the mechanics here in our oil refinery use pouring water on the bodies of mechanical seals of oil products pumps as thier solution for the problem of temperature increasing in these mechanical seals.
the question is :
is this way of cooling the mechanical seals recommended by any manufacturer of pumps.

yes there is a flushing line pipe connection cooled by a heat exchanger on each mechanical seal .but for further cooling they made these lines to pour water on these mechanical seals and wested to swere

The heat to a mechanical seal comes from multiple sources. It could be generated by packing rubbing against the sleeve, the atmosphere surrounding the pump (i.e. sunlight), the product is heated, two different parts rubbing against each other, running to the end of the efficiency point, am o ring or lip seal rubbing against the bearing, the list goes on…

The heat generated affects the seal in different ways. It could cause cavitation, shorted the seal life (in particular to the elastomers), change the state of the pumped product, destroy certain seal faces, waste energy and affect efficiency, again the list is endless.
My company Acumen Seals has a combined 50 years experience in mechanical seals, and we would propose the following to keep the seal cool.

1. Use a balanced seal with low friction faces.
2. Use cartridge or split seals with built in flush and quench
3. Use dual seals or a double seal and have a good barrier fluid circulating. (Cartridge seals are ideally)
4. Make sure cooling jackets (if used) are in order.
5. Make sure the seat is positioned correctly and not rubbing on the shaft
6. Make sure vertical stuffing boxes are vented
Hope the above helps. Please let me know if I can assist further.

Andy Sykes
Acumen Seals www.acumenseals.co.uk