PumpWorks ANSI Pump Cover Kits
PumpWorks ANSI Pump Cover Kits (also known as Seal Chamber or Backplate Kits) are critical "bridge" components that sit between the pump casing and the power frame. Their primary job is to house the mechanical seal and provide the necessary environment for it to survive.
Just like their casings and impellers, PumpWorks has engineered these kits to be high-performance upgrades that fit both their own pumps and other major brands.
Seal Chamber (Bore) Options
The "Cover" is where you choose your sealing strategy. PumpWorks kits are available in three distinct bore configurations:
Standard Bore: Best for traditional component seals or packing. It’s narrow, which is good for some simple applications but can trap heat.
Tapered Bore: Features a 4-degree taper that uses centrifugal force to pull solids and air bubbles away from the seal faces. It significantly improves cooling and is the industry standard for most chemical processes.
Big Bore (Large Bore): Provides the most internal space around the seal. This allows for better heat dissipation, accommodates larger dual-cartridge seals, and supports various CPI seal flush plans (like Plan 11 or Plan 32).
Material & Construction
Standardization on high-quality materials is a PumpWorks hallmark:
Carbon Steel (ASTM A216 WCB): Provided as the standard material, offering better impact resistance and repairability than the ductile iron used by competitors.
316L Stainless Steel: Also available as a standard option for corrosive services.
Optional Alloys: Available in CD4MCu, Alloy 20, Hastelloy, and Titanium for extreme chemical environments.
Jacketed Options: For high-temperature or high-viscosity fluids, covers can be "jacketed" to allow for heating or cooling liquid to circulate behind the seal chamber.
What is Included in a "Kit"?
A PumpWorks Cover Kit is designed for a complete "drop-in" refresh. It typically includes:
The Cover (Backplate): Machined to your specific bore (Standard, Tapered, or Big Bore).
Gaskets: High-quality, fully confined casing gaskets to ensure a leak-proof fit.
Studs and Nuts: All necessary corrosion-resistant hardware to secure the cover to the casing and frame adapter.
Seal Gland Hardware: If applicable, the studs required to mount your mechanical seal gland.
Cross-Compatibility & Interchangability
This is a major selling point for maintenance managers. You can use a PumpWorks Cover Kit as a direct replacement for:
Goulds 3196 (Group 1, 2, or 3)
Durco Mark 3
Summit 2196
Why swap to PumpWorks? Many owners switch to PumpWorks covers during a seal failure because they can move from a "Standard Bore" to a "Tapered Bore" or "Big Bore" without replacing the entire pump. This single change can often double or triple the life of your mechanical seals.
When to Replace the Cover?
The cover should be inspected during every mechanical seal change. Replace it if:
The "Seal Seat" is Scored: If the area where the seal gland sits is pitted or scratched, you will never get a perfect seal.
Erosion in the Bore: If the internal bore shows signs of "wash-out" or thinning, the hydraulic flow around the seal will be disrupted, leading to heat buildup.
Warping: If the cover has been over-torqued or exposed to extreme heat, it may no longer sit flat against the casing, causing chronic gasket leaks.
Would you like me to help you determine which bore type (Standard, Tapered, or Big Bore) is best for your specific liquid and seal type?
