixed-element running surfaces.

The sliding interfaces operate without boundary lubrication to form the dynamic sealing plane. Adjustments are accomplished manually via external fasteners on the seal. A water flush or quench is used for cooling, to remove debris from within the seal cavity and to check adjustment.

Periodic inspection of the flush water confirming it is free-flowing is recommended to maximize service life. Over time, process fluid clouds the flush water, indicating an adjustment is possibly beneficial. Without emptying the vessel, the seal is manually adjusted for wear by measuring the distance between the housings and reducing it a set amount. By reviewing the condition of the flush water, the water temperature from inlet to outlet, and the ability of the seal to withstand back pressure for short moments of time, you are able to determine if the seal is installed correctly or in need of an adjustment.

Once the seal no longer contains flush water or no longer is adjustable, a rebuild is needed. The stainless steel rotating seal faces may be resurfaced. The seal may be rebuilt on-site or returned to MECO for factory refurbishing. All of the seal faces and elastomers are replaceable and fully split.

The EA Type-1 seal’s components are designed for long life. The assembly uses stainless steel rotating seal faces. The housings 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 mineral-filled PTFE; fiberglass-filled PTFE or MECO 4000, a hard, carbon fiber, graphite & PTFE-filled PEEK. The common elastomer is EPDM. White silicone, Viton® and Nitrile are possible alternatives. These materials have an FDA-compliant option.

We have the flexibility to fabricate from various materials. Special requests are typically feasible.

The MECO EA 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 on the last page. The seals are designed to fit per application and accommodate most mounting arrangements. Seals are built either with S.A.E or metric fasteners. Any extra space is helpful for the installer.

Viton® is a registered trademark of E.I. Dupont de Nemours & Company.

Specifications

Results may vary with operating conditions – please call for discussion.