Uneven wear patterns on mechanical seal faces may indicate?

Uneven wear patterns on mechanical seal faces typically indicate misalignment in the rotating machinery. When the components are not properly aligned, it can lead to irregular contact between the seal faces as they rotate against each other. This misalignment can cause one side of the seal to experience more friction or load than the other, resulting in varying degrees of wear on the surfaces.

In a well-aligned system, the seal faces should wear evenly, providing a proper seal and extending the life of the mechanical seal. Conversely, misalignment creates areas of high stress and can lead to premature failure. Identifying and correcting alignment issues