Mechanical seal
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A mechanical seal is a special type of seal utilised in difficult duty sealing applications. Two highly polished seal faces provide the seal. One seal face is usually 'hard', such a silicon carbide or tungsten carbide, the other usually 'soft', such as carbon. However 'hard' versus 'hard' combinations can be used. 'Soft' versus 'soft' is not a viable combination. One is attached to the fixed part of the machine, the other to the rotating part. A system of springs is used to ensure the carbon seal faces are kept in contact.
A typical application for a mechanical seal is in a submersible pump.