Difference Between Mechanical Seals and Gland Seals

Since there are many types of seals for mixers and agitators, it might not be easy to decide which one is suitable for your pump. Packing seals and gland seals used to be quite common in the older days but with time, operation improvements have brought into market the mechanical seals. Many people are still not convinced that these agitator seals can be more useful to work with compared to the old-fashioned options.

To make the best choice of finding an optimal seal, you should consider the difference between the two.

Mechanical Seals VS. Gland Seals

Gland seals are also knowns as packing seals which feature a material that resembles rope and is wrapped around the seal. By curling around the shaft, it ensures that empty space is completely filled and fluid is not leaked. The problem with packing seals is that they can wear out. The fluid which fills up will start to weaken the grip of the seal. Furthermore, it can cause difficulty in the replacement process too.

On the other hand, mechanical seals have an improved functionality. They are installed with ease and tackled the leak more efficiently. They are not tarnished by the excess of fluids easily like their older counterparts. In fact, mechanics use several mechanical seals that enhances the efficiency of the seal. This is helpful because one of the mechanical seals stays in position without moving while the other rotates along the shaft.

Using Gland Seals

Usually, one make use packing or gland seals if they want to cut back on the cost. They provide the more economical option for sealing the pump shaft. Moreover, a lot of mechanics find the packing seals to be an easy installment. Additionally, when you are installing a packing seal, you won’t have to detach shaft and then attach it again. This saves up installation time.

Packing seals also have a more flexible nature which allows them to adapt and settle with the shaft.

Using Mechanical Seals

On the contrary, mechanical seals come with their own advantages and perks. For instance, they provide you accurate sealing option and prevents leakage. Since mechanical seals are sturdy and durable you can use them for more reliable sealing of the pump.

As much as the mechanical seals are pricey, they do offer you the value for money. Think of them as investment in your future because unlike packing seals they don’t require high maintenance and repairing. Moreover, mechanical seals and agitator seals are ideal when you want to prevent damage to the sleeve.

Which One to Buy

It is true that packing seals and mechanical seals each have their own advantages and disadvantages but mechanical seals are the future.

If you are looking for agitator seals for heavy duty job and to ensure that you are going to use products which are useful for a long time then you should definitely purchase a mechanical seal. However, if your job is lighter then you can always rely on the less durable packing seal.