Shaft Seals Databooklet

GRUNDFOS DATA BOOKLET
Shaft seals
Contents
Type designation
Type designation to EN 12756
Grundfos type designation
Selection of shaft seals

3
5
7
7
7
8
8
8
9
11
12
13
14
Shaft seals in viscous liquids

Recommended shaft seals for viscous liquids
15
15
Seal face materials

Seal face material combinations
Tungsten carbide/tungsten carbide
Silicon carbide/silicon carbide
Carbon/tungsten carbide or carbon/silicon carbide
Carbon/ceramic (aluminium oxide)
Tungsten carbide/hybrid
Silicon carbide
16
16
16
17
17
17
18
22
22
22
22
22
23
23
Types of shaft seals

Grundfos type A
Grundfos type B
Grundfos type C
Grundfos type D
Grundfos type E
Grundfos type G
Grundfos type H
Grundfos type K
Grundfos type R
Seal arrangements
Double seal (back-to-back)
Double seal (tandem)
Cartex-DE shaft seals
Air-cooled top (for high temperatures)
Comparing seal types
Lists of pumped liquids

Acids
Alkalis
Salts
Water
Coolants
Fuels
Synthetic and mineral oils
Vegetable oils
Solvents
Oxidants
Organic compounds
Miscellaneous
45
46
48
49
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
Failure analysis
Shaft seal failure analysis guide
60
Seal failure analysis
Materials of secondary seals

Secondary seals
NBR
EPDM
FKM
FFKM
FXM
List of pumped liquids
44
Pumped liquids
Shaft seals in general

What is a shaft seal
How are shaft seals used
Rotating shaft seals
Shaft seal components
Balanced shaft seal
Unbalanced shaft seal
Seal balancing
How does a shaft seal work
Friction, wear and leakage
O-ring shaft seals
Cartridge shaft seals
Selection of the most suitable shaft seal
24
24
25
27
28
29
31
33
36
38
39
39
39
40
41
43
Key to failure analysis
61
Further product documentation

WebCAPS
WinCAPS
62
63
Type designation
Shaft seals
Type designation to EN 12756
Material key
The EN standard describes the mechanical design of

shaft seals and the combination of materials.
The materials of the individual main components are

indicated by means of a material code consisting of five
letters.
The EN 12756 standard contains

Example
type key
(1)U
(2)B
(3)E (4)G (5)G
Material of rotating seal face
material key.
Material of stationary seat

Material of secondary seal
Purpose
Material of springs
Specifications to external Grundfos shaft seal suppliers

are made according to the type designation coding system of EN 12 756.
Material of other components
Type designation
A complete type designation for shaft seals according
to EN 12756 consists of
type code
material code.
Example
012
Type code
Material code
Type key
The EN 12756 contains the following type key:
Example
012
Version:
N = Standard assembly length
K = Short assembly length
X = Other assembly length
Shaft seal type:
U = Unbalanced
B = Balanced
Nominal diameter:
The diameter (shaft diameter) in mm
Example: 12 mm shaft = 012
Direction of rotation:
R=
Right-hand rotation (i.e. clockwise rotation of the

seal unit when viewed from the seat)
L=
Left-hand rotation (i.e. counterclockwise rotation

of the seal unit when viewed from the seat)
S=
Capability of rotation in either direction
Retention against rotation of the seat:

0=
Without retention
1=
With retention
Type designation
Standard codes for material versions
Pos.
Code Material
Carbon, metal-impregnated
Synthetic carbon Carbon, resin-impregnated
Shaft diameter, 12 mm
Carbon steel
Chromium steel
Capability of rotation in
either direction
Chromuim-nickel (CrNi) steel

Chromium-nickel-molybdenum
(CrNiMo) steel
Metals with carbide coatings
Tungsten carbide rotating

seal face
High-nickel alloy
Resin-impregnated carbon
stationary seat
Bronze
EPDM secondary seal
Grey cast iron
CrNiMo-steel spring
Alloyed grey cast iron
Cast chromium steel
All other CrNiMo-steel

components
Metals
Other metals
Tungsten carbide, Co-bonded
U2
Tungsten carbide, Ni-bonded
U3
Tungsten carbide, CrNiMobonded

Carbides
Q2
Silicon carbide (SiC)

SiC-Si
Q3
SiC-C-Si, composite
Q4
C-SiC, surface-siliconised
Other carbides
V
W
Aluminium oxide
Metal oxides
Chromium oxide
Other metal oxides
Y1
Y2
PTFE, glass-fibre reinforced

Plastics
PTFE, carbon reinforced
Other plastics
Butyl rubber (IIR)
Ethylene propylene rubber

(EPDM)
K
N
P
Perfluoro rubber (FFKM)

Elastomers, not
sheathed
Chloroprene rubber (CR)

Nitrile rubber (NBR)
Silicon rubber (MVQ)
Fluoro rubber (FPM)
X
M
Other elastomers
Elastomers,
sheathed
G
T
Non-elastomers
Various materials
Chromium (Cr)steel
Steel
Chromium-nickel (CrNi) steel

Chromium-nickel-molybdenum
(CrNiMo) steel
Various materials for flexible

elements
Carbon steel
PTFE
Other non-elastomers
D
F
Elastomers/PTFE-sheathed
Graphite
Hard-coating, metallic
Without retention against rotation

of the stationary seat
Q1
(4)
and
(5)
Unbalanced
Other carbons
Alloy
High-nickel alloy
Copper-tin alloy (bronze)
Other materials
N U
Standard assembly length
U1
(3)
Example of complete shaft seal type designation

Example
(1) and
(2)
Shaft seals
012
S 0 - U B E G G
Type designation
Shaft seals
Position 1 codes
Mechanical shaft seals are classified according to a

Grundfos type designation based on the design of the
shaft seal.
Most important materials
Code
Material
B
H (B/U)
Carbon with embedded

tungsten carbide (hybrid)
Bellows seal, rubber
O-ring seal with spring as seal driver
O-ring seal, balanced
O-ring seal, type A, cartridge
Bellows seal, type B, cartridge
Bellows seal, type B, with reduced seal faces
O-ring seal, type D, cartridge
Bellows seal, metal, type M, cartridge
Bellows seal, metal
Steel
Double seal, back-to-back
Bronze
Double seal, tandem
Cast chromium steel
Seal with flush, quench seal
Tungsten carbide, chromiumnickel-molybdenum-bonded
O-ring seal, type A, with reduced seal faces
Stuffing box
Metals
Q1S: Dense, sintered, finegrained silicon carbide (SiC)

Q1P: Porous, sintered, finegrained silicon carbide (SiC)
Q1G: Self-lubricating, sintered
silicon carbide (SiC)
(4)
and
(5)
Description
O-ring seal with fixed seal driver
Other carbons
Carbides
(3)
C
N
(1) and
(2)
Carbon, resin-impregnated
Synthetic carbon
The following codes can be shown in position 1:

Code
The following table shows the codes of the most important materials, selected on the basis of the Grundfos
range of products and their fields of application.
Pos.
Position 1 of the mechanical shaft seal variant code

shows the Grundfos type designation.
Metal oxides
EPDM
Ceramic (aluminium oxide)
FXM
FKM
FFKM
PTFE-sheathed O-ring
Floating gap seal
Miscellaneous
Positions 2 and 3 codes

Positions 2 and 3 of the mechanical shaft seal variant
code show materials of rotating face and stationary
seat.
The following codes can be shown in positions 2 and 3:
Code
NBR (nitrile rubber)
Q (silicone rubber)
PTFE
H
(B/U)
Other elastomers
Chromium (Cr) steel (EN 1.4057)
Chromium-nickel (CrNi) steel ( EN 1.4301)
Chromium-nickel-molybdenum (CrNiMo) steel

(EN 1.4401)
High-nickel alloy (Hastelloy)
Other alloys
Synthetic carbon
C
N
(1)A
(2)U (3)U
Carbon with embedded tungsten

carbide (hybrid)
Steel
Metals
Bronze
Cast chromium steel
Tungsten carbide, chromium-nickelmolybdenum-bonded
Carbides
The variant code of mechanical shaft seals is stamped

on the pump nameplate. It is in the last position of the
type designation and consists of four letters.
Carbon, resin-impregnated
Other carbons
Variant code
Example
Material
Q1S: Dense, sintered, fine-grained

Q1P: Porous, sintered, fine-grained
Q1G: Self-lubricating, sintered silicon
carbide SiC)
Metal oxides
Ceramic (aluminium oxide)
(4)E

Material of rotating face
Material of stationary seat
Material of secondary seal
Type designation
Shaft seals
Position 4 codes
Position 4 of the mechanical shaft seal variant code
shows the secondary seal material.
The following codes can be shown in position 4:
Code
E
Material
EPDM
FXM
FKM
FFKM
PTFE-sheathed O-ring
NBR (nitrile rubber)
Q (silicone rubber)
PTFE
Other elastomers
Example of shaft seal variant code

Example
Balanced O-ring seal with fixed seal driver

(cartridge type)
Rotating SiC face
Stationary SiC seat
Secondary EPDM seal
Example of variant code for a complete pump type designation.

Example
CRN 32 -4
-2
-A -F -G -E
HQQE
Type range
Rated flow [m3/h]
Number of impellers
Number of reduced-diameter
impellers (if any)
Code for pump version
Code for pipework connection
Code for materials
Code for materials
Code for shaft seal1)
The shaft seal code indicates that the pumps are provided with an
O-ring seal, type H, cartridge, a rotating SiC face, a stationary SiC
seat and a secondary EPDM seal.
1)

What is a shaft seal
Shaft seals
How are shaft seals used

Shaft seals are used where the pumped liquid can damage the motor.
Canned rotor type pumps have no shaft seals which
means that the pumped liquid is allowed to enter the
motor.
Rotating shaft seals are used where two pump components move relative to one another. Rotating shaft
seals include mechanical seals and soft seals (stuffing
boxes, lip seals) among others.
are exposed to a rotating movement
form during operation a load-carrying lubricating film
between the seal faces of the rotating and stationary part of the shaft seal. For further information,
see "How does a shaft seal work" on page 11.
The photos below are examples of pumps incorporating

rotating shaft seals.
A rotating shaft seal is fitted in the gap between a rotating pump shaft and a stationary pump/motor housing.
Lubricating film
Hydraulic
force
Spring force
Motor
Shaft seal
(cartridge type
TM02 6895 1903
A shaft seal serves as a barrier in pumps to separate

liquids or confine pressure.
Fig. 3 Rotating shaft seal

In practice, no seal is completely tight. Leakage is influenced by factors such as the ability of the pumped liquid to penetrate the shaft seal, the fluctuating
hydrodynamic gap pressure between the seal faces,
the topo-graphy of the surface and the hydraulic closing
force.
Pump head
It is essential that both static and rotating seals are not

only resistant to the liquid they are to seal against but
also capable of withstanding the impacts resulting from
the operation of the pump.
GR5357 - GR3395
Impellers
Base
The choice of shaft seal depends on

the liquid the seal is to seal against
the liquid properties
the mechanical, chemical and thermal impacts on
the seal.
Fig. 1 Shaft seal in a CR pump (in-line pump)
Pump housing
Shaft seal
GR2796 - TM02 7400 3503
Motor
Fig. 2 Shaft seal in an NB pump (end-suction pump)

Shaft seal components
To obtain an acceptable surface pressure between the

primary seal faces, shaft seals are available in two different designs:
Static
seal
Seal driver with

retaining ring
Spring
Shaft seals
balanced shaft seals

unbalanced shaft seals.
Balanced shaft seal
Spring
retainer
Secondary
seal
Seal face
Seat
TM02 6889 1903
The sketch below shows a balanced shaft seal with

indication of the forces acting on the seal faces.
Fig. 4 Components of mechanical shaft seals
Shaft seal
TM02 6892 1903
Key:
Designation
Spring
Seal driver with retaining ring
Rotating part
Spring retainer
Secondary seal
Fig. 6 Areas where the forces of a balanced seal act
Seal face
Unbalanced shaft seal
Seat (primary seal)
The sketch below shows an unbalanced shaft seal with

indication of the forces acting on the seal faces.
Rotating part
Stationary part
TM02 6890 1903
Seal points
Fig. 5 Main components of a mechanical shaft seal

A mechanical shaft seal consists of a
rotating part
stationary part.
The rotating part comprises a seal face (primary seal),
a seal driver with retaining ring, a secondary seal, a
spring and a spring retainer.
The stationary part consists of a seat (primary seal) and
a static seal (secondary seal).
The parts mentioned above are crucial for the proper
functioning of the shaft seal.
Primary seals differ from the other components in that
they are exposed to a powerful axial spring force and to
the liquid pressure in the seal housing during the rotation of the seal faces relative to one another. The spring
keeps the seal faces together mechanically.
TM02 6891 1903
Stationary part
Static seal (secondary seal)
Fig. 7 Areas where the forces of a unbalanced seal act

Seal balancing
Shaft seals
Calculation of the balancing K-factor:
Calculation formulas
180
K = ---------150
Formula for calculation of the balancing K-factor:
K = 1.2
Calculation of forces acting on the shaft seal:

A
K = ---B
Formula for calculation of the closing force (FC):
FC = ( A P ) + FS
Calculation of the closing force (FC):

F C = ( 180 0.8 ) +45
[N]
F C = 189 [N]
Calculation of the opening force (FO):
Formula for calculation of the opening force (FO):

