Q: What types of mechanical seals are used in wastewater

applications?
A: Mechanical seal technology is continuously progressing and can be applied to almost any pumping
application when the right considerations have been addressed. In wastewater applications the two seal
arrangements commonly used are single seal (see Figure 3) that can be traditional or split design and dual
pressurized (double) seal.

Figure 3. Single pusher seal

Applications for the use of single and dual seals can overlap in a wastewater treatment plant if the right
flush plan considerations are made. When sludge and grit are the services, dual pressurized seals with plan
54 flush can provide reliable operation by reducing the flush water consumptions and ensuring that a
suitable clean lubricating fluid is provided to the seal faces (see Figure 4). Consideration of the additional
cost of a dual seal, flush system, and the requirement to reliably operate the flush system need to be
considered in the selection and life cycle cost.

Figure 4. Dual seal with Plan 54 flush

For more information on wastewater treatment plant pumps and their sealing systems, refer to HI’s recently
published guidebook, Pump Application Guideline for Wastewater Treatment Plant Pumps at
www.pumps.org.