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January 2006
Weir Minerals North America

WARMAN PUMP SHAFT SEALS

General
As a result of the unique Warman impeller design, the pressure in the seal area
within a Warman pump is very low. Also the Warman pump design incorporates
a large diameter shaft with a very short overhang. This minimizes shaft deflection
which enhances seal life. For these reasons Warman pumps typically have fewer
sealing problems than the other slurry pumps.
Types
Warman pumps can be supplied with several shaft seal fitments depending on
service conditions.
Warman can supply a “Waterless” centrifugal seal, a water assisted centrifugal
seal, a standard gland seal, or a low flow gland seal. These seals are totally
interchangeable within a five pump size and are furnished at no difference in cost
providing the materials are standard.
Warman can also furnish mechanical seal fitted pumps upon request.
Waterless Centrifugal Seal
The Warman centrifugal seal consists of an expeller mounted on the pump shaft
between the expeller ring and the impeller. Centrifugal action of the expeller
drives the pumpage away from the shaft seal area of the expeller ring. The
stuffing box is further sealed with packing or lip seals.
This seal requires no seal water for relatively low, positive suction pressures in
most applications. At high suction pressures, a minimal seal water assist may be
needed. Consult the Warman factory for applicability of these seals on specific
duties.
Two basic fitments are available for the shaft seal area:
1. A neck ring located in the bottom of the stuffing box followed by a ring of
packing, lantern ring, ring of packing and packing gland. A grease cup
provides lubrication to the packing. The expeller ring is usually A04 (24%
Chrome Iron) unless specified otherwise. This is used primarily in metal
lined pumps.
2. Lip seals requiring no adjustment or grease lubrication. A rubber expeller
ring is standard primarily in rubber lined pumps and where corrosive
conditions require it.
Note: The packing or lip seal arrangement can normally be interchanged within a
given pump whether rubber or metal lined (consult factory).
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Water Assisted Centrifugal Seal
The Warman water assisted centrifugal seal consists of the same components as
above and, in principle, operates the same as the waterless centrifugal seal with
the exception of the arrangement in the shaft seal area of the expeller ring. The
water assisted centrifugal seal incorporates a Ryton (non-metallic) lantern ring
restrictor located in the bottom of the stuffing box followed by two rings of
packing and a packing gland. These seals require a minimal seal water flush at a
pressure of at least 5 - 10 psi in excess of the discharge pressure (as outlined in
Table C).
Standard Gland Seal
The Warman standard gland seal consists of a metallic (ni-resist or 316 stainless
steel) lantern restrictor located in the bottom of the stuffing box followed by four
to seven rings of packing (depending on pump size) and a packing gland. The
stuffing box is normally constructed of grey cast iron, ductile iron, ni-resist, or
rubber covered. Rubber covered stuffing boxes with a stainless alloy bore are
available on limited pump sizes (please consult factory).
Seal water should be available in the quantity noted in Table C at a pressure of
at least 5 - 10 psi in excess of the discharge pressure of the pump being sealed.
Low Flow Gland Seal
The Warman low flow gland seal is identical to the standard gland seal with the
exception of the lantern restrictor. The Warman low flow gland seal incorporates
a Ryton (non-metallic) lantern restrictor which has a more restricted annular
clearance relative to the shaft sleeve. The tighter clearance, along with the
proper seal water pressure, enables the low flow gland seal to operate effectively
while consuming considerably less seal water.
Seal Water
Warman shaft seals utilizing seal water require clean flush water with a
recommended maximum 50 parts per million suspended solids and a maximum
solids particle size of 40 micron. Is the suspended solids are soft in nature, a
maximum 200 parts per million maybe tolerated.
Water should be available in the quantities noted in Table C at a pressure of at
least 5 - 10 psi in excess of the discharge pressure of the pump being sealed.
We highly recommend employing a gland seal water control system for all seal
flushing arrangements in order to insure continuous flushing of the gland at the
proper pressure. Each system should include an isolation valve, pressure gauge,
flow meter and flow regulator.
An automatic flow controller is preferred over a manual flow regulator, and a non-
return valve in the seal water piping close to the pump is also recommended.
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THE WARMAN CENTRIFUGAL SHAFT SEAL REQUIRES NO GLAND WATER