FO
P
= B ---2
0.8
F O = 150 --------
2
[N]
Calculation of the efficient closing force (FC, eff.):
Formula for calculation of the efficient closing force

(FC,eff.):
F C, eff. = F C F O
F C, eff. = 189 60
F C, eff. = 129 [N]
Calculation of the efficient seat load (Peff.):
[N]
129
P eff. = ---------150
Formula for calculation of the efficient seat load (Peff.):

F C, eff.
P eff. = -------------------B
F O = 60 [N]
[N/mm2]
P eff. = 0.86 [N/mm2]
Calculation example, balanced shaft seal, Grundfos

type H
Key to symbols:
Symbol Description
Note
Area in mm2
See sketch of balanced and

unbalanced shaft seal, see
page 8.
Area in mm2
See sketch of balanced and

unbalanced shaft seal, see
page 8.
Pressure around shaft seal

in N/mm 2
FS
Spring force in N
TM02 7100 2603
Calculation example, unbalanced shaft seal,

Grundfos type B
Fig. 9 Grundfos shaft seal, type H
TM00 2581 4593
Data:
Fig. 8 Grundfos shaft seal, type B

Data:
A
180 mm2
150 mm2
FS
45 N
0.8 N/mm2
150 mm2
150 mm2
FS
45 N
0.8 N/mm2

150
K = ---------150
K = 1.0

F C = ( 150 0.8 ) +45
F C = 165 [N]

0.8
F O = 150 --------
2
F O = 60 [N]
Shaft seals

F C, eff. = 165 60
F C, eff. = 105 [N]

105
P eff. = ---------150
P eff. = 0.70 [N/mm2]
Calculation example, balanced shaft seal, Grundfos

type K
Data:
120 mm2
A
B
150 mm2
FS
45 N
0.8 N/mm2

120
K = ---------150
K = 0.8

F C = ( 120 0.8 ) +45
F C = 141 [N]

0.8
F O = 150 --------
2
F O = 60 [N]

F C, eff. = 141 60
F C, eff. = 81 [N]

81
P eff. = ---------150
P eff. = 0.54[N/mm2]
Depending on the shaft diameter and the material of the

stationary seat, unbalanced shaft seals are suitable for
applications up to 25 bar. Balanced seals are suitable
for applications up to 80 bar by reducing the load of the
seal faces. To obtain this reduction, the shaft or bush
must have a recess, reducing the external and internal
diameter of the rotating seal face. The area affected by
the hydraulic pressure in the seal housing is thus
reduced without changing the area between the seal
faces.
The smaller load on the seal faces causes less generation of heat, and consequently less friction and
mechanical wear on the shaft seal. This improves the
cost of ownership of the shaft seal.
For balanced shaft seals, the following applies:
10
A
K = ---- 1 [ ]
B
Shaft seals
For unbalanced shaft seals, the following applies:

A
K = ---- > 1 [-]
B
Key to symbols:
K
Area ratio
The hydraulically loaded area in mm2
Contact face in mm2
How does a shaft seal work

The functioning of a shaft seal depends on the formation of a load-carrying lubricating film between the seal
faces during pump operation. The lubricating film is
formed by the pumped liquid or an external liquid.
The load-carrying lubricating film is composed of a
hydrostatic film
hydrodynamic film.
The hydrostatic lubricating film is formed in one of the
following ways:
during operation, the pumped liquid is pressed into
the gap between the seal faces
during operation, an external liquid is pressed into
the gap between the seal faces.
The hydrodynamic lubricating film is formed by the
pressure generated by the rotation of the shaft.
The thickness of the lubricating film depends on pump
speed, liquid temperature, liquid viscosity and the axial
force of the seal.
As the shaft seal is pressed together axially, the leakage to the atmosphere is limited.
The sealing liquid in the sealing gap is constantly
replaced due to
vaporisation of the liquid to the atmosphere
the circular movements of the liquid.
Lubricating film
Spring force
TM02 6895 1903
Hydraulic
force
Fig. 10 Shaft seal during operation
11
The seal faces of a shaft seal are lubricated by the

pumped liquid. Thus, better lubrication means less friction and increased leakage. Conversely, less leakage
means worse lubrication conditions and increased friction.
The following factors contribute to the power consumption ("power loss") of a shaft seal:
The centrifugal pumping action of the rotating parts.
The power consumption increases dramatically with
the speed of rotation (to the third power).
The viscosity of water decreases with temperature,

causing a reduction of the lubricating film. When the
temperature exceeds +100C, the lubricating conditions deteriorate substantially because a considerable
part of the seal face is steam lubricated. Thus friction
and wear on the seal rings increase with temperature.
To prevent excessive wear, the closing force and differential pressure can be reduced by balancing the seal.
Wear rate (comparative)
BUBE K=1.2
The seal face friction.

Friction between the two seal faces consists of friction in the thin liquid film and friction due to points of
contact between the seal faces.
HUBE K=1.0
KUBE K=0.8
The level of power consumption depends on seal

design, lubricating conditions and seal ring materials.
The figure below is a typical example of the power consumption of a shaft seal operating in cold water. The
figure shows the power loss of each of the power consumption factors as a function of the speed.
Power loss [W]
20
40
60
80
100
120
140 [C]
Temperature
TM02 7110 2603
Friction, wear and leakage
Shaft seals
Fig. 12 Wear rate for different balancing ratios

The thickness of the lubricating film in the sealing gap
is sensitive to the flatness of the seal faces. An unevenness of 0.001 mm results in leakage.
250
The figure below shows how the leakage rate of a shaft

seal in water changes with the flatness of the seal rings.
200
150
pumping
0
0
2000
4000
6000
8000
10000
12000
Speed [rpm]
Fig. 11 Power consumption of seal

According to the figure, the power loss due to the pumping action of rotating parts may be considerable at high
speeds. This applies for example to shaft seals with
seal driver. Thus, with speeds above 6000 rpm, it may
be an advantage to use shaft seals where seal driver
and springs are positioned in the stationary part of the
seal.
The thickness of the lubricating film in the sealing gap
depends on the
liquid viscosity
speed of the seal rings
closing force of the shaft seal
pressure difference across the sealing gap
surface topography of the seal faces.
12
Leakage [ml/h]
1.8
1.6
1.4
1.2
1
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
0
0.2
0.4
0.6
0.8
1.2
1.4
Flatness [micrometer]
TM02 7453 3603
50
TM02 7452 3603
friction
100
Fig. 13 Flatness as a function of leakage

With an unevenness of 0.001 mm, a hard seal ring
(of tungsten carbide or ceramic material) has increased
leakage during a typical running-in period of several
weeks. If the seal ring surface is less uneven, the running-in period is considerably shorter.
The leakage rate of a shaft seal is also greatly influenced by the roughness of the seal faces; both the
roughness size and direction are critical.
Figure 15 shows how the leakage rate differs according
to the direction of the scratches on the surface. The
arrows indicate the direction of rotation of the seal
rings.
Shaft seals
According to the figure below, the lubricating film can

be pumped to the pumped liquid side or to the atmosphere side, depending on the direction of the scratches
on the surface.
O-ring
TM00 2581 4593
Leakage rate [ml/h]

4.5
4
3.5
3
Fig. 15 O-ring shaft seal
2.5
Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages:
1.5
Suitable in hot water and high pressure applications.
0.5
0
0
0.05
0.1
0.15
0.2
Roughness [Ra]
TM02 7454 3603
Fig. 14 Leakage rate of seal

The typical surface topography of seal rings is a statistic distribution of scratches in all directions obtained by
means of a lapping process. A shiny surface with a
small roughness can be produced by lapping. However,
where both seal rings are in hard materials, one of the
seal rings should have a dull finish to prevent the seal
rings from sticking together during standstill.
The running-in period for a dull surface finish lapped to
an Ra value of 0.2 may last several days.
With submersible pumps where the shaft seal is
intended to prevent the ingress of water into an oil
chamber, the pressure difference and thus the leakage
rate above the seal is normally relatively small. During
the running-in period, only few millimetres of pumped
liquid enter the oil chamber under normal operating
conditions.
Disadvantages:
Deposits on the shaft such as rust may prevent the Oring shaft seal from moving axially.
Bellows shaft seals
A common feature of bellows mechanical seals is a rubber or metal bellows as dynamic sealing element
between the rotating ring and the shaft.
Rubber bellows shaft seals
The bellows of a rubber bellows mechanical seals is
made of different types of rubber material such as NBR,
EPDM and FKM, depending on the operating conditions.
Two different geometric principles are used for the
design of rubber bellows:
folding bellows
rolling bellows.
Rubber bellows with

folding bellows
geometry
O-ring shaft seals
The O-ring must be able to slide freely in the axial direction to absorb axial displacements as a result of
changes in temperatures and wear. Incorrect positioning of the stationary seat may result in rubbing and thus
unnecessary wear on the O-ring and on the shaft.
O-rings are made of different types of rubber material
such as NBR, EPDM and FKM, depending on the operating conditions.
TM00 2582 3097
In an O-ring seal, sealing between the rotating shaft

and the rotating seal face is effected by an O-ring.
Fig. 16 Rubber bellows shaft seal

Advantages:
Not sensitive to deposits such as rust on the shaft.
Suitable for solid-containing liquids.
Disadvantages:
Not suitable in hot water and high-pressure applications.
13
Shaft seals
Cartridge shaft seals
Metal bellows shaft seals

In an ordinary mechanical seal, the spring produces the
closing force required to close the seal faces. In a metal
bellows mechanical seal the spring has been replaced
by a metal bellows with a similar force.
TM02 7100 2603
Metal bellows act both as a dynamic seal between the

rotating ring and the shaft and as a spring.
The stainless steel are corrugated to give the desired
spring force.
Fig. 18 Cartridge shaft seal

In a cartridge shaft seal, all parts form a compact unit
on a shaft sleeve, ready to be installed between pump
shaft and motor shaft.
TM02 4279 0402
Metal bellows
Fig. 17 Metal bellows shaft seal

Advantages:
Not sensitive to deposits such as rust and lime on the
shaft.
Suitable in hot water and high-pressure applications.
Long life due to a low wear rate and a low balancing
rate (cost of ownership).
Disadvantages:
Fatigue failure of the shaft seal may occur if the pump
is not aligned correctly.
Fatigue failure may occur as a result of excessive temperatures or pressures.
14
A cartridge seal offers many benefits compared to conventional shaft seals:

Easy and fast service
The design protects the seal faces
Preloaded spring
Safe handling
Balanced.
Grundfos offers O-ring and bellows seals in cartridge
design.
Shaft seals in viscous

liquids
With the basic principles of the mechanical shaft seal in
mind, it seems logical that a high-viscous liquid creates
a thicker liquid film with better lubricating properties.
However, the following shaft seal problems may occur
when pumping viscous liquids:
If it has a vapour pressure lower than that of water
at room temperature, the viscous liquid will not
evaporate. Consequently, it accumulates around the
shaft seal. This problem can be solved by using a
double shaft seal. For further information see
page 39.
If the liquid contains solvents, these will evaporate
and leave an even more viscous liquid in the shaft
seal. This high-viscous liquid may precipitate a
coating on the seal faces causing leakage or abrasive wear. This problem can be solved by using carbide/carbide seal faces or a double shaft seal. For
further information see page 4 and page 39.
Coolants such as glycols often contain additives
(corrosion inhibitors) that may precipitate and crystallize on the seal faces causing abrasive wear.
Therefore it is recommended to use carbide/carbide
seal faces for all coolants. For further information
see page 4.
Recommended shaft seals for viscous

liquids
Seal face materials
Shaft seals
Surface pressure
To minimize precipitation, it is important to ensure a
high surface pressure between the seal faces. This can
be achieved by reducing the seal face area (R or G
seals) or by providing the seal with a tight spring. In
shaft seals with a high surface pressure the seal faces
have considerably smoother surface than ordinary
shaft seals.
Recommended shaft seal codes for viscous liquids
Description
Shaft seal code
Type A seals
O-ring seal with fixed seal driver
AUUE
AUUV
AQQE
AQQV
Type B seals
Bellows seal with fixed seal driver
BQQE
BQQV
BUUE
BUUV
Type D seals
O-ring seal, balanced
DQQE
DQQV
Type E seals
O-ring seal, type A, cartridge
EUUE
EUUV
EQQE
EQQV
Type G seals
Bellows seal, type B, with reduced seal faces
GUUE
GUUV
GQQE
GQQV
Type H seals
O-ring seal, type D, cartridge
HUUE
HUUV
HQQE
HQQV
Type R seals
O-ring seal, type A, with redced seal faces
RUUE
RUUV
It is recommended to use carbide/carbide seal faces for

viscous liquids. Grundfos carbide seal faces are made
of either silicon carbide (code Q) or tungsten carbide
(code U).
Seal faces made of impregnated carbon (code A or B)
are not recommended due to their lack of abrasion
resistance.
15
Seal face materials
Shaft seals
Seal face material combinations
The material combination has the following features:
The choice of seal face materials is decisive of the function and life of the mechanical shaft seal. Below is a
description of the possible material combinations.
Extremely wear resistant.
Noise is generated as a result of the poor lubricating

conditions in seals in connection with low-viscosity liquids. The viscosity of water decreases with increasing
temperature. This means that the lubricating conditions
are deteriorated with increasing temperature. A speed
reduction has the same effect.
If the temperature of pumped liquid reaches or exceeds
the boiling temperature, the liquid on part of the seal
face evaporates, resulting in a further deterioration of
the lubricating conditions.
Very robust, resists rough handling.

