A Seal for Powder Processes that Require Frequent Washdown

The Meco shaft seal (photo) is offered fully split, allowing for simple retrofitting without the removal of bearings or drives. The seals promise an alternative to packing glands in applications — such as blenders and mixers — wherein dry powders, pastes, slurries, corrosives, fluids, vapors and gases can all easily escape. The sole interface between the seal and the shaft is a self-compensating driving elastomer, capable of withstanding a minimum of 6mm in total shaft run-out or radial shaft misalignment, as well as accommodating both thermal growth in high-temperature processes and shock loads. The seals can be fitted with drain and flush-water inlet ports, and will work with most air- or gas-purge systems that consume gas at or below 0.25 cfm. The firm offers a sanitary seal model, which can be readily disassembled for the regular product changes and washdowns common to abrasive powder applications. — Woodex Bearing Company, Inc., Georgetown, Maine