Case Studies
Kaplan Seal Upgrade Extends Life Between Maintenance Intervals and Reduces Downtime
Challenge
Two blade seals on a Kaplan turbine were leaking. Inspection of the equipment revealed these were rubber seals. The seals were found to be worn and deteriorated. Additionally, remnants of rubber were left stuck to the trunnion surfaces upon removal of the seals. The trunnion surfaces had to be cleaned of the stuck pieces of rubber and indentations they left behind sanded down.
Solution
After appropriately cleaning and repairing the trunnion surfaces, they were oiled for installation of new seals. The customer used Chesterton® 22KN5SI seals with split interlock features made from AWC800 thermoset polyurethane. Unlike the rubber seals previously used which required gluing of the ends, the Chesterton solution made installation simple with the interlock mechanism. Further, the polyurethane material proved more resilient.
The resilient polyurethane seal material effectively kept oil in the hub while preventing water from entering.
Results
Chesterton 22KN5SI Kaplan seals proved easy to install. They are still doing their job keeping oil in the hub and water out after 2 years and counting!
Mean Time Before Repair
- 22KN5SI interlock feature makes installation simple
- No gluing needed
- AWC800 thermoset polyurethane is a resilient and abrasion resistant material made for long life
- Extended life between maintenance intervals and reduced downtime
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
EN602458. Issued 05/2026
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.