Lawrence Chan
Friction and Wear Project Proposal - Fall 2012
Pumps are an unnoticed, yet vital part of our everyday lives. From large oil pumps
working on offshore oil refineries to simple water pumps that provide irrigation to farming
communities, a pump can affect many. As with any mechanical component, wearing
components will play a large role in the lifetime and effectiveness of a pump. For a pump, the
major wearing parts are the bearings and seals and it is no surprise that tribology has numerous
applications in both. This paper will investigate advancements in mechanical seal technology
and focus on steps taken to maximize the effective life of a mechanical seal.