Warman slurry pumps can use the “waterless” centrifugal shaft seal, a packed
gland seal, or a mechanical seal interchangeable. Whenever possible, the
centrifugal seal is offered; however, 1) on multi-stage pump duties, 2) when a
pump is operating with a high positive intake head, of 3) on a high suction lift
duty, a packed gland seal, or mechanical seal is required.
Advantages of the Centrifugal Seal
1. Either no seal water required, or minimal amount of seal water required.
2. Slurry is not diluted by seal water.
3. No gland leakage.
4. Maintenance of shaft sleeve and packing is reduced to a minimum.

Operation of the Centrifugal Seal

In a Warman slurry pump, the pressure developed by the pumping vanes of the
impeller is balanced by vanes on the back shroud of the impeller, which develop
almost the same head as the pumping vanes. The pressure at the pump shaft is,
therefore, reduced to approximately the same as that at the suction inlet of the
pump.
In a centrifugally sealed pump, an expeller, located in a separate chamber
behind the pump volute, prevents slurry from leaking out along the shaft by
producing additional pressure which, in series with the back vanes of the
impeller, produces greater pressure than the impeller pumping vanes. Providing
the pressure at the suction inlet of the pump is less than the pressure developed
by the expeller, the centrifugal seal will be effective and the pump, when running,
will operate with no leakage (even if no auxiliary seal is provided behind the
expeller). To prevent leakage when the pump is not running, an auxiliary seal is
provided by either grease lubricated gland packing or synthetic rubber lip seals.
Application of Centrifugal Seals
General Rule: The amount of suction intake head that can be tolerated by a
centrifugal seal before it leaks is limited by several factors.
1. Density of Slurry
The differential pressure between the centrifugal seal and the impeller
main pumping vanes increases as the density of the slurry being pumped
increases. This happens because the density of the fluid in the expeller
chamber is less than that of the slurry being pumped. This is a result of a
portion of the solids being centrifuged out of the confined space in the
expeller area. The pressure developed is proportional to the density of the
slurry. Consequently, the pressure developed by the expeller and impeller
back vanes on low density slurry can become less than the pressure
developed by the impeller pumping vanes on the high density slurry.
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2. Head Flow Characteristic (Pump Performance Curve)

The centrifugal seal can tolerate higher suction heads if the pump has a
steep pump performance curve.
Explanation:
(1) “Sealing” head responsible for successful centrifugal sealing =
combined head developed by impeller’s back shroud pump-out
vanes and the expeller = pump shut off head (approximately)
(2) Pump discharge head = head developed by the pump + suction
head
(1) must be greater than (2) to avoid seal leakage. With a “Flat “ pump
performance curve, the shut off head is only slightly greater than the “head
developed by the pump”. Hence, for (1) to exceed (2), only a small suction
head can be tolerated. Conversely, if the performance curve is steep, then
the suction head can be higher, without the seal leaking.

GUIDELINES FOR GLAND SEAL WATER FLOW RATES

The following table of flow rates is established to allow some flexibility in seal
water requirements, based upon the actual slurry application. Flow rates for
heavy media applications (thickener underflow, sludge, tailings, etc.) should be
maintained at the nominal value stated to provide maximum shaft and packing
wear life.
Flow rates may be reduced to minimum values indicated for lighter and less
dense slurry applications (limestone, high pressure water supply, etc.) without
noticeable effect on shaft sleeve and packing sear life. Regardless of the flow
rate used on any given application, some means of regulating seal water flow
rate should be provided by the end user, as excessive amounts of seal water
introduced in the slurry circuit can cause adverse effects, such as product dilution
or excessive water in a closed loop circuit.
In addition to flow rates given, please note seal water connection size at the
pump stuffing box is noted for each pump mode.