Poor dry-running properties. In case of dry running,
the temperature increases to several hundred degrees Celsius in very few minutes with a consequent damage to O-rings.
If certain pressure and temperature limits are
exceeded, the seal may generate noise. The noise is an
indication of poor seal operating conditions, causing
wear of the seal in the long term. The limits of use
depend on seal diameter and design.
The pressure/temperature diagrams of the various
seals show areas where noise may occur.
To a tungsten carbide/tungsten carbide seal face combination, the running-in wear period with noise may last
3 - 4 weeks, although, typically, no noise occurs during
the first 3 - 4 days.
Silicon carbide/silicon carbide
TM02 4278 0402
Being an alternative to tungsten carbide/tungsten carbide, silicon carbide/silicon carbide (SiC/SiC) is used
where higher corrosion resistance is required.
Fig. 19 Relation between duty range and speed

The seal face lubricating conditions depend on the
adaptation/running-in wear properties and material
structure of the various seal face materials.
Tungsten carbide/tungsten carbide

Cemented tungsten carbide is the designation of the
type of hard metals based on a hard tungsten carbide
phase and usually a softer metallic binder phase. The
correct technical term is "cemented tungsten carbide",
however the abbreviated term "tungsten carbide" is
used for convenience, "cemented" being implied.
Cobalt-bonded (Co) tungsten carbide is only corrosionresistant in water if the pump incorporates base metal
such as cast iron.
Chromium-nickel-molybdenum-bonded tungsten carbide has a corrosion resistance equal to EN/DIN
1.4401.
Sintered binderless tungsten carbide has the highest
resistance to corrosion, although it is not resistant in
substances such as hypochlorite.
16
For differentiation purposes, the various variants are

designated as indicated below.
Q1S, dense, sintered, fine-grained SiC
A direct-sintered, fine-grained SiC with a small amount
of tiny pores (below 3%) and a density above 3.11 g/
cm3.
For a number of years, this SiC variant has been used
as a standard shaft seal material. This material stands
slightly lower pressure and temperature than tungsten
carbide/tungsten carbide.
Q1P, porous, sintered, fine-grained SiC
A variant of the dense, sintered SiC. This SiC variant
has large, circular, closed pores. The degree of porosity
is 5 - 15% and the size of the pores 10 - 50 m.
The density is around 2.7 - 3 g/cm3. This material
stands higher pressure and temperature than tungsten
Consequently, in warm water, the Q1P/Q1P face material combination generates less noise than the tungsten
carbide/tungsten carbide combination. However, noise
from porous SiC seals must be expected during the running-in wear period of 3 - 4 days.
Seal face materials
Shaft seals
Q1G, self-lubricating, sintered SiC

Several variants of SiC materials containing dry lubricants are available on the market. In this document, the
designation Q1G applies to a SiC material which is suitable for use in distilled or demineralized water, as
opposed to the above materials.
With reduced mechanical strength, but higher corrosion resistance, synthetic resin-impregnated carbon (B) covers a wide application field. Synthetic
resin-impregnated carbon is approved for potable
applications.
The dry lubricants, i.e. graphite, reduce the friction in

case of dry running, which is of decisive importance to
the durability of a seal during dry running.
The use of carbon/SiC for hot-water applications

may cause heavy wear on the SiC, depending on
the quality of the carbon and water.
This type of wear primarily applies to Q1S/carbon.
The use of Q1P, Q1G or a carbon/tungsten carbide
combination causes far less wear. Thus, carbon/
tungsten carbide, carbon/Q1P or carbon/Q1G are
recommended for hot water systems.
SiC/SiC features
Carbon/ceramic (aluminium oxide)
The SiC/SiC material combination has the following

features:
Good all-round seal for not too demanding applications.

The seal has the following features:
Very brittle material requiring careful handling.
Brittle material requiring careful handling.
Q1G/Q1G stands the same pressure and temperature as

Q1P/Q1P.
Worn by liquids containing solid particles.
Extremely wear-resistant.
S,
Extremely good corrosion resistance. SiC (Q1 Q1

and Q1G) hardly corrodes, irrespective of the
pumped liquid type. However, an exception is water
with very poor conductivity, such as demineralized
water, which attacks the SiC variants Q1S and Q1P
whereas Q1G is corrosion-resistant also in this liquid.
In general, the material combinations have poor dryrunning properties (like tungsten carbide/tungsten
carbide), however, the Q1G/Q1G material withstands
a limited period of dry running because of the
graphite content of the material.
Carbon/tungsten carbide or carbon/silicon

carbide
Seals with one carbon seal face have the following features:
Brittle material requiring careful handling.
Worn by liquids containing solid particles.
Good corrosion resistance.
Good dry-running properties (temporary dry running).
The self-lubricating properties of carbon make the
seal suitable for use even with poor lubricating conditions (high temperatures) without generating
noise. However, such conditions will cause wear of
the carbon seal face leading to reduced seal life.
The wear depends on the pressure, temperature,
liquid, diameter and seal design.
Low speeds reduce the lubrication between the seal
faces; as a result, increased wear might have been
expected. However, this is normally not the case because the distance that the seal faces have to move
is reduced.
Limited corrosion resistance, 5 < pH < 9, depending

on ceramic type.
Relatively good dry-running properties. However,
thermal cracks may occur in case of a sudden influx
of water to a hot seal after a period of dry running or
similar condition.
The carbon of the seal offers properties very similar
to the carbon/tungsten carbide seal. However, compared to the carbon/tungsten carbide seal, the pressure and temperature ranges are limited.
Tungsten carbide/hybrid
Combining the positive properties of the tungsten carbide/tungsten carbide and carbon/tungsten carbide
seal face combinations, the tungsten carbide/hybrid
combination has the following features:
Extremely wear-resistant.
Resistant to rough handling.
Certain dry-running properties (temporary dry running).
Corrosion resistance equal to EN 1.4401, corresponding to the resistance of a CRN pump. In certain corrosive liquids and solvents, the resistance is
restricted.
Application limits as to pressure and temperature
are similar to tungsten carbide/tungsten carbide due
to the risk of seizure. However, exceeding the limits
may damage the hybrid.
Some of the additives used in anti-freeze liquids on glycol basis may cause precipitation, especially at high
temperatures. In such cases, tungsten carbide/tungsten carbide should be used, if possible.
Metal-impregnated carbon (A) offers limited corrosion resistance, but improved mechanical strength,
heat conductivity and thus reduced wear.
17
Seal face materials

Silicon carbide
The ceramic silicon carbide (SiC) has been manufactured for many years.
There are three main types of SiC:
Reaction-bonded and liquid-phase sintered grades
have limited corrosion resistance in alkaline water
due to the content of free silicon.
Shaft seals
During the last 15 years almost 50 different SiC grades

have been tested at Grundfos and categorized in
groups according to performance.
Qs is a conventional dense-sintered SiC with a porosity
of less than 2%. This grade has poor performance in
hot water and high dry friction.
Converted carbon is produced from carbon graphite

and can also be made as a thin SiC layer on the
surface of the carbon.
TM02 7726 3603
The most common SiC for seal rings are direct-sintered silicon carbide.
Direct-sintered SiC
The direct-sintered SiC has a typical porosity below
2%, but also grades with pores have been developed.
These pores are discrete, non-interconnected and dispersed in a controlled manner throughout the body of
the material. The spherical pores act as fluid or lubricant reservoirs helping to promote the retention of a
fluid film at the interface of sliding component surfaces.
This pore-based lubrication mechanism allows porous
SiC to outperform conventional reaction-bonded and
sintered silicon carbides in hot water.
Fig. 20 Direct-sintered, dense SiC, Q1s

Qp is a sintered SiC with discrete, non-interconnecting
pores. The pores give better performance in hot water,
but the dry friction is high. Graphite-containing SiC with
poor dry running capability or poor performance in demineralized water are also categorized in this group.
Carbon or graphite inclusions can be used as dry lubricant to reduce friction. Low friction of graphite can only
be achieved with appropriate impurities because the
intrinsic friction of graphite is high. For graphite to successfully act as a lubricant, the bonding between the
SiC and the graphite as well as the size and amount of
the graphite inclusions must be optimized. In a working
seal the graphite must be smeared out in the seal face
to reduce friction, and it must be possible to remove
some of the graphite from the inclusions.
Performance of seals with different SiC variants
TM02 7727 3603
Extended sintering or adding different fillers can imply

variations in these standard SiC grades. Fillers can be
added to obtain better electric conductivity, more
toughness or lower friction.
Fig. 21 Direct-sintered, porous SiC, Q1P

QG is a dense-sintered SiC with bimodular grain size
and pores of carbon/graphite or other low friction modifiers.
It has good performance in hot water and demineralized
water, and has low dry friction.
Evaluation of materials for seal faces requires thorough

testing at many different testing conditions.
SiC seal materials can be subjected to the following
tests:
TM02 7728 3603
Performance in hot water applications

Dry running
Water containing abrasive particles
Water containing glycol
Demineralized water
Seizure test.
The tests are described in detail as from page 19.
18
Fig. 22 Direct-sintered, porous SiC, Q1G
Seal face materials
Shaft seals
Performance in hot water

The lubrication of the seal faces in hot water is scarce
due to the low viscosity of water at high temperatures
and evaporation in the seal gap.
Limits of temperature and pressure ranges are based
on tests where factors such as friction, torque and leakage are measured.
Above these limits noise from the seals may be
expected and fatique wear may occur.
The figure below shows the limits from the different SiC
groups and tungsten carbide for a 16 mm Grundfos
type A seal at 3,000 min-1. At lower speeds the limits
are shifted towards lower temperatures.
The friction of SiC against SiC depends of the fillers

added to the SiC and the way these are bonded to the
SiC matrix. Relative humidity affacts the coefficient of
friction for SiC materials even though this has little
practical effect on a mechanical seal because the temperature quickly rises above +100C at which point
humidity has no effect.
Temperatures measured on the stationary seat on
selected dry running seals can be seen on figure 26.
QG
QG
Q
[C]
Q (with graphite)
250
[bar]
S
P
200
30
100
20
15
50
QS
10
QG
5
0
QP
0
100
50
150 [C]
TM02 7284 3203
WC/WC
Fig. 23 Limits for stable friction of a seal

For information about the SiC variants (QS, QP and QG)
see page 16.
The hot water tests are performed in tap water. Under
these conditions the seal faces are exposed to very little wear in the stable region, whereas some wear might
be expected above the limit for stable operation.
The figure below shows the wear rate as a function of
temperature.
HQQE (Q G )
HUBE
20
40
60
80
100
120
140 [C]
TM02 7283 3203
HQQE (QS )
Fig. 24 Wear rate of seal faces

Dry running
Mechanical seals running completely dry can be
destroyed within one minute if the friction between the
seal faces is high. The heat dissipated in the seal face
will raise the temperature of the seal to above +200C
and the rubber parts will burn off.
500
1000 [sec]
TM02 7285 3203
150
25
Fig. 25 Dry-running performance of seals

As will be seen on figure 26, SiCS/SiCS and SiCP/SiCP
show poor dry-running performance, similar to tungsten
The two SiCG/SiCG grades show better dry-running
performance. The dry-running performance may vary
slightly, even within the same grade of SiCG.
Although it contains graphite, the SiCP grade shown
cannot be categorized as SiCG, due to its poor dry-running properties.
Water containing abrasive particles
SiC is a hard material and is therefore less affected by
abrasives. Wear on the seal faces caused by abrasives
are rarely observed for seals with both faces in SiC.
The seal gap in a mechanical seal is typically below 0.3
micron. Theoretically this means that only particles
smaller than 0.3 micron can enter the seal gap. In practice the edge of a seal face is not completely sharp.
This means that particles measuring a few microns are
able to enter the seal gap. Normally such small particles will only cause a polishing wear on a hard seal
face. When one of the faces is a carbon ring, the edge
of the seal face will wear and permit larger particles to
enter the seal gap.
Such larger particles can be trapped in the carbon seal
face and cause wear on the counter face.
19
Seal face materials
Shaft seals
Leak rate (comparative)
6
5
2,000 ppm sand
It is not recommended to use a porous SiC seal face

against a carbon face in water containing a high level of
dissolved solids.
Abrasive wear may be observed on seals with hard seal
faces in corrosive liquids. Wear on SiC may occur in
demineralised water due to corrosion in grain boundaries.
Wear on SiC faces may occur in hot water. It may look
like abrasive wear because SiC grains are pulled out
due to thermal fatique of SiC. This type of wear is only
seen above the pressure and temperature limit for stable friction.
Water containing glycol
Water containing glycol may cause problems with leaking seals. The problems often arise due to additives
such as inhibitors, antioxidants and alkalines.
Some additives, for instance silicates, may crystallize in
the seal face as hard particles. Hard crystallites such as
silicates or phosphates will cause wear on seals with
one face in carbon.
Organic film binders, so-called inhibitors, adhere to all
surfaces in contact with the liquid, including a major
part of the seal face. Many inhibitors may build up sticky
layers on the seal face resulting in leakage.
Seals with both seal faces of tungsten carbide or SiC
have better self-cleaning properties regarding deposits
than seals with a carbon seal face.
A high closing force and a narrow width of the seal face
reduce the risk of deposits building up. Comparisons of
seal face combinations in water containing glycol with a
high content of additives have been performed and
results can be seen in the following graph.
20
Low closing force

