How to Install Cartridge and Component Seals on a Griswold® 811 ANSI Series Pump

The Griswold^® 811 ANSI Series is comprised of a versatile, reliable collection of centrifugal pumps.

With over 30 models available in a wide range of sizes and capacities, Griswold 811 ANSI Series Centrifugal Pumps are heavy-duty, ASME B73.1 compliant and purpose-built to fit any process-fluid application.

Maintaining these pumps is a simplified process thanks to their advanced engineering. Installing or replacing the seals is a particularly crucial part of basic maintenance to avoid fluid leaks, ruptures and other safety hazards.

Installing either a cartridge or component-type seal is a standard process depending on the pump size and style. To help make the installation process easier, we’ve created this quick and handy guide to installing both types of seals.

Installing AES Cartridge Seals: Step by Step

1. Using a workbench or similar flat workspace, screw in all the studs into the stuffing box.
2. Install the seal onto the stuffing box, with the flush line inlet facing the power frame.
3. Place two (2) washers on each stud, and cap them off with a nut.
4. Turn the stuffing box with the seal attached over and lube the back O-ring that seals on the sleeve.
5. Slide the sleeve on the power frame shaft, and then mount the stuffing box and seal straight on the sleeve – make sure the flush line is facing towards the sight glass/power frame side. Then screw the nuts on the stuffing box studs.
6. Lightly lube the threads on the shaft and the impeller, place the O-ring on the impeller.
7. Spin the impeller on the threaded end of the shaft.
8. Once the impeller is tightened down, insert the case gasket into the case and slide the front case back on and tighten down the case bolts. Make sure the impeller adjustment bolts in the back are backed off so the case mates up to the impeller.

Adjust and Set the Impeller

1. Run the impeller all the way forward to the starting point and set your dial indicator to zero.
2. Move the impeller to the desired setting.
3. Once you have the setting right, tighten up the seal – torque down each bolt a little at a time to make sure the seal goes in straight and flat.
4. Once the seal is in, run the set screws in to mate up to the shaft.
5. After the set screws are tightened, remove the safety clips. Be sure to save the clips for future use.

Installing Component Seals: Step by Step  

1. Using a workbench or similar flat workspace, lube the capsulated the O-ring on the gland seal, and install the seal into the gland, relief side down (this is the seal point on the stuffing box).
2. Once the seal is in the gland, wipe off any excess grease from the gland and your fingers.
3. Line up the gland with the studs on the stuffing box, slide it on and tighten the bolts.
4. Take the sleeve and seal and using calipers, measure from the shaft side out to this seal for the style of pump you’re using (check your manual for specs).
5. Once you have your sleeve measurement, slide on the spring.
6. Lube the seal itself and slide it on the sleeve, then wipe off any excess grease.
7. Place the stuffing box onto the power frame.
8. Slide the seal into the stuffing box, moving the gland so it goes past the seal face.
9. Lube the impeller seal and press the O-ring onto it.
10. Lube the shaft threads on the stuffing box, then slide the impeller on and spin it down.
11. Once the impeller is on, tighten the gland bolts down so the gland is as straight as possible.
12. Make sure the impeller rotates freely with no binds.

With these steps, you’ll be able to install or replace seals quickly and seamlessly to get your pumps up and running with maximum efficiency.

For more information, watch the following Griswold 811 Series maintenance videos.