Conducting root cause failure analysis on a failed mechanical seal can in the long run minimize mean time between failure (MTBF) and operating costs by preventing repeat premature failure. If you can find the culprit and resolve the issues, you can prolong the life of the next mechanical seal and save time and money.

A tremendous amount of useful information is available from a failed mechanical seal. With nothing more than your eyes and a measuring device like a dial or digital caliper, you can identify failure modes with great dependability and detail. With this information you can decide if any corrective measures are worth the resources required. In many cases, the payback is many times the outlay in a very short period of time.

And because RCFA (Root Cause Failure Analysis) provides evidence rather than conjecture, it can support the changes needed when other departments are involved. Read on to learn the steps to examine a failed mechanical seal.