Learn about mechanical seal fundamentals, materials of construction, pump construction, and a variety of seal flushing options from our video presentation on selecting the correct mechanical seal. This informative presentation is an excerpt from a recent Service and Maintenance Seminar conducted at the Little Red Schoolhouse. It concludes with an analysis of seal failures. To view this educational presentation, click here and select “Seal Selection”.

As you may have experienced many times in hydronic systems – Air is a problem. Air causes noise and could block the heat from reaching its destination. But this doesn’t have to be a big problem. All you have to do is catch the air before it has a chance to get into the system. Bell & Gossett has managed system air for over half a century. The EAS and EASB-Jr are two of our most sophisticated air separators designed for residential and light commercial applications. Click here to find out how the EAS and EASB-Jr remove trapped air in the system.

Steam traps play an integral role in steam heating systems. Understanding the fundamentals of how a steam trap works can help solve your steam system problem. Understanding the purpose of a trap and how it works makes it easier to decide which type of trap to select and how to size it, and what will happen if it is not properly maintained. Learn about the capacity, features, inspection and maintenance of steam traps.
Click here to learn about capacity, features, limitations and sizing.
Click here to learn about inspection and maintenance.
Click here to learn about steam trap basics.
Click here for software sizing help

As Jamie and Adam from the TV show Mythbusters would say, "Confirmed." A real life example happened in a commercial building circulated by a pump with a 7.5HP motor. After being in operation for a while, some fitters were called in to make minor adjustments. While the pump was running, someone closed the valves on the suction and discharge sides of the pump. As there was no place for the heat to go, with the exception of the pump body, the water in the pump became hotter and hotter. This went on for 5 hours at the end of which time the pump body exploded. Pieces of cast iron went in various directions but no one was injured. We take this opportunity to explain what can happen under similar circumstances. Friction between the pump impeller and the water causes the water to heat to a point where steam is generated. In an actual laboratory test, a similar pump body fractured at 380 PSIG. According to the steam pressure-temperature table, a mid-point shows a steam temperature of 425°F when pressure is 315 PSIG. Under no circumstances should a pump be allowed to run without making sure that valves in the suction and discharge lines of the pump are open and that circulation exists.