The Benefits of Combining Seal Technologies for Pulper Leakage Discussed in Industry Publication

Do you work in a paper mill? Do you experience frequent pulper leakage or gearbox failures? Perhaps combining sealing technologies should be your solution.

According to a recent Pump & Systems article, an Upstate New York paper mill experienced an ongoing problem: a leaking pulper.

“Like many pulpers, it had major shaft runout,” the article said. “It was caused by the uneven distribution and weight of the bales of paper dumped into it. In addition to a messy housekeeping issue, personnel safety was at risk and additional equipment failed …”

Paper Pulper Leakage Causes Multiple Problems

According to the article, mixers, agitators and pulpers frequently experience shaft leaks. The sheer weight of the product in the bowls and any other motion results in packing movement, contamination, and premature failure.

Even if your paper mill team uses mechanical seals in these applications, the movement and abrasive stock mixture may cause even more damage to the seal.

“Contamination, movement and shock can foul and damage the seal faces, causing premature failure,” the article said.

In the New York pulper system, packing was the technology used for sealing. Some of the issues encountered included:

• Paper stock losses, housekeeping, and disposal
• Packing replacement
• Safety issues
• Gearbox oil contamination
• Belt and shaft wear
• Gearbox and shaft replacement
• Downtime with lost production

Combining Proven Seal Technologies Solved These Pulper Leakage Issues

Here’s the thing …

In the past, a paper mill’s solutions to paper pulper leakage was to tediously replace one technology at a time. However, in this application, the team consulted a seal manufacturer. They opted to seal the pulp process and protect the lubricant with a three-pronged approach.

“A shaft-stabilizing bushing, noncontact air seal, and vertical labyrinth bearing isolator eliminated excessive leakage from a pulper, ended repeat failure of a gearbox, and minimized shaft movement.” — Pumps & Systems article

According to the article, these three solutions solved the plant’s problems. The time consumed by personnel maintaining the equipment, cleaning the floor around the system, and disposing of waste stock was eliminated.

“All … the associated costs were eliminated as well,” the article said. “The mill recently celebrated three years of leak- and maintenance-free pulper operation.”

Read the full article on PumpsandSystems.com to learn more.