A major German chemical company had environmental problems with visible leakage and consequent release of toxic media from the mechanical seal of a heavy duty process pump.

 As there were also re-occurring problems with high levels of vibration and unacceptable maintenance intervals, Sulzer Pumps were asked to investigate upgrading the pump.

A fully sealed magnetic drive to replace the mechanical seal was suggested. Magnetic couplings are an optimum technical solution wherever toxic, aggressive or otherwise environmentally sensitive fluids have to be pumped. The process benefits for the operator were:

•                     no risk of leakage

•                     no emissions

•                     no cooling required for temperatures up to 250° C

•                     no buffer fluid systems

•                     no maintenance required

•                     unlimited lifetime

•                     lower vibration level.

Retrofitting with Sulzer Pumps magnetic couplings visibly reduced maintenance costs and solved the environmental problems by completely eliminating the mechanical seal. Matching the hydraulic to the required duty reduced vibration levels to normal limits.