Análise e propostas de melhoria para redução de falhas em selos mecânicos em uma indústria sucroalcooleira

Abstract

Mechanical seals play a crucial role in industrial pumping systems by ensuring equipment sealing, preventing leaks, and contributing to operational safety and efficiency. Despite technological advances, recurrent failures in these devices remain a challenge in high-demand environments, leading to high maintenance costs and production interruptions. This study aims to propose improvements in the mechanical sealing system applied to an industrial plant, focusing on operational optimization and cost reduction associated with failures. The specific objectives include identifying the main causes of mechanical seal failures, suggesting design adjustments, and evaluating the technical and economic feasibility of the proposed solutions. The methodology combined bibliographic and exploratory research, analysis of technical data from operating systems, and documented failure records, complemented by modeling and diagnostic tools such as the Ishikawa diagram and Pareto analysis. Results indicated that the main factors responsible for seal failures are fluid contamination, pressure loss, and misalignment, with coolant contamination being the most critical. Improvement proposals involved resizing cooling and lubrication systems and implementing continuous monitoring of operational variables. The technicaleconomic evaluation demonstrated that the solutions are feasible and capable of significantly reducing failure rates and maintenance costs, while increasing process reliability and safety. It is concluded that the suggested improvements contribute to the optimization of mechanical sealing systems in industrial environments, positively impacting productivity, safety, and operational sustainability.