Case Studies
Chesterton® Spring-Energised Seal Provides High Viscosity Rotary Solution
Challenge
Issue
A whiskey manufacturer had issues with their corn mash circulation pump mechanical seals. They have 22 pumps and the ones with higher viscosity had very short seal lives of approximately 3 – 4 weeks. The mechanical seals used were single coil unbalanced, where the fluid is sealed on the inner side of the seal faces. The rubber bellows hardens and sticks, losing its ability to keep the seal faces closed. CIP chemicals and 121°C (250°F) steam sterilisation are applied to the pumps twice a day.
Failed OEM mechanical seal arrangement.
Solution
Product
Since the shaft diameter was 1.5″ and speed was 1200 RPM, operating conditions were suitable to use a Chesterton® Spring-Energised Seal (SES). SES 100 Series Seals are good for linear speed up to 1000 ft/min. However, this required the shaft to be hardened to 55+ Rockwell C. Chesterton provided a turnkey solution and did all required modifications (hardening the shaft using Tungsten Carbide coating and extending the stuffing box) to fit three SES 117 Seals and a lantern ring. The seal material was AWC510 FDA compliant. The seal was flushed with municipal water, where water consumption was negligible.
SES 117 seal and lantern ring and equipment modification.
Results
Increased Reliability
The first set was installed in July 2023 and is still running with no leakage, as of January 2025. The cost of the Chesterton solution including the pump modification was a one-time cost of $1,800 and $500 for replacement thereafter. The customer was extremely happy and upgraded three more pumps to Chesterton SES Seals in January 2025 that are running with no leakage to date. For high viscosity fluids SES Seals were a good solution for this customer with great performance. MTBR Improvements: 12X.
Installed Chesterton SES solution with no leakage to date.
About Us
Chesterton® is a world leader in helping process industry companies and manufacturers improve the reliability and efficiency of their rotating, stationary, and fluid power equipment platforms. We are known across a wide range of industries for our award-winning pump and valve sealing solutions, applications expertise, equipment maintenance and wear-prevention products, and knowledgeable hands-on local service. Chesterton product range includes mechanical seals, packing and gaskets, industrial lubricants and coatings.
® Registered trademark owned by A.W. Chesterton Company
EN602152. Issued 04/2025
Technical data reflects results of laboratory tests and is intended to indicate general characteristics only. A.W. Chesterton Company disclaims all warranties expressed or implied, including warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Liability, if any, is limited to product replacement only. Any images contained herein are for general illustrative or aesthetic purposes only and are not intended to convey any instructional, safety, handling, or usage information or advice respecting any product or equipment. Please refer to relevant Safety Data Sheets, Product Data Sheets, and/or Product Labels for safe use, storage, handling, and disposal of products, or consult with your local Chesterton sales representative.