Unplanned seal failures can drive costly downtime, safety risks, and lost productivity, especially when the underlying issues go unresolved. That’s why manufacturers rely on OTC Industrial Technologies for expert mechanical seal repair, failure analysis, and long-term reliability support. By increasing seal reliability and eliminating preventable failures, OTC helps facilities operate safer, more efficiently, and more predictably. Contact OTC to learn more.
How do you increase uptime or mean time between failures (MTBF)?
Start by improving mechanical seal reliability.
There is a direct correlation between mechanical seal performance and equipment uptime. Mechanical seals are among the most precision-engineered components in rotating equipment, making them highly sensitive to system issues. As a result, they are often blamed for failures when, in reality, they are more frequently the symptom rather than the root cause. Understanding common pump seal failure causes, such as improper operation, installation errors, material incompatibility, or inadequate support systems, is essential to improving reliability. As Lou Hart, retired Flowserve Seal Product Specialist and Trainer, famously said, “Mechanical seals don’t fail, they are murdered.”
Below are several practical steps you can take to better control failures and improve uptime:
Track Performance
Monitor seal failures and MTBF to identify trends early before they escalate into larger problems.
Focus on Operating Practices
How equipment is operated has a direct impact on seal life. Review startup, shutdown, and day-to-day operating procedures to eliminate avoidable failures.
Prevent Installation Errors
Minor installation or maintenance mistakes can lead to significant failures. Adhering to seal installation best practices is critical.
Verify Materials of Construction and Design
Ensure seal materials and design features are compatible with your process conditions and cleaning chemicals.
Survey Support Systems
A mechanical seal is only as reliable as its support system. Proper design and optimization are essential for long-term performance.
How Our Seal Alliance Program Can Help
OTC’s Mechanical Seal Alliance Program supports reliability improvements by:
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- Monitoring failures and analyzing trends to drive continuous reliability improvements.
- Evaluating startup and operating procedures, identifying risks, and providing operator training for pumps and mechanical seals.
- Identifying subtle installation and maintenance issues while delivering best-practice guidance.
- Detecting inferior or incompatible materials introduced through process changes and recommending corrective solutions.
- Assessing and optimizing seal support systems, often extending seal life by years.
Improving inspection, monitoring, and maintenance practices for mechanical seals can significantly enhance the reliability of your industrial pumps. To learn more about our Mechanical Seal Alliance Program and expert mechanical seal repair services, visit: otcindustrial.com/mechanical-seal-repair.
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