High closing force
TM02 7287 3203
Fig. 26 Accumulative wear of seal rings running in
QG/QG
2000 [h]
QS/QS
1500
QP/QP
1000
Tungsten c./
carbon
500
Tungsten c./
tungsten c.
TM02 7286 3203
Fig. 27 Leakage of seals in water containing glycol

Surface roughness is an important factor for the leakage. A smooth surface finish is preferred. On the other
hand a too smooth surface finish may cause problems
in terms of seizure between the seal faces. Thus some
roughness of the seal faces is required to prevent the
seal rings from seizing up. Therefore seals have at
least one lapped seal face.
After the shaft seal has been fitted, the leak rate will be
high until the seal faces have become smooth. As a
result seals with one seal face in carbon often have low
leakage in the running-in period because this period is
shorter as compared to a seal with both seal faces in
hard materials.
Seals with a high closing force have a shorter runningin period as a result of a thinner lubricating film.
Demineralised water
Pure water can be aggressive to many ceramics.
Regarding sintered SiC, the grain boundaries containing sinter additives may be attacked in pure water.
Corrosion attacks are only observed on the seal face
where high temperatures may be achieved where
asperity contacts.
By controlling the sintering process it is possible to
achieve SiC grades that are resistant to pure water.
Tests of seals in demineralised water at +40C have
been carried out for different SiC grades. The result of
standard sintered SiC grades can be seen in the following figure.
For grades not sensitive to demineralised water no failure has been observed during 11,000 hours of testing.
Only grades resistant in demineralised water can be
categorized in group Q G.
Seal face materials
Shaft seals
Chemical adhesion of surfaces

Failures [%]
2000
4000
6000
8000
10000
TM02 7288 3203
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
12000
[hour]
Fig. 28 Failure of SiC seals in demineralised water

Seizure of seal faces caused by storing
Very smooth and flat seal faces will easily adhere to
each other. In extreme situations the adhesion
becomes so strong that the shaft on the motor of the
pump cannot rotate.
There are different mechanisms acting on the adhesion
between the seal faces.
Physical adhesion
Vacuum may occur when two flat and smooth surfaces
are pressed tightly together.
The force created by the vacuum is axial, meaning that
the force needed to separate the two surfaces has to be
large whereas the shear force needed to rotate the surfaces is lower. The size of the shear force at start-up is
the same as the force needed for a very low rotational
speed. The coefficient of friction at low rotational speed
for different surface combinations can be seen on the
graph below.
Start friction in water
Coefficient of friction
TC/Carbon
0.6
SiC-G/SiC-G
0.5
TC/TC
0.1
0
50
100
[C]
150 [C]
TM02 7289 3203
0.3
0.2
To prevent such adhesion mechanisms, highly inert

dissimilar materials of the seal faces are preferred.
Chemical adhesion involving adhesive agents
If the pumped liquid contains ions that may precipitate
on the seal face, these precipitations may act as glue
between the seal faces.
This adhesion mechanism may occur in hard water and
can be reduced by having one seal face in carbon. Also
hard materials containing solid lubricants will reduce
adhesion because the dry lubricant will be smeared out
as a thin layer on the seal face, providing low shear
forces.
Conclusion
The sensitivity to abrasive particles is low when using
hard materials in both seal rings such as SiC against
SiC.
Friction of SiC against SiC in hot water are reduced by
the porosities in the seal face material. Generally, the
resistivity to corrosion of sintered SiC is good except in
pure water, but with SiC containing long grains also
resistance against pure water can be obtained.
Incorporating small pockets filled with solid lubricants
can reduce dry friction of SiC.
TC/SiC
0.4
All surfaces subjected to the atmosphere have an oxide

layer. The equilibrium of the oxide layer may change
when the surface is in close contact with another surface or when it is exposed to the pumped liquid. This
change in equilibrium may involve chemical bindings to
oxides from other surfaces. The more inert the oxide
layer is to the surroundings, the weaker will the bindings to the counter surface be. If the liquid is aggressive
to the seal face material, the seal faces may corrode
together and create immensely high adhesion forces.
Mechanical seals with improved SiC grades QG are

thus able to handle many different applications, thereby
increasing the reliability of the pump.
Fig. 29 Start friction in water
21
Materials of
secondary seals
Secondary seals
The choice of materials for secondary seals, i.e. rubber
components such as O-rings and bellows, is just as
important as the choice of seal face combinations. Both
are essential to the functioning of the mechanical shaft
seal. The Grundfos seals are intended to cover a wide
application field with few materials.
FKM
FKM rubber covers a very wide range of liquids and
temperatures.
Poor mechanical properties at low temperatures
Heat resistant up to +200C
Resistant to water up to +90C
Resistant to acids and saline solutions
The sections below indicate main material properties as

regards temperature and resistance to principal liquid
groups. In case of doubt and where special liquids are
involved, please contact Grundfos.
Resistant to mineral oils and vegetable oils
NBR
Not resistant to certain polar solvents (for instance

alcohols, ketones and esters)
Widely used for all-round applications, NBR (nitrile)

rubber covers a wide range of liquids at relatively low
temperatures (below +100C).
Good mechanical properties at high and low temperatures
Heat resistant up to +100C; for short periods up to
+120C, depending on the ambient environment
Resistant to diesel oil, various mineral oils, grease
and vegetable oils
Resistant to weak acids and alkalis
Resistant to most solvents (toluene, petrol, trichloroethylene, etc.)

Resistant to ozone and weather
Not resistant to alkaline liquids at high temperatures.
FFKM
FFKM (perfluoroelastomer) is chemically resistant to a
wide range of liquids. FFKM rubber corresponds to
PTFE, but offers considerably better mechanical properties.
Good mechanical properties
Not resistant to polar solvents (alcohols, ketones

and esters)
Especially suitable for use in chemical processing

plants, in the production of dyes, paints, varnishes,
solvents, nitric acid, etc.
Not resistant to ozone and weather.
EPDM
Not entirely resistant to amines and strongly alkaline liquids at high temperatures.
EPDM is a rubber quality especially suitable for water

and aqueous solutions, but non-resistant to mineral
oils.
Good mechanical properties at low temperatures
Heat resistant up to +150C
Resistant to polar solvents (alcohols, ketones and
esters)
Resistant to glycol
Partly resistant to vegetable oils at low temperatures
Not resistant to mineral oils.
22
Shaft seals
Materials of
secondary seals
FXM
FXM (fluorinated copolymer) is particularly suitable for
extremely high temperatures and pressures as well as
for use in acid liquids and gasses within oil and gas
extraction (in boreholes, on land and at sea). Its resistance to chemicals and high temperatures has been
considerably improved as compared to fluorized rubber, with excellent resistance to hot water and steam.
Elastic seal material
Shaft seals
List of pumped liquids

The table below shows the resistance of the secondary
seal rubber materials to low and high temperatures and
to a selection of pumped liquids.
Factors
NBR
EPDM
FKM
FFKM
FXM
Low temperatures
(temp. < 0C)
High temperatures
(temp. > +90C)
Temperature range: 10C to +275C; for short periods up to +300C
Acids
Alkalis
Excellent hot water and steam resistance
Glycols
Oils and fuels
Solvents
Available in material resistant to sudden decompression.

Consisting of a modified structure of tetrafluoroethylene
(TFE) and propylene copolymers, FXM is widely used
within
Based on water.
Legend
Symbol
Meaning
the chemical and petrochemical industry
Suitable
the aviation and space industry
Suitable under certain conditions
Not suitable
mechanical engineering
refineries.
A number of typical pumped liquids are listed below.

The table below shows the resistance of the secondary
seal rubber materials to low and high temperatures and
to a selection of pumped liquids.
Pumped liquid
Acids
(pH < 7)
Alkalis
(pH > 7)
Chemical
formula
Description
Sulphuric acid
H2SO4
Inorganic acid
Hydrochloric acid
HCl
Inorganic acid
Phosphoric acid
H3PO4
Inorganic acid
Nitric acid
HNO3
Inorganic acid
Chromic acid
CrO3
Inorganic acid
Acetic acid
CH3COOH
Organic acid
Formic acid
HCOOH
Organic acid
Sodium hydroxide
NaOH
Potassium hydroxide
KOH
Calcium hydroxide
CaOH
Ammonium hydroxide NH4OH

Coolants
Propylene glycol
CH2OHCHOHCH 3
Ethylene glycol
C2H4(OH) 2
Glycerine
CH2OHCH2OH
Petrol
Mineral oil
Fuels and
Diesel oil
oils
Olive oil
Solvents
Mineral oil
Vegetable oil
Xylene
C6H4(CH3)2
Trichloroethylene
C2HCl3
Benzene
C6H6
23
Shaft seals
Suitability
The following pages give a short description of some of

Grundfos mechanical shaft seal types, including their
application profiles.
Due to the wear on carbon seal faces, the description
of carbon shaft seal types includes a table indicating
service intervals.
Suitable
Alkaline liquids
Dry running
Solid particles in liquid
Precipitating/limecontaining liquids
Anti-freeze liquids
Grundfos type A seal is defined as an O-ring seal with

fixed seal driver.
Pressure-temperature diagram
Risk of fretting (wear corrosion) in corrosive liquids.

Fretting occurs when an O-ring wears the protective
oxide film of a stainless steel shaft.
Risk of deposits around the O-ring as well as seizure of the O-ring in liquids with a large content of
lime or sludge. Often observed as leakage in connection with changes in operating conditions.
The pressure-temperature diagram is based on clean

water.
The figures in the following table refer to the pressuretemperature diagram.
Pos.
Range
Optimum duty range
Risk of periodical noise in connection with start-up and

variations in pressure and temperature
Risk of periodical noise
Reduced life
Note: Noise occurs especially at low speeds.
TM00 2581 4593
As standard available in tungsten carbide/tungsten carbide with EPDM or FKM O-rings.

Some sizes are available in silicon carbide/silicon carbide (SiC/SiC).
Not
suitable
Acid liquids
Grundfos type A
Description/features
Strong seal drivers ensure torque transmission even
under extreme operating conditions.
Suitable under
certain
conditions
Fig. 30 Type A seal

Application profile
The type A seal has a tungsten carbide/tungsten carbide application profile.
Type A with tungsten carbide/tungsten carbide seal
faces
TM00 2588 4593
There is no relation between the indication of suitability

and the pressure-temperature diagram, but together
they form the application profile.
Fig. 31 Pressure-temperature diagrams
24
Shaft seals
Grundfos type B
Suitability
Grundfos type B seal is defined as a bellows seal with

rubber bellows.
Suitable for lime- and sludge-containing liquids
where there is a risk of deposits and seizure.
Suitable
Suitable under
certain
conditions
Not
suitable
Alkaline liquids
Acid liquids
Dry running
Resists fretting (wear corrosion) which occurs when

an O-ring wears the protective oxide film of a stainless steel shaft.
As standard available in tungsten carbide/carbon, SiC/
SiC and SiC/carbon with EPDM or FKM bellows.

Anti-freeze liquids
water.
TM00 2582 3097

Pos.
Recommended service intervals

[operating hours] before wear-out
14,000 - 20,000
8,000 - 15,000
4,000 - 8,000
Fig. 32 Type B seal

Application profiles
The type B seal has the following application profiles:
tungsten carbide/carbon
SiC/SiC
SiC/carbon.
Type B with tungsten carbide/carbon seal faces
TM02 4275 0402

25
Shaft seals
Type B with SiC/SiC seal faces (Q1G/Q1G)
Type B with SiC/carbon seal faces


Suitability
Suitability
Suitable
Suitable under
certain
conditions
Suitable
Not
suitable
Suitable under
certain
conditions
Not
suitable
Alkaline liquids
Alkaline liquids
Acid liquids
Acid liquids
Dry running
Dry running
Anti-freeze liquids
Anti-freeze liquids

water.

water.
Pos.
Range
Optimum duty range


14,000 - 20,000
8,000 - 15,000
4,000 - 8,000
TM00 2590 309q7
Pos.
TM00 2589 3097
Fig. 34 Pressure-temperature diagram
26
Shaft seals
Grundfos type C
Grundfos type C seal is defined as a O-ring seal with a

spring as seal driver.

water.
Simple seal for low pressure and temperature
ranges.

14,000 - 20,000
8,000 - 15,000
TM00 2592 3097
Pos.
TM00 2583 4593
As standard available in ceramic/carbon with NBR,

EPDM or FKM O-ring.
Fig. 36 Type C seal

Application profile
The type C seal has a ceramic/carbon application profile.
Type C with ceramic/carbon seal faces
Suitability
Suitable
Suitable under
certain
conditions
Not
suitable
Alkaline liquids
Acid liquids
Dry running
Precipitating/lime-containing liquids
Anti-freeze liquids
27
Shaft seals
Grundfos type D
Type D with SiC/SiC seal faces
Grundfos type D seal is defined as a balanced O-ring

seal.

