RF Series flexible impeller pumps are commonly purchased for difficult pumping applications, such as thick, hot, and/or sticky products. As a result, these conditions are tough on seals. To help reduce wear and failure:
- Run them slowly if possible. Don’t run at maximum speed and pressure if you can avoid it.
- Make sure you use a high-quality SiC/SiC seal. The faces on these last a lot longer than the standard CA/CER seals.
- The most important thing is to clean the pump well. CIP is great, but for some applications, this will mean taking it apart and manually cleaning it every night.
The problem is that if the seal is not properly cleaned, the sugar residue builds up on the seal and dries. The next time you go to use the pump, the seal faces are glued together, and this can damage the seal immediately upon start-up.
What are the early warning signs?
Any sign of leakage should be addressed immediately. The seal may just need cleaning, but letting it continue to leak will accelerate the wear.
What are the solutions to this problem?
A good, thorough cleaning procedure is required.