GUIDELINES FOR SEAL WATER FLOW

Warman AH
Warman L
Warman HH
Warman GP
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January 2006
Weir Minerals North America

GUIDELINES FOR GLAND SEAL WATER FLOW RATES

The following table of flow rates is established to allow some flexibility in seal water requirements,
based upon the actual slurry applications. Flow rates for heavy media applications (thickener
underflow, sludge, tailings, etc.) should be maintained at the nominal value stated to provide
maximum shaft and packing wear life.

Flow rates may be reduced to minimum values indicated for lighter and less dense slurry
applications (limestone, high pressure water supply, etc.) without noticeable effect on shaft
sleeves and packing wear life. Regardless of the flow rate used on any given application, some
means of regulating seal water flow rate should be provided by the end user, as excessive
amounts of seal water introduced into the slurry circuit may cause adverse effects, such as
product dilution or excessive water in a closed loop circuit.

In addition to flow rates given, please note seal water connection size at the pump stuffing box is
noted for each pump model. Do not use seal water supply line similar in size to the provided
fitting. Much larger supply line is necessary to reduce line losses and resultant gland water
pressure losses.

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January 2006
Weir Minerals North America

Table C
Guidelines for Seal Water Flow

Warman AH
Pump Model Stuffing Box Gland Seal Gland Seal Gland Seal Water
NPT Seal Minimum Nominal Flow Low Flow Assisted
Connection Flow (Heavy Duty) (W/118P501) Centrifugal
(Light Duty) Seals
1.5/1 BAH 1/8” 2.0 3.5 1.5 0.50-1.00
2.1.5 BAH 1/8” 2.0 4.0 1.5 0.50-1.00

3/2 CAH 1/4” 2.0 4.0 2.0 0.50-1.00

4/3 CAH 1/4” 3.0 5.0 2.0 0.50-1.00
4/3 DAH 1/4” 4.0 8.0 2.5 0.75-1.50

6/4 DAH 1/4” 4.0 8.0 2.5 0.75-1.50

6/4 EAH 1/2” 5.0 10.0 3.5 0.75-1.50
8/6 EAH 1/2” 5.0 10.0 3.5 0.75-1.50
8/6 FAH 1/2” 9.0 19.0 6.5 1.00-3.00

10/8 FAH 1” 12.0 24.0 6.5 1.00-3.00

10/8 STAH 1” 12.0 24.0 6.5 1.00-3.00
12/10 FAH 1” 12.0 24.0 6.5 1.00-3.00
12/10 STAH 1” 12.0 24.0 6.5 1.00-3.00

14/12 FAH 1” 12.0 24.0 6.5 1.00-3.00

14/12 STAH 1” 12.0 24.0 6.5 1.00-3.00
16/14 TUAH 1”- 1/4” 15.0 35.0 10.0 2.00-4.00
20/18 TUAH 1” FLG 15.0 35.0 10.0 2.00-4.00
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January 2006
Weir Minerals North America

Table C
Guidelines for Seal Water Flow

Warman L
Pump model Stuffing Box Gland Seal Gland Seal Gland Seal Water
NPT Seal Minimum Nominal Flow Low Flow Assisted
Connection Flow (Heavy Duty) (W/118P50-1) Centrifugal
(Light Duty) Seals
20 AL 1/8” 2.0 3.5 1.0 0.50-1.00