The design of the shaft seal makes it an ideal solution when pumping solid-containing and high-viscosity liquids.
The shaft seal is independent of the direction of rotation.
Suitability
Suitable
Suitable under
certain
conditions
Not
suitable
Alkaline liquids
Acid liquids
Dry running
TM02 7094 2603
Anti-freeze liquids
Fig. 38 Type D seal

Application profile
The type D seal has the following application profiles:
carbon/SiC
SiC/SiC.
Type D with carbon/SiC seal faces
Suitability
Suitable
Suitable under
certain
conditions
Not
suitable
Alkaline liquids
Acid liquids
Dry running
Anti-freeze liquids
The type D seal with carbon/silicon carbide seal faces

are suited for operation at temperatures from 0C to
+140C and for an operating pressure of up to 25 bar.
28
The type D seal with SiC/SiC seal faces are suited for
operation at temperatures from 20C to +90C and at a
operating pressure of up to 16 bar.
Shaft seals
Grundfos type E
Type E with tungsten carbide/hybrid seal faces
Grundfos type E seal is defined as a O-ring seal, type

A, cartridge type.

Strong seal drivers transmit the torque even under
extreme operating conditions.
lime or sludge.
As standard available in tungsten carbide/carbon,
tungsten carbide/tungsten carbide or in tungsten
carbide/hybrid with EPDM or FKM O-rings.
Can be replaced without dismantling the pump part.
In addition, the shaft seal of pumps with motor sizes
above 7.5 kW can be replaced without removing the
motor.
Only available for pump types CR 32 to CR 90 and
CRN 32 to CRN 90.
Suitability
Suitable under
certain
conditions
Suitable
Not
suitable
Alkaline liquids
Acid liquids
Dry running
Anti-freeze liquids
water.
Pos.
Range
Optimum duty range

22 mm
[bar]
30
25
20
15
Fig. 39 Type E seal

The type E seal has the following application profiles:
tungsten carbide/hybrid
10
5
0
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90 100 110 120 [C]
TM01 8343 0100
TM01 3065 3398
tungsten carbide/tungsten carbide

tungsten carbide/carbon.
29
Shaft seals
Type E with tungsten carbide/tungsten carbide seal

faces
Type E with tungsten carbide/carbon seal faces

Suitability
Suitability
Suitable
Suitable under
certain
conditions
Suitable
Not
suitable
Acid liquids
Acid liquids
Dry running
Dry running
Anti-freeze liquids
Anti-freeze liquids
water. At temperatures below freezing point, the diagram is based on a mixture of water and glycol.
Pos.
1
2
Not
suitable
Alkaline liquids
Alkaline liquids
Suitable under
certain
conditions
Range
Optimum duty range

water.
Pos.

14,000 - 20,000
8,000 - 15,000
4,000 - 8,000
30
TM01 1418 4497
TM01 1416 3398
Shaft seals
Grundfos type G
Grundfos type G seal is defined as an unbalanced Oring seal with a rubber bellows.
Especially suitable for anti-freeze liquids or liquids
containing large quantities of solid or precipitated
particles.
Resists fretting (wear corrosion) which occurs when
an O-ring wears the protective oxide film of a stainless steel shaft.
TM02 7099 2603
The shaft seal is independent of the direction of rotation.
Fig. 43 Type G seal

The type G seal has the following application profile:
SiC/SiC.
Suitability
Suitable
Suitable under
certain
conditions
Not
suitable
Alkaline liquids
Acid liquids
Dry running
Anti-freeze liquids
31
Shaft seals
water. At temperatures below freezing point the diagram is based on a mixture of water and glycol.
p [bar]
20
15
5
0
-20
20
40
60
80
100
32
120
t [C]
TM02 7282 3103
10
Shaft seals
Grundfos type H
Suitability
Grundfos type H seal is defined as an O-ring seal of the

cartridge type.
Thanks to the balanced seal design, this robust seal
is suitable for pressures up to 30 bar.
Easy to replace during service.
oxide film of a stainless steel shaft. As the seal is
designed as a cartridge seal with a sleeve on the
shaft, fretting damages the sleeve and not the shaft.
This enables replacement of the seal without having
to make an entire renovation of the pump.
lime or sludge.
Suitable
Suitable under
certain
conditions
Not
suitable
Alkaline liquids
Acid liquids
Dry running
Anti-freeze liquids
water.
Pos.
Range
Optimum duty range

Risk of periodical noise and reduced lifetime.
12 mm
[bar]
Fig. 45 Type H seal
25
20
SiC/SiC
SiC/carbon
tungsten carbide/tungsten carbide.
The strong seal carriers contribute considerably to

the cooling of the seal faces in case of dry running.
This makes the seal capable of withstanding several
minutes of dry running, despite the seal face material combination.
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150
[C]
16 mm
[bar]
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
-40 -30 -20 -10 0
Type H for 12, 16 and 22 mm shaft with SiC/SiC

(Q1G/Q1G) seal faces
The seal is suitable for use in CR/CRI/CRN pumps.
5
0
-40 -30 -20 -10 0
The type H seal has the following application profiles:
15
10
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150
[C]
22 mm
[bar]
30
25
20
15
10
5
0
-40 -30 -20 -10 0
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150
[C]
TM02 8448 0204
TM02 7100 2603
30

33
Shaft seals
Type H for 12, 16 and 22 mm shaft with SiC/

carbon seal faces
Type H for 12, 16 and 22 mm shaft with tungsten

carbide/carbon seal faces
Suitable for use in CR/CRI/CRN pumps, the seal is recommended for use in very hot water (above 100C).
Suitable for use in CR/CRI/CRN pumps, the seal is recommended for use in very hot water (above 100C).


Suitability
Suitability
Suitable
Suitable under
certain
conditions
Not
suitable
Suitable under
certain
conditions
Suitable
Not
suitable
Alkaline liquids
Alkaline liquids
Acid liquids
Acid liquids
Dry running
Dry running
Anti-freeze liquids
Anti-freeze liquids


Pos.

Pos.

14,000 - 20,000
14,000 - 20,000
8,000 - 14,000
8,000 - 14,000
4,000 - 8,000
4,000 - 8,000
12 mm
12/16 mm
[bar]
[bar]
30
30
25
25
20
20
0
0
0
0
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150
[C]
[C]
[bar]
16 mm
30
22 mm
[bar]
25
30
20
15
10
10
5
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150
[C]
TM02 8445 0204
25
20
10
10
15
15
5
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150
[bar]
[C]
22 mm
30
25
20
15
22
10
5
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150
34
[C]
TM02 8446 0204
15

Type H for 12, 16 and 22 mm shaft with tungsten
carbide/tungsten carbide seal faces
The seal is suitable for use in CR/CRI/CRN pumps
for many applications, except for very hot water
(above +100C). Can be replaced without dismantling the pump part.
The strong seal carriers contribute considerably to
the cooling of the seal faces in case of dry running.
This makes the seal capable of withstanding several
minutes of dry running, despite the seal face material combination.
Shaft seals
12 mm
[bar]
30
25
20
2
1
10
5
0
-40 -30 -20 -10 0
10
20 30 40 50
60 70
90 100 110 120 130 140 150 [C]
80
16 mm
[bar]
30
25
20
Suitability
15
15
10
Suitable
Suitable under
certain
conditions
Not
suitable
5
0
-40 -30 -20 -10 0
10
20 30 40 50
60 70 80
Alkaline liquids
90 100 110 120 130 140 150 [C]
Acid liquids
Dry running
Anti-freeze liquids
22 mm
[bar]
30
25
20
15
10

water. The figures in the following table refer to the
pressure-temperature diagram.
5
0
-40 -30 -20 -10 0
10
20 30 40 50
60 70 80
90 100 110 120 130 140 150 [C]
TM02 8447 0204

Pos.
Range
Optimum duty range

Risk of periodical noise
35
Shaft seals
Grundfos type K
Type K with tungsten carbide/carbon seal faces
Grundfos type K seal is defined as a metal bellows seal

(type M, cartridge type).

Especially suitable for liquids containing large quantities of precipitated particles.
Suitability
The seal is suitable for temperatures above +100C.
Suitable

In addition, the shaft seal of pumps with motor sizes
above 7.5 kW can be replaced without removing the
motor.
Acid liquids
The seal has a long life compared with other seal

types due to the balancing ratio.
Suitable under
certain
conditions
Not
suitable
Alkaline liquids
Dry running
Anti-freeze liquids

water.
TM02 4279 0402

Pos.

14,000 - 20,000
8,000 - 14,000
4,000 - 8,000
Fig. 50 Type K seal

The type K seal has the following application profiles:
TM02 4300 0402
tungsten carbide/hybrid
tungsten carbide/tungsten carbide.
36
Shaft seals
Type K with tungsten carbide/hybrid seal faces

Suitability
Type K with tungsten carbide/tungsten carbide seal

faces
Suitability
Suitable under
certain
conditions
Suitable
Not
suitable
Suitable under
certain
conditions
Suitable
Alkaline liquids
Acid liquids
Alkaline liquids
Dry running
Acid liquids
Dry running

Anti-freeze liquids
Anti-freeze liquids
water.
Pos.
Not
suitable
Range
Optimum duty range

Pos.
Range
Optimum duty range

22 mm
[bar]
30
22 mm
25
[bar]
30
10
5
0
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90 100 110 120 [C]
TM01 8343 0204
15
25
20
15
10
5
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90 100 110 120 [C]
TM01 8343 0204
20
37
Shaft seals
Grundfos type R
Grundfos type K seal is defined as an O-ring seal, type

A, with fixed seal driver and reduced seal face.

Especially suitable for anti-freeze liquids or liquids
containing large quantities of solid or precipitated
particles.
Strong seal drivers ensure torque transmission even

under extreme operating conditions.
Pos.
1
Range
Optimum duty range
Lapped seal faces with a flat, rough surface prevent

seizure, possibly causing a slight leakage during the
running-in wear period (10 - 30 days).


TM01 5046 1499
As standard available for 12, 16 and 22 mm

shaft in tungsten carbide/tungsten carbide with
EPDM or FKM O-rings.
Fig. 54 Type R seal

TM01 7406 4599
Application profile
The type R seal has a tungsten carbide/tungsten carbide application profile.
Type R with tungsten carbide/tungsten carbide seal
faces
Suitability
Suitable
Alkaline liquids
Acid liquids
Dry running
Anti-freeze liquids
38
Suitable under
certain
conditions
Not
suitable
Shaft seals
Seal arrangements
The double seal mounted back-to-back is used in
Grundfos offers the following types of double seals:
paint industries
distilling industries
Double seal mounted back-to-back, Grundfos

type O
petrochemical industries.
Double seal mounted in tandem, Grundfos type P

Cartex-DE seal, Grundfos type Q.
Double seal (tandem)

Grundfos type P seal is defined as two seals mounted
in a tandem arrangement.
Double seal (back-to-back)

Grundfos type O seal is defined as two seals mounted
in a back-to-back arrangement.
Description
This type of double seal consists of two shaft seals
mounted back-to-back in a separate seal chamber.
Description
This type of double seal consists of two shaft seals
mounted in tandem in a separate seal chamber. Only
Grundfos cartridge shaft seals can be used.
Outlet 3/8"
Inlet 3/8"
G 3/8"
TM01 6204 1699
Shaft seals
TM02 5000 2002
Fig. 56 Back-to-back seal arrangement in a CR pump

The pressure in the seal chamber must be higher than
the pump pressure. The pressure in the seal chamber
can be generated by
Fig. 57 Tandem seal arrangement in a CR pump

If the primary seal is leaking in a CR pump, the pumped
liquid will be flushed away by the flushing liquid.
The flushing liquid pressure must always be lower than
the pumped liquid pressure.
a pressure intensifier when the operating pressure

is above 16 bar
a separate pump, for instance a dosing pump, when
the operating pressure is less or equal to 16 bar or
an existing, separate pressure source. Many applications incorporate pressurized systems.
Oil
chamber
TM00 7211 0696
The back-to-back arrangement with pressurized seal

chamber prevents the pumped liquid from leaking
through the shaft seal to the environment.
Bellows
shaft seals
Applications
Double seals mounted back-to-back are recommended
for use with toxic, aggressive or explosive liquids. The
back-to-back arrangement protects the surrounding
environment and the people working in the vicinity of
the pump.
This type of shaft seal is the optimum solution for handling abrasive or sticky liquids which would either wear
out, damage or block a mechanical shaft seal.
Fig. 58 Tandem seal arrangement in an AP pump

Grundfos AP sewage pumps have either
a combination of a mechanical bellows seal and a
lip seal between the motor and the pump or
two mechanical bellows seals mounted on either
side of the oil chamber.
The tandem arrangement prevents sewage from entering and destroying the motor.
39
Shaft seals
Applications
Tandem arrangement
Double seals mounted in tandem are recommended for

crystallising, hardening or sticky liquids in
PP
negative pressure deaeration systems (vacuum)
Back-to-back arrangement
industries handling potentially hardening oil products

industries producing caustic soda (sodium hydroxide - NaOH)
PF
O-ring
PP
O-ring
industries producing hydrated lime (calcium hydroxide - Ca(OH)2
PF
TM02 7449 3503
pharmaceutical industries (i.e. production of dextran)
Fig. 60 Cartex-DE shaft seal in tandem and back-to-
Sewage.
back arrangement
Cartex-DE shaft seals
The figure shows that the two arrangements affect the

functionality of the shaft seal in different ways.
Grundfos type Q seal is a Cartex-DE double seal.

