An innovative approach to sealing and monitoring could set a new standard for water management and pave the way to a more sustainable utility sector.
Water authorities work around the clock to maintain ageing infrastructure while making the most of limited budgets and adhering to rising environmental standards. Outdated or generic equipment can often drive higher maintenance costs and cause unexpected breakdowns, which disrupt operations and add even more expenses.
Innovative sealing and condition monitoring technology can help mitigate these challenges, and help the sector move towards a more resilient and sustainable future.
Advanced seals can enhance equipment performance and longevity, reducing the need for frequent repairs. Condition monitoring systems provide real-time data on equipment health, enabling proactive maintenance and preventing unexpected failures.
These advancements offer the sector an opportunity to optimise their operations, extend the lifespan of critical assets and meet the growing demands for sustainable water.
Splitting the difference
Split seal technology enables maintenance without the time-consuming disassembly traditionally required for pump and mixer repairs.
In many facilities, disassembling equipment can mean hours of labour and significant downtime, both of which come at a premium. Split seals, however, can be installed directly onto equipment, eliminating the need to dismantle motors, couplings or shafts. This saves time, reduces maintenance costs and enhances safety by limiting the need for heavy lifting and complex reassembly.
Another critical advancement is active throat bushing technology, which optimises the environment around seals and minimises the need for flush water, a resource that is both expensive and increasingly precious.
Traditional seals often require a continuous water flush to keep the seal faces cool and prevent contaminants from entering the stuffing box, consuming substantial water resources. Active throat bushings use innovative design features to reduce or even eliminate this requirement, helping minimise water consumption while maintaining an ideal sealing environment.
Transitioning to predictive maintenance
Possibly the most revolutionary shift, however, is integrating smart condition monitoring technology for pumps and seals.
By equipping systems with remote sensors that monitor critical parameters – such as temperature, pressure and vibration – facilities can track real-time data on equipment health and respond to potential issues before they become costly problems.
Bluetooth-enabled and cloud‑connected, these sensors allow operators to monitor equipment performance remotely, transforming maintenance from a reactive to a predictive approach.
This transition to predictive maintenance means fewer unexpected breakdowns, reduced downtime and extended equipment life – a considerable benefit for any facility managing critical infrastructure.
A sustainable water future
As water and wastewater management challenges grow, adopting advanced sealing technologies and condition monitoring can help position facilities for long-term success.
Not only do these solutions help reduce immediate operational costs, but they also contribute to a more sustainable water management strategy by reducing water and energy consumption.
As facilities implement these state-of-the-art solutions, they are safeguarding their operations and investing in a future with efficiency, resilience and sustainability at its core.
For more information, visit chesterton.com or chestertoncustomseal.com.au
This article is an excerpt from Chesterton’s e-book on extending equipment life and boosting efficiency
in water and wastewater plants. Click here to download the free e-book in full and unlock the potential of your pumps and rotating equipment.