75CL 1/4” 3.0 5.0 2.0 0.50-1.00

100DL 1/4” 4.0 8.0 2.5 0.75-1.50

150 EL 1/2” 5.0 10.0 3.5 0.75-1.50

200 EM 1/2” 9.0 18.0 3.5 0.75-1.50
200 FM 1/2” 12.0 24.0 4.5 1.00-3.00

250 EL 1/2” 9.0 18.0 3.5 0.75-1.50

250 FL 1/2” 12.0 24.0 4.5 1.00-3.00

300 RSL 3/4” 12.0 24.0 3.5 0.75-1.50

300 SL 1” 12.0 24.0 6.5 1.00-3.00

350 SL 1” 12.0 24.0 6.5 1.00-3.00

400 STL 1” 12.0 35.0 6.5 1.00-3.00

450 STL 1” 12.0 35.0 6.5 1.00-3.00

500 STL 1” 12.0 35.0 6.5 1.00-3.00
550 TUL 1” FLG 15.0 35.0 10.0 2.00-4.00
650 TUL 1” FLG 15,0 35.0 10.0 2.00-4.00
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Table C
Guidelines for Seal Water Flow

Warman HH
Pump model Stuffing Box Gland Seal Gland Seal Gland Seal Water
NPT Seal Minimum Nominal Flow Low Flow Assisted
Connection Flow (Heavy Duty) (W/118P50-1) Centrifugal
(Light Duty) Seals
1.5/1 CHH 3/8” 3.0 6.0 2.0 0.75-1.50

3/2 DHH 1/4” 4.0 8.0 2.50 0.75-1.50

3/2 QHH 1/4” 4.0 9.0 2.5 0.75-1.50

4/3 EHH 1/2” 5.0 10.0 3.5 0.75-1.50

4/3 RHH 1/2” 5.0 10.0 3.5 0.75-1.50

6/4 FHH 1” Flg 12.0 25.0 6.5 2.00-4.00

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January 2006
Weir Minerals North America

Table C
Guidelines for Seal Water Flow

Warman GP
Pump Model Stuffing Box NPT Seal Gland Seal Nominal Flow Rate
Connection
50 A-GP 1/8” 1gpm
75 B-GP 1/8” 1.5 gpm
100 C-GP 1/4” 1.7 gpm
150 D-GP 1/4” 2.4 gpm
200 E-GP Contact factory 3.2 gpm

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SEAL FITMENT CODES Print Home

A = CENTRIFUGAL SEAL WATER ASSIST A05/A05 W/PACKING NO ZGC

B = CENTRIFUGAL SEAL LOW FLOW C55/C55 W/ACID PACKING AND ZRR
NO ZGC
C = CENTRIFUGAL SEAL ELASTOMER LINED PUMP R08*/G01 W/LIP SEALS
C = CENTRIFUGAL SEAL METAL LINED PUMP G01/G01 W/PACKING
D = CENTRIFUGAL HI-SEALELASTOMER LINED PUMP R08*/A05 W/PO5
(P50) AND PACKING
E = GLAND SEAL FERRALIUM C55 W/PACKING
F = CENTRIFUGAL SEALGO1
G = GLAND SEAL WITH G01/A05 BOX W/PACKING AND LANTERN
RESTRICTOR
H = CENTRIFUGAL HI-SEAL A05/A05 W/P50 (PO5) AND PACKING
I = CENTRIFUGAL SEAL A51 W/ZRR P50 AND X91 PACKING
J = CENTRIFUGAL SEAL WATER ASSIST A04/A04 W/PACKING AND ZRR NO
ZGC
K = CENTRIFUGAL SEAL R08/F08 W/P50 AND PACKING
M = MECHANICAL SEAL (CONSULT FACTORY)
N – GLAND SEAL CO2 W/Q31 PACKING
P = GLAND SEAL G01 W/P50-1
Q = GLAND SEAL C02 W/P50-1
R – GLAND SEAL R08/S42* W/LIP SEALS (LIMITED SIZE AVAILABLE)
T = GLAND SEAL R08 W/P50 AND PACKING
U = GLAND SEAL A05 W/P50
V = CENTRIFUGAL SEAL G01/G01 W/PACKING FOR ELASTOMER LINED
PUMPS ONLY
W = GLAND SEAL A05 W/C02
X – CENTRIFUGAL SEAL A05/A05 W/PACKING
Y = GLAND SEAL C55 W/P50
Z = CENTRIFUGAL SEAL R08*/A05 W/LIP SEALS
.