Description
The Cartex-DE seal is a double-pressure-balanced
shaft seal pre-assembled in one unit for use in centrifugal pumps.
The Cartex-DE seal is available as a single seal and as
a double seal, depending on the application.
The Cartex-DE double seal can be mounted
in tandem (Grundfos type P) or
back-to-back (Grundfos type O).
For further information about tandem or back-to-back
seal arrangements, see page 39.
The Cartex-DE seal is independent of the direction of
rotation.
In the tandem arrangement the pumped liquid pressure

(PP) is higher than the flushing liquid pressure (PF).
This pressure distribution displaces the shaft axially to
the right allowing pumped liquid to be pressed into the
gap between the rotating and the stationary parts. As a
result of the displacement, the O-ring moves to the right
and seals against the flushing liquid coming from the
lower right side of the chamber.
In the back-to-back arrangement the pumped liquid
pressure (PP) is lower than the flushing liquid pressure
(PF). The pressure distribution displaces the shaft axially to the left allowing flushing liquid to be pressed into
the gap between the rotating and stationary parts. As
the shaft moves to the left, the O-ring follows and seals
against the pumped liquid coming from the upper left
side of the chamber.
During operation the coolant is pumped by the rotating
pump shaft from the tank through the shaft seal. The
circulating coolant prevents overheating of the shaft
seal.
Tank with
coolant
TM02 7114 2703
TM02 7109 2603
Cartex-DE shaft
seal
Fig. 59 Cartex-DE seal
Fig. 61 Cooling of a Cartex-DE seal
40
Shaft seals
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 I/h
TM02 7402 3503
Air-cooled top (for high temperatures)

DW
140
130
120
110
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Fig. 62 Circulation volume of Cartex-DE

GR5228
The Cartex-DE shaft seal has the following application

profiles:
carbon graphite/SiC
SiC/SiC.
Fig. 64 CR pump with air-cooled top
Pressure and velocity diagram
The diagram of the pressure in relation to the velocity
of the seal faces is based on clean water.
General information
The unique Grundfos air-cooled top shaft seal solution
is recommended for applications involving high temperatures from +120C to +180C.
The following air-cooled top solutions are available:
25
Carbon graphite/SiC
Pump fitted with EPDM rubber parts: +120 to

+150C
20
P (bar)
Pump fitted with FKM rubber parts: +120 to +180C.

15
Applications
Boiler feeding
SiC/SiC
Temperature control, for instance in moulding processes
10
10
16
V (m/s)
Fig. 63 Pressure and seal face velocity
TM02 7111 2603
Circulation of transmission oils.
Pump range
The air-cooled top is available for the following Grundfos pumps: +120 to +150C and +120 to +180C
Pump
type
CR
1
CR
3
CR
5
CR
10
CR
15
CR
20
CR
32
CR
45
CR
64
CR
90
z
CR
CRI
CRN
Technical description
The air-cooled top separates the seal chamber from the
pump by an air-cooled chamber, generating an insulating effect similar to that of a thermos.
Through the narrow passage between the pump and
the air-cooled top, a small quantity of the pumped liquid
recirculates by natural circulation.
Temperatures above +120C normally result in a substantial reduction of seal life due to poor lubrication of
the seal faces.
41
Shaft seals
As the temperature in the seal chamber does not

exceed +120C during operation, a standard Grundfos
shaft seal can be used.
The Grundfos air-cooled top does not require any
external cooling.
An automatic air vent is required to vent the pump seal
chamber.
Air vent
Shaft seal
Liquid
Pipe
Air
chamber
TM01 4785 0899
Bush
Fig. 65 CR pump with air-cooled top
42
Shaft seals
Comparing seal types

The comparison is based on a seal design for maximum
16 bar without considering seal face and secondary
seal materials, as they have been dealt with separately.
The asterisks indicate degree of suitability with respect
to the parameters stated, five asterisks being the optimum suitability.
Comparison parameters
Type A
Type B
Type C
Type E
Type G
Type H
Type K
Type R
Anti-freeze liquid
Above +100C
Assembly time
Robustness against assembly faults
Start/stop
High pressure
Breakdown of rubber parts
Dry running with tungsten carbide/

tungsten carbide material combination
Robustness against rough handling
Precipitation
Seal driver strength (cementing)

Long life
43
Selection of shaft
seals
Selection of the most suitable shaft
seal
The list of pumped liquids in a data booklet often indicates several suitable shaft seals for the pumping of the
same liquid.
As the properties of the suitable shaft seals often differ,
the purpose of this section is to give an example of how
to select the most suitable shaft seal.
Example
The following data is assumed:
Comparing maximum operating temperatures

As the HUBE, HQQE and HQQV seals have different
secondary seal materials, the maximum operating
temperature of the seals may differ.
Position 4 of the shaft seal configuration, for instance
HUBE, shows the secondary seal material. For further
information see page 6.
Shaft seals with an EPDM secondary seal resist water
temperatures up to +140C, see "EPDM" on page 23.
Shaft seals with an FKM secondary seal resist water
temperatures up to +90C, see "FKM" on page 23.
This leaves only two suitable shaft seals, HUBE and
HQQE.
Application:
Shaft seal fitted in boiler

feed pump, type CR
Operating pressure:
26 bar
Resistance to abrasive particles
Operating temperature:
+115 C
The high pumped liquid temperature above +60C may

cause lime to precipitate in the pumped liquid resulting
in scale formation. Deposits on the seal faces may
result in wear and reduced seal life.
In the CR, CRI, CRN, CRE, CRIE, CRNE data booklet

only one shaft seal, HQQE, is recommended for
pumping boiler water. On the other hand the HQQE
shaft seal is not the only shaft seal available for this
pump and application. As will appear from the description of the various shaft seal types in this data booklet,
the following seal types are suitable:
HQQE (recommended shaft seal)
HQQV
According to the Grundfos type designation, the HUBE

seal face material combination is tungsten carbide/
carbon, see page 5. This tungsten carbide/carbon
material combination offers low-noise operation.
However, the deposits between the seal faces will lead
to reduced seal life.
Comparing maximum operating pressures
The HQQE seal face material combination is silicon

carbide/silicon carbide (SiC/SiC), see page 5. Under
the operating conditions in this example, the SiC/SiC
material combination offers long life as compared to the
HUBE seal. However, the shaft seal will emit more
noise on account of the materials used.
Comparing the maximum operating pressure range of

the above shaft seal types, it appears that
Finally, the shaft seal that best matches the requirements of the particular application is to be selected:
the HQQE shaft seal is suitable because the operating pressure of the boiler feed pump does not exceed the 30 bar maximum operating pressure of the
shaft seal, see "Grundfos type H" on page 33.
As a boiler feed pump is usually not located in noisecritical environments, an HQQE shaft seal is preferred
on account of its long life. If an HQQE shaft seal is
selected, a higher noise level must be accepted.
HUBE
BUBE
AUUE.
the HQQV shaft seal is suitable because the operating pressure of the boiler feed pump does not exceed the 30 bar maximum operating pressure of the
the HUBE shaft seal is suitable because the operating pressure of the boiler feed pump does not exceed the 30 bar maximum operating pressure of the
the BUBE shaft seal is not suitable because the
maximum operating pressure of the shaft seal is
16 bar, see "Grundfos type B" on page 25.
The AUUE shaft seal is not suitable because the
maximum operating pressure of the shaft seal is
25 bar, see "Grundfos type A" on page 24.
This leads to the conclusion that among the shaft seals
indicated, only the type H shaft seals, HUBE, HQQE
and HQQV, are suitable.
44
Shaft seals
Pumped liquids
Shaft seals
Lists of pumped liquids

The following tables indicate the suitability of the individual shaft seals in various pumped liquids. The suitability only applies to the mechanical shaft seal and is
not related to pumps in general.
The suitability of the individual seal combinations is
based on the information on temperature, concentration, etc. given in the tables. Changes in these conditions will affect the suitability of the seal.
Intended as a guide, the lists of pumped liquids are
based on the latest knowledge and experience.
As the lists of pumped liquids do not state the toxicity
class of the individual liquids, it does not clearly appear
from the lists whether the seal is appropriate for the
task in question in order to avoid health hazards (corrosion, poisoning, etc.).
45
Pumped liquids
Shaft seals
Acids
Legend
++
+
= Best solution
= Suitable
= Suitable under certain conditions
= Not suitable
Shaft seal (EN 12756)

Liquid
Acetic acid
CH3COOH
Rotating face:
Stationary seat:
Secondary seal:
Spring:
Other parts:
Q
Q
E
G
G
Max. temp. [C]
20
20
20
Max. conc. [%]
Suitability
++
Q
Q
V
G
G
B
Q
E
G
G
B
Q
V
G
G
B
V
E
G
G
B
V
V
G
G
U
U
E
G
G
U
U
V
G
G
B
U
E
G
G
B
U
V
G
G
20
5
Comments
Acetic anhydride
(CH3CO)2O
Max. temp. [C]
20
20
20
Max. conc. [%]
Suitability
Comments
Benzoic acid
C6H5COOH
++
20
2
Max. temp. [C]
80
80
80
Max. conc. [%]
Suitability
Aqueous solution (forms acetic acid).
++
80
5
40
Comments
Chromic acid
CrO 3
Max. temp. [C]
20
20
20
20
Max. conc. [%]
20
20
20
20
Suitability
++
++
Comments
Max. temp. [C]
Citric acid
Max. conc. [%]
HOC(COOH)(CH2COO
Suitability
H)2
Comments
Formic acid
HCOOH
80
80
80
80
40
40
40
50
50
50
50
++
++
++
++
Max. temp. [C]
20
20
20
Max. conc. [%]
50
50
Suitability
++
20
5
Comments
Hydrochloric acid
HCl
Max. temp. [C]
15
15
15
15
Max. conc. [%]
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
<0.1
Suitability
Comments
Lactic acid
CH3CHOHCOOH
Risk of pitting on stainless steel parts.
Max. temp. [C]
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
Max. conc. [%]
50
50
50
50
20
20
20
20
Suitability
++
++
Max. temp. [C]
20
20
20
20
Max. conc. [%]
30
30
Suitability
++
++
Comments
Nitric acid
HNO3
Comments
Oxalic acid
(COOH)2
Max. temp. [C]
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
Max. conc. [%]
15
15
15
15
Suitability
++
++
Comments
Phosphoric acid
H3PO4
Max. temp. [C]
60
60
60
60
50
50
50
50
Max. conc. [%]
60
85
60
85
15
15
15
15
++
Suitability
Comments
Shaft seal with flush in concentrations above 50%.

(Continued on the next page)
46
Pumped liquids
Shaft seals
Acids, continued
Legend
++
+
= Best solution
= Suitable
= Not suitable
Liquid
Salicylic acid
C6H4(OH)COOH
Rotating face:
Stationary seat:
Secondary seal:
Spring:
Other parts:
Q
Q
E
G
G
Q
Q
V
G
G
B
Q
E
G
G
B
Q
V
G
G
Max. temp. [C]
80
80
80
Max. conc. [%]
++
Suitability
Comments
Sulphamic acid
NH2SO3H
B
V
V
G
G
U
U
E
G
G
U
U
V
G
G
B
U
E
G
G
B
U
V
G
G
80
80
80
80
80
Shaft seal with flush may be a good choice due to low solubility.
Max. temp. [C]
20
Max. conc. [%]
Suitability
B
V
E
G
G
20
5
++
Max. temp. [C]
20
20
20
20
Max. conc. [%]
Suitability
Comments
Sulphuric acid
H2SO4
Comments
Sulphurous acid
H2SO3
Max. temp. [C]
60
60
20
Max. conc. [%]
Suitability
20
2
Comments
47
Pumped liquids
Shaft seals
Alkalis
Legend
++
+
= Best solution
= Suitable
= Not suitable
Liquid
Alkaline degreasing
agent
Rotating face:
Stationary seat:
Secondary seal:
Spring:
Other parts:
B
V
V
G
G
U
U
E
G
G
U
U
V
G
G
B
U
E
G
G
60
80
60
10
25
10
Suitability
++
++
20
20
20
20
Max. conc. [%]
100
100
100
100
Suitability
++
90
120
90
Max. conc. [%]
28
28
28
Suitability
++
Suitability
++
++
28
++
Shaft seal with flush/double shaft seal recommended; attacks copper alloys.
80
80
80
SatuSaturated
rated
solution solution
++
80
SatuSaturated
rated
solution solution
++
Saturation point at 0.18% at +20C; shaft seal with flush/double shaft seal recommended for
supersaturated solutions.
60
20
60
Max. conc. [%]
30
30
Suitability
++
++
20
Shaft seal with flush/double shaft seal recommended for concentrations above 25% due to
crystal formation.
Max. temp. [C]
60
20
50
20
Max. conc. [%]
50
50
40
25
++
++
Sodium hydroxide
(caustic soda/soda lye) Suitability
NaOH
Comments
++
120
Max. temp. [C]
Comments
Shaft seal with flush/double shaft seal recommended; attacks copper alloys.
Max. temp. [C]
Max. conc. [%]
B
U
V
G
G
Shaft seal with flush/double shaft seal may be required; EPDM not applicable, if degreasing
bath contains residue of oil.
Max. temp. [C]
Comments
48
B
V
E
G
G
80
Max. temp. [C]
Potassium hydroxide
KOH
B
Q
V
G
G
25
Comments
Calcium hydroxide
CaOH
B
Q
E
G
G
Max. conc. [%]
Comments
Ammonium hydroxide
(ammonia water)
NH4OH
Q
Q
V
G
G
Max. temp. [C]
Comments
Ammonia
NH3
Q
Q
E
G
G
Shaft seal with flush/double shaft seal recommended for concentrations above 25% due to
crystal formation.
Pumped liquids
Shaft seals
Salts
Legend
++
+
= Best solution
= Suitable
= Not suitable
Liquid
Ammonium
bicarbonate
NH4
Rotating face:
Stationary seat:
Secondary seal:
Spring:
Other parts:
B
Q
E
G
G
B
Q
V
G
G
B
V
E
G
G
B
V
V
G
G
U
U
E
G
G
U
U
V
G
G
B
U
E
G
G
60
60
60
60
60
Max. conc. [%]
20
20
20
20
20
Suitability
++
B
U
V
G
G
++
20
Decomposes in hot water.
Max. temp. [C]
25
25
25
25
20
20
20
Max. conc. [%]
10
10
10
10
Suitability
++
++
Comments
Ammonium sulphate
(NH4)2SO4
Q
Q
V
G
G
Max. temp. [C]
Comments
Ammonium chloride
(sal ammoniac)
NH4Cl
Q
Q
E
G
G
Shaft seal with flush/double shaft seal recommended; risk of pitting on stainless steel parts.
Max. temp. [C]
50
50
40
40
Max. conc. [%]
10
10
10
10
Suitability
++
++
Comments
Calcium acetate
Ca(CH3COO)2
Max. temp. [C]
80
80
Max. conc. [%]
30
30
Suitability
Comments
Copper (II) sulphate

