![]() ![]() Most bearing isolators have a lubricant return designed into their respective labyrinth patterns. There may be some oil leakage as the seal clears itself of excess lubricant, but that should go away over time. Fortunately, once returned to the proper level, bearing isolators will generally stop leaking and return to normal function. Unfortunately, this practice can contribute to leakage. The thinking is that if leakage occurs, there will be extra lubricant available. It has become common practice for maintenance professionals to fill up to, if not a bit over, the maximum fill line. It seems simple, but the greatest cause of bearing isolator leakage on process pumps is an over-filled bearing housing. In order to enjoy the benefit of increased reliability from bearing isolators, reliability professionals must pay particular attention to some of the more common causes of bearing isolator lubricant leakage on process pumps. Though true for contact seals, the presence of leaking oil from a bearing isolator is most likely caused by other factors and not seal failure. ![]() ![]() For most operators, the analysis is quite simple: no leaking oil means the seal is fine while leaking oil equates to failure. The most common perception of bearing housing seal failure on process pumps is lubricating oil leaking out of the bearing housing. Choosing non-contacting bearing isolators can increase pump reliability. This causes lubricant to escape and contaminants to enter the bearing housing, leading to bearing failure. A bearing isolator installed on a process pumpĬontact seals tend to either wear at the point of contact or groove the shaft. ![]()
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