Material:
The Life Guard seal utilizes silicon carbide (SiC) for its seal surfaces
(primary ring and mating ring). This is more abrasion resistant than
the carbon graphite and ceramic used in standard seals. SiC also
runs cooler if the pump is run dry, improving the life of the seal.
Mating Rings:
The O-ring style of the Life Guard seal mating ring allows heat
to dissipate into the pump casting. This keeps the seal at a lower
temperature and dramatically improves the chances of the seal to
survive a dry-run episode.
Balance:
The bellows and primary ring of the Life Guard seal are pressure
balanced. This results in cooler operation at higher pressures.
Life Guard silicon carbide seals are available in the following models:
Pedestal mount, Flange mount, Clutch-driven, Hydraulically-driven,
Belt-driven, and Gas Engine-driven.
Advantages over Standard: The hardness of Silicon Carbide approaches that of diamond and allows the seal to have outstanding service life when pumping abrasive solutions. Carbon graphite flakes are embedded into the silicon carbide faces to increase lubricity and provide survivability against incidental dry run and thermal shock.
Pro:
• Extended service life in abrasive solutions
Enhanced dry run resistance
Drop-in replacement for standard seal
Con:
• Does not eliminate dry run failure Susceptible to chemical & fertilizer bonding failures
Increased cost