CuSO 4
++
++
Used as corrosion inhibitor.
Max. temp. [C]
80
80
20
20
Max. conc. [%]
30
30
30
30
Suitability
++
++
Comments
Fixing salt
Max. temp. [C]
80
80
80
80
80
80
80
80
Max. conc. [%]
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
Suitability
++
++
Comments
Magnesium sulphate
MgSO 4
Max. temp. [C]
80
80
20
20
Max. conc. [%]
25
25
25
25
Suitability
++
++
Max. temp. [C]
90
20
90
20
Max. conc. [%]
10
10
Suitability
++
Comments
Potassium
permanganate
KMnO 4
Comments
Sodium bicarbonate
NaHCO 3
Max. temp. [C]
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
Max. conc. [%]
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
++
++
Suitability
Comments
Sodium carbonate
Na 2CO 3
Baking powder; decomposes in hot water.
Max. temp. [C]
80
60
80
60
80
60
80
60
80
60
Max. conc. [%]
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
Suitability
++
++
Comments
Sodium nitrate
NaNO3
Max. temp. [C]
80
80
80
80
80
80
80
80
80
80
Max. conc. [%]
40
40
40
40
40
40
40
40
40
40
Suitability
++
++
++
++
Comments
(Continued on the next page)
49
Pumped liquids
Shaft seals
Salts, continued
Legend
++
+
= Best solution
= Suitable
= Not suitable
Liquid
Sodium nitrite
NaNO2
Rotating face:
Stationary seat:
Secondary seal:
Spring:
Other parts:
Q
Q
E
G
G
Q
Q
V
G
G
B
Q
E
G
G
B
Q
V
G
G
B
V
E
G
G
B
V
V
G
G
U
U
E
G
G
U
U
V
G
G
B
U
E
G
G
B
U
V
G
G
Max. temp. [C]
90
90
90
90
90
90
90
90
90
90
Max. conc. [%]
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
Suitability
++
++
++
++
Comments
Sodium phosphate
Na 3PO4
Max. temp. [C]
80
80
80
80
Max. conc. [%]
20
20
20
20
++
++
Suitability
Comments
Sodium sulphate
Na 2SO4
Shaft seal with flush/double shaft seal may be required.
Max. temp. [C]
80
80
80
80
80
80
80
80
Max. conc. [%]
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
Suitability
++
++
++
++
Comments
Sodium sulphite
Na 2SO3
Max. temp. [C]
80
80
80
80
80
80
80
80
80
80
Max. conc. [%]
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
Suitability
++
++
++
++
Comments
50
Pumped liquids
Shaft seals
Water
Legend
++
+
= Best solution
= Suitable
= Not suitable
Liquid
Rotating face:
Stationary seat:
Secondary seal:
Spring:
Other parts:
Max. temp. [C]
Boiler feed water
Q
Q
V
G
G
120
B
Q
E
G
G
B
Q
V
G
G
B
V
E
G
G
B
V
V
G
G
140
80
90
80
U
U
E
G
G
U
U
V
G
G
B
U
E
G
G
B
U
V
G
G
140
80
Max. conc. [%]

Suitability
Comments
Max. temp. [C]
Calcareous water
Q
Q
E
G
G
++
90
80
Seal face needs to be SiCG.

90
80
++
++
40
40
40
40
40
40
40
40
40
40
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
Max. conc. [%]

Suitability
Comments
Max. temp. [C]
Chlorine-containing
water (unsalted)
Max. conc. [%]

Suitability
Comments
Max. temp. [C]
Demineralized water
(desalinated)
Max. 5 ppm free chlorine (Cl2); swimming baths and chlorinated potable water.
90
80
140
80
90
80
90
80
140
80
++
++
Max. conc. [%]

Suitability
Comments
Max. temp. [C]

120
80
140
80
90
80
90
80
140
80
++
++
++
Max. conc. [%]

Domestic hot water
Suitability
Comments
Risk of lime precipitation at temperatures above +60C.

Max. temp. [C]

Oil-containing water
80
80
80
80
80
Max. conc. [%]

Suitability
++
++
40
40
40
40
40
40
40
40
40
40
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
++
Comments
Max. temp. [C]
Ozone-containing
water
Max. conc. [%]

Suitability
Comments
Max. temp. [C]
Softened water
1 ppm ozone (O3); soluble in water at 0C.

120
80
140
80
90
80
90
80
140
80
++
++
140
90
140
80
140
80
++
++
Max. conc. [%]

Suitability
Comments
Max. temp. [C]

Steam-containing water
Max. conc. [%]

Suitability
Comments
51
Pumped liquids
Shaft seals
Coolants
Legend
++
+
= Best solution
= Suitable
= Not suitable
Liquid
Calcium chloride
CaCl2
Rotating face:
Stationary seat:
Secondary seal:
Spring:
Other parts:
B
V
V
G
G
U
U
E
G
G
U
U
V
G
G
35
35
35
++
++
Suitability
B
U
E
G
G
B
U
V
G
G
Shaft seal with flush/double shaft seal may be required if the liquid contains additives;
presence of oxygen entails risk of pitting on stainless steel parts.
Max. temp. [C]
75
75
75
Max. conc. [%]
100
100
100
Suitability
++
90
60
90
60
Max. conc. [%]
50
50
50
50
++
++
Suitability
++
Explosion hazard; highly flammable; double shaft seal may be required; flash point: +12C.
Max. temp. [C]
Shaft seal with flush/double shaft seal may be required if the liquid contains additives.
Max. temp. [C]
80
80
80
80
80
80
80
80
80
80
Max. conc. [%]
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
++
++
Suitability
Shaft seal with flush/double shaft seal may be required if the liquid contains additives.
Max. temp. [C]
65
65
65
Max. conc. [%]
100
100
100
Suitability
Comments
Potassium carbonate
K2CO3
B
V
E
G
G
Comments
Methanol
(methyl alcohol)
CH3OH
B
Q
V
G
G
35
Comments
Glycerine (glycerol)
C3H5(OH) 3
B
Q
E
G
G
Max. conc. [%]
Comments
Ethylene glycol
(1.2-ethanediol)
CH2OHCH2OH
Q
Q
V
G
G
Max. temp. [C]
Comments
Ethanol (ethyl alcohol)

C2H5OH
Q
Q
E
G
G
++
++
Explosion hazard; highly flammable; double shaft seal may be required; flash point: +11C.
Max. temp. [C]
90
20
90
Max. conc. [%]
40
40
Suitability
++
++
20
Comments
Propylene glycol
(1.2-propanediol)
CH2OHCHOHCH3
Max. temp. [C]
90
60
90
60
Max. conc. [%]
50
50
50
50
Suitability
++
++
Comments
Sodium chloride
NaCl
Max. temp. [C]
Max. conc. [%]
30
30
30
30
++
++
Suitability
Comments
52
Shaft seal with flush/double shaft seal may be required if the liquid contains additives;
presence of oxygen entails risk of pitting on stainless steel parts.
Pumped liquids
Shaft seals
Fuels
Legend
++
+
= Best solution
= Suitable
= Not suitable
Liquid
Rotating face:
Stationary seat:
Secondary seal:
Spring:
Other parts:
Q
Q
E
G
G
Q
Q
V
G
G
B
Q
E
G
G
Max. temp. [C]
B
Q
V
G
G
B
V
E
G
G
60
B
V
V
G
G
U
U
E
G
G
U
U
V
G
G
B
U
E
G
G
60
B
U
V
G
G
60
Max. conc. [%]

Aviation fuel
Suitability
Comments
++
++
Explosion hazard; insoluble in water; highly flammable; double shaft seal may be required;
freezing point 20C; flash point: 40C.
Max. temp. [C]
60
60
60
Max. conc. [%]

Diesel oil
Suitability
Comments
++
++
Insoluble in water; combustible; double shaft seal may be required; flash point: +55C.
Max. temp. [C]
60
60
60
Max. conc. [%]

Jet fuel
Suitability
Comments
++
++
flash point: +38C.
Max. temp. [C]
60
60
60
Max. conc. [%]

Petrol
Suitability
Comments
++
++
freezing point 20C; flash point: 40C.
53
Pumped liquids
Shaft seals
Synthetic and mineral oils

Legend
++
+
= Best solution
= Suitable
= Not suitable
Liquid
Rotating face:
Stationary seat:
Secondary seal:
Spring:
Other parts:
Q
Q
E
G
G
Max. temp. [C]
Q
Q
V
G
G
B
Q
E
G
G
20
B
Q
V
G
G
B
V
E
G
G
B
V
V
G
G
U
U
E
G
G
20
U
U
V
G
G
B
U
E
G
G
20
B
U
V
G
G
20
Max. conc. [%]

Crude oil
Suitability
Comments
Max. temp. [C]

Hydraulic oil,
mineral-oil-based
90
Suitability
100
90
90
100
++
++
Insoluble in water; double shaft seal recommended at temperatures above +60C; EPDM
required for synthetic hydraulic oil.
Max. temp. [C]
90
120
120
90
120
Max. conc. [%]

Suitability
Comments
Silicone oil
Max. conc. [%]
Comments
Motor oil
++
Explosion hazard; insoluble in water; double shaft seal recommended; risk of solid particles
in liquid.
++
++
++
Insoluble in water.
Max. temp. [C]
90
90
100
140
90
90
90
90
100
140
Max. conc. [%]
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
++
++
Suitability
Comments
Max. temp. [C]
90
140
90
90
140
Max. conc. [%]

Tar oil
Suitability
Comments
Max. temp. [C]

Vaseline oil
++
++
90
125
90
90
125
Max. conc. [%]

Suitability
Comments
54
Shaft seal with flush/double shaft seal recommended at temperatures above +40C;
depending on the hydrocarbon composition of the tar oil, the use of FFKM (Kalrez) may
be required.
++
Insoluble in water; risk of solid particles in liquid.
++
Pumped liquids
Shaft seals
Vegetable oils
Legend
++
+
= Best solution
= Suitable
= Not suitable
Liquid
Rotating face:
Stationary seat:
Secondary seal:
Spring:
Other parts:
Q
Q
E
G
G
Max. temp. [C]

Corn oil
90
Suitability
120
++
90
Suitability
B
V
V
G
G
U
U
E
G
G
120
U
U
V
G
G
B
U
E
G
G
90
B
U
V
G
G
120
++
120
120
90
120
++
++
Max. temp. [C]
90
120
120
90
120
Max. conc. [%]

Suitability
Comments
++
++
Max. temp. [C]
90
120
120
90
120
Max. conc. [%]

Suitability
Comments
++
++
Max. temp. [C]

Soya bean oil
B
V
E
G
G
Max. conc. [%]

Comments
Rape seed oil
B
Q
V
G
G
Max. temp. [C]
Peanut oil
B
Q
E
G
G
Max. conc. [%]

Comments
Olive oil
Q
Q
V
G
G
90
120
120
90
120
Max. conc. [%]

Suitability
Comments
++
++
55
Pumped liquids
Shaft seals
Solvents
Legend
++
+
= Best solution
= Suitable
= Not suitable
Liquid
Acetone
(dimethyl ketone)
CH3COCH3
Rotating face:
Stationary seat:
Secondary seal:
Spring:
Other parts:
Q
Q
E
G
G
B
Q
E
G
G
B
Q
V
G
G
B
V
E
G
G
B
V
V
G
G
U
U
E
G
G
U
U
V
G
G
B
U
E
G
G
Max. temp. [C]
60
60
60
Max. conc. [%]
100
100
100
Suitability
Comments
++
++
++
B
U
V
G
G
Explosion hazard; highly inflammable; soluble in water; double shaft seal may be required;
flash point: 18C.
Max. temp. [C]

Perchloroethylene
(tetrachloroethene)
C2Cl4
Q
Q
V
G
G
70
70
70
70
70
Max. conc. [%]

Suitability
Comments
++
++
Insoluble in water; double shaft seal recommended (highly toxic); avoid contact with
aluminium and copper; risk of corrosion of stainless steel parts if liquid contains water.
Max. temp. [C]

Toluene
(methylbenzene)
C6H5CH3
Max. conc. [%]

Suitability
Comments
Max. temp. [C]

