ABSTRACT
The anticipated mean time between failure of a complete pump assembly can be approximated by summing the individual MTBF rates of the individual components, using the following formula: In a 1980's study, the problem of mechanical seal life was investigated. Today the mix has changed and the vast majority of ANSI B73.1 pumps are provided with mechanical seals. The baffles and/or helical grooves are key to the design; they act to maintain flow patterns within the seal chamber which both cool and lubricate the mechanical seal while preventing solids and vapor from collecting in the seal environment. However, several of the parameters listed in other case histories throughout this book could reasonably be used to arrive at even higher payback ratios. In any event, be sure to actively consider composite materials as your upgrade option wherever reliability improvements are sought.
