Transcript from Video:
[0m:00s] Hey, it’s Mitchell. Welcome to another video in the RSP education series. What’s the difference between a pump that runs for years and one that fails in months? The answer lies in a few components we typically do not talk about much. The seals that battle leaks, the couplings that handle torque, and the small details most people ignore. Get this wrong and you are looking at catastrophic leaks, seized motors, or even explosive failures. Today we expose the make or break components that keep pumps alive under pressure. If you like this content and want more educational videos, like and subscribe. This video is for educational purposes only. Consult a professional for your application. RSP Supply is not liable for any misuse of this information. Let’s dive in.
[0m:57s] First, seals and gaskets. These keep fluid inside the pump and contaminants out while preventing shaft leaks where the spinning shaft exits the casing. Mechanical seals are used in most modern pumps and consist of two ultra smooth faces, one stationary and one rotating, pressed together to create a leak proof seal when operating properly. Packing seals or gland packing use rope like material such as graphite or teflon around the shaft and require adjustment, allowing slight leakage for lubrication. Gaskets are flat seals placed between pump components such as casing flanges and covers, made from rubber, graphite, or metal depending on pressure and temperature.
[2m:01s] Dry running and abrasive fluids are major enemies of seals. Without fluid, seals overheat and crack, and sand or grit can wear them out quickly. Next is the motor and coupling. The motor provides the power, whether electric, diesel, or hydraulic, and the coupling connects the motor to the pump shaft. Rigid couplings require precise alignment, while flexible couplings allow slight misalignment and are most common. Types include jaw, gear, and elastomeric couplings. Magnetic couplings use magnets to transfer rotation without physical contact and are often used in hazardous chemical pumps to eliminate leaks.
[3m:10s] Motor problems to watch for include overloading, which causes burnout, and voltage spikes that damage windings. Suction and discharge nozzles are the inlet and outlet of the pump. The suction nozzle allows fluid to enter, and the discharge nozzle directs fluid out. A clogged suction line can cause the pump to starve and lead to cavitation. An oversized discharge pipe can result in wasted energy.
[3m:33s] Every pump component has a critical job and if one fails, the entire system can collapse. The impeller and casing move fluid, the shaft and bearings keep rotation stable, seals and gaskets prevent leaks, the motor and coupling transfer power, and the nozzles control flow. Pumps do not fail on their own, they fail from missed details. A worn seal can release chemicals, a misaligned coupling can damage bearings, and a clogged suction line can destroy an impeller quickly. For hundreds of thousands of industrial automation products, visit rspsupply.com.