Trichloroethylene
(trichlorethene)
C2HCl3
Explosion hazard; highly inflammable; insoluble in water; double shaft seal may be required;
flash point: +4.4C; FFKM (Kalrez) required.
20
20
20
20
20
Max. conc. [%]

Suitability
Comments
++
++
Insoluble in water; double shaft seal recommended (highly toxic); risk of corrosion of stainless
steel parts if the liquid contains water.
Max. temp. [C]
60
60
60
Max. conc. [%]

White spirit
Suitability
Comments
++
++
Explosion hazard; inflammable; insoluble in water; double shaft seal may be required; flash
point: +41C.
Max. temp. [C]

Xylene
(dimethylbenzene)
C6H4(CH3)2
Max. conc. [%]

Suitability
Comments
56
Explosion hazard; highly inflammable; insoluble in water; double shaft seal may be required
(toxic); flash point: +29C; FFKM (Kalrez) required.
Pumped liquids
Shaft seals
Oxidants
Legend
++
+
= Best solution
= Suitable
= Not suitable

Liquid
Hydrogen peroxide
H 2O 2
Rotating face:
Stationary seat:
Secondary seal:
Spring:
Other parts:
Q
Q
V
G
G
B
Q
E
G
G
B
Q
V
G
G
B
V
E
G
G
B
V
V
G
G
Max. temp. [C]
20
20
20
20
20
20
Max. conc. [%]
30
30
30
30
30
30
++
++
++
++
++
++
Suitability
Comments
Sodium hypochlorite
(bleaching liquid)
NaClO
Q
Q
E
G
G
U
U
V
G
G
B
U
E
G
G
B
U
V
G
G
Double shaft seal recommended for high concentration.
Max. temp. [C]
20
Max. conc. [%]
Suitability
Comments
U
U
E
G
G
20
Risk of pitting on stainless steel parts.
57
Pumped liquids
Shaft seals
Organic compounds
Legend
++
+
= Best solution
= Suitable
= Not suitable
Liquid
Rotating face:
Stationary seat:
Secondary seal:
Spring:
Other parts:
Q
Q
E
G
G
Q
Q
V
G
G
B
Q
E
G
G
B
Q
V
G
G
B
V
E
G
G
B
V
V
G
G
U
U
E
G
G
U
U
V
G
G
B
U
E
G
G
B
U
V
G
G
Max. temp. [C]

Benzene
(petroleum naphtha)
C 6H 6
Max. conc. [%]

Suitability
Comments
Butanol (butyl alcohol)

C4H7OH
Max. temp. [C]
40
80
40
80
40
80
Max. conc. [%]
100
100
100
100
100
100
++
++
Suitability
Comments
Hexane
C6H14
20
20
100
100
Suitability
++
++
Explosion hazard; highly inflammable; insoluble in water; double shaft seal may be required;
flash point: 22C.
Max. temp. [C]
70
80
70
80
70
80
70
80
70
80
Max. conc. [%]
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
++
++
Suitability
flash point: +11.7C.
Max. temp. [C]
80
80
80
80
80
Max. conc. [%]
100
100
100
100
100
Suitability
++
++
Insoluble in water; inflammable; double shaft seal recommended: flash point:+ 79C.
Max. temp. [C]
80
80
80
80
80
80
80
80
80
80
Max. conc. [%]
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
++
++
Suitability
flash point: +22C.
Max. temp. [C]
60
60
60
60
60
Max. conc. [%]
10
10
10
10
10
Suitability
Comments
58
20
Comments
Triethanolamine
N(C2H4OH)3
100
Comments
Propanol (propyl
alcohol)
CH3CH2CH2OH
Max. conc. [%]
Comments
Naphthalene
C10H8
flash point: +37C.
Max. temp. [C]
Comments
Isopropyl alcohol
CH3CHOHCH3
Explosion hazard; highly inflammable; toxic; insoluble in water; double shaft seal may be
required; flash point: 11C; FFKM (Kalrez) recommended.
++
Soluble in water.
++
Pumped liquids
Shaft seals
Miscellaneous
Legend
++
+
= Best solution
= Suitable
= Not suitable

Liquid
Cider
Rotating face:
Stationary seat:
Secondary seal:
Spring:
Other parts:
Q
Q
E
G
G
Q
Q
V
G
G
B
Q
E
G
G
B
Q
V
G
G
B
V
E
G
G
B
V
V
G
G
U
U
E
G
G
U
U
V
G
G
B
U
E
G
G
B
U
V
G
G
Max. temp. [C]
90
60
120
60
90
60
90
60
120
60
++
++
Max. conc. [%]

Suitability
Comments
Sugar
Max. temp. [C]
90
80
120
80
90
80
90
80
120
80
Max. conc. [%]
<100
<100
<100
<100
<100
<100
<100
<100
<100
<100
++
++
Suitability
Comments
Vinegar
Shaft seal with flush/double shaft seal recommended.
Max. temp. [C]
60
60
60
60
60
60
60
60
60
60
Max. conc. [%]
<100
<100
<100
<100
<100
<100
<100
<100
<100
<100
++
++
++
++
Suitability
Comments
59
Failure analysis
Shaft seals
Shaft seal failure analysis guide

The table below is intended as a general guide of typical seal failures.
On the following pages are examples of the most common causes of seal failures.
Possible causes of failure
Seal
Noise
Vibration
Cleaning (
treatment)
Poor venting
Temperature
Pressure
Flow
Misalignment
Fitting
Assembly
2
7
15 13 13
16
5
17/18
18
Chipped
19
11
15
10
18
16
11
Flaked
13
Galled
13
Grooved
System faults
11
Clogged
Etched
Incorrect installation
13
Seized
Decomposed
Heating
Good condition
Cooling
Corrosion
Contamination
Result of visual examination
Poor
lubrication
Component
Abrasion
Poor thermal control
5
10
6
18
20
18
20
15
19
Incomplete track
Seal faces
Matted
Pitted
Scored/scuffed
Excessively worn
Discoloured
Deposits
Blistered
Fractured
11
21
15
9/17
18
24
13
Elastomers
16
13
28 12
11
3
27
19
Ruptured
10
10
Worn
15
27
13 13
27
28
26
28 13
11
27
28 13
16
Discoloured
11
Etched
11
Pitted
11
Worn
11
Ruptured
15
Cracked
15
Pitted
60
15 13
11
Extruded
Shaft/pipe
16
3
25
Decomposed
Fractured
3
13
11
Fractured
Metal parts
10
10
Swollen
15
10
11
10
Chipped
Burnt
13 13
22
23
Cracked
5
14/26
28
13
13
11
Seal failure analysis
Shaft seals
Key to failure analysis

Failure number
Description of possible causes of failure
Seal opens due to differential expansion between stationary and rotating parts, caused by deposits preventing the rotating ring
from moving axially on the shaft.
Seal is not set to correct working length, resulting in no contact between face and seat.
Seal faces are running dry, resulting in overheating. High torque on seal faces made of hard materials can generate heat that can
be transmitted to elastomers, resulting in hardening and burning.
Closed pump outlet valve results in excessive temperature or failure no. 3.
Chemical reaction with an oxidizing agent, for instance nitric acid.
Insufficient flow to heat exchanger or cooled hollow seat, resulting in failure no. 3.
Overcompression due to incorrect assembly or incorrect working length, resulting in failure no. 3.
Solid particles, such as sodium hydroxide crystals, precipitate out of liquid across seal contact face. Use hard faces and/or flush
seal.
Volatile elements of liquid evaporate in seal gap, leaving highly viscous, sticky layers on seal faces. Use hard faces and double
seal.
10
Damage due to mishandling or overcompression.
11
Seal material not chemically resistant to liquid or contaminant.
12
Material has decomposed due to temperatures beyond limitations.
13
Seal has been exposed to pressure/temperatures in excess of limits.
14
Continual removal of passive film due to relative movement.
15
System pressure is below or close to vapour pressure.
16
Check bearings.
17
Liquid is saturated with scale.
18
Solid particles in liquid. Hard seal faces required.
19
Wrong assembly.
20
Longer life with cool top is expected.
21
Corrosion makes tungsten carbide appear mat grey or green.
22
By electrochemical deposition, metals such as copper may form on the seal face due to missing or poor electrical grounding of
pump.
23
In water of a conductivity below 5 microSiemens/cm, some SiC grades corrode. Use Qg seal faces.
24
Excessive heat dissipation may cause blistering of carbon. Reduce speed, spring load or pressure, or change to metalimpregnated carbon.
25
Elastomers fitted on uncleaned surfaces.
26
Seat is misaligned, check for debris or deposits on seal faces.
27
Explosive decompression on account of heat build-up may take place due to misalignment, failure no. 26, or vibration, failure no.
16.
28
Start/stop at excessive system pressure with hard seal faces.
61
Further product
documentation
Shaft seals
WebCAPS
WebCAPS is a Web-based Computer Aided Product
Selection program available on www.grundfos.com.
WebCAPS contains detailed information on more than
185,000 Grundfos products in more than 20 languages.
In WebCAPS, all information is divided into 6 sections:
Catalogue
Literature
Service
Sizing
Replacement
CAD drawings.
Catalogue
This section is based on fields of application and pump types, and
contains
technical data
curves (QH, Eta, P1, P2, etc) which can be adapted to the density and viscosity of the pumped liquid and show the number of
pumps in operation
product photos
dimensional drawings
wiring diagrams
quotation texts, etc.
Literature
In this section you can access all the latest documents of a given
pump, such as
data booklets
installation and operating instructions
service documentation, such as Service kit catalogue and
Service kit instructions
quick guides
product brochures, etc.
Service
This section contains an easy-to-use interactive service catalogue.
Here you can find and identify service parts of both existing and discontinued Grundfos pumps.
Furthermore, this section contains service videos showing you how
to replace service parts.
62
Further product
documentation
Shaft seals
Sizing
This section is based on different fields of application and installation examples, and gives easy step-by-step instructions in how to
select the most suitable and efficient pump for your installation
carry out advanced calculations based on energy consumption,
payback periods, load profiles, life cycle costs, etc.
analyse your selected pump via the built-in life cycle cost tool
determine the flow velocity in wastewater applications, etc.
Replacement
In this section you find a guide to selecting and comparing replacement data of an installed pump in order to replace the pump with a
more efficient Grundfos pump.
The section contains replacement data of a wide range of pumps
produced by other manufacturers than Grundfos.
Based on an easy step-by-step guide, you can compare Grundfos
pumps with the one you have installed on your site. When you have
specified the installed pump, the guide will suggest a number of
Grundfos pumps which can improve both comfort and efficiency.
CAD drawings
In this section it is possible to download 2-dimensional (2D) and 3dimensional (3D) CAD drawings of most Grundfos pumps.
These formats are available in WebCAPS:
2-dimensional drawings:
.dxf, wireframe drawings
.dwg, wireframe drawings.
3-dimensional drawings:
.dwg, wireframe drawings (without surfaces)
.stp, solid drawings (with surfaces)
.eprt, E-drawings.
WinCAPS
WinCAPS is a Windows-based Computer Aided
Product Selection program containing detailed information on more than 185,000 Grundfos products in more
than 20 languages.
The program contains the same features and functions
as WebCAPS, but is an ideal solution if no Internet
connection is available.
WinCAPS is available on CD-ROM and updated once a
year.
Fig. 66 WinCAPS CD-ROM
63
Being responsible is our foundation

Thinking ahead makes it possible
Innovation is the essence
96519875 1006
Repl. 96519875 0104
GB
GRUNDFOS A/S . DK-8850 Bjerringbro . Denmark

Telephone: +45 87 50 14 00
www.grundfos.com
Subject to alterations.

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GRUNDFOS DATA BOOKLET

Selection of shaft seals

Shaft seals in viscous liquids

Seal face materials

Types of shaft seals

Lists of pumped liquids

Seal failure analysis

Materials of secondary seals

Shaft seals in general

Selection of the most suitable shaft seal

Key to failure analysis

Further product documentation

Type designation to EN 12756

The EN standard describes the mechanical design of

The materials of the individual main components are

The EN 12756 standard contains

(3)E (4)G (5)G

Material of rotating seal face

Material of stationary seat

Specifications to external Grundfos shaft seal suppliers

Material of other components

Right-hand rotation (i.e. clockwise rotation of the

Left-hand rotation (i.e. counterclockwise rotation

Capability of rotation in either direction

Retention against rotation of the seat:

Synthetic carbon Carbon, resin-impregnated

Chromuim-nickel (CrNi) steel

Metals with carbide coatings

Tungsten carbide rotating

EPDM secondary seal

Grey cast iron

Alloyed grey cast iron

Cast chromium steel

All other CrNiMo-steel

Tungsten carbide, Ni-bonded

Tungsten carbide, CrNiMobonded

Silicon carbide (SiC)

PTFE, glass-fibre reinforced

PTFE, carbon reinforced

Butyl rubber (IIR)

Ethylene propylene rubber

Perfluoro rubber (FFKM)

Chloroprene rubber (CR)

Silicon rubber (MVQ)

Fluoro rubber (FPM)

Chromium-nickel (CrNi) steel

Various materials for flexible

Without retention against rotation

Standard assembly length

Example of complete shaft seal type designation

Grundfos type designation

Mechanical shaft seals are classified according to a

Carbon with embedded

Bellows seal, rubber

O-ring seal with spring as seal driver

O-ring seal, balanced

O-ring seal, type A, cartridge

Bellows seal, type B, cartridge

Bellows seal, type B, with reduced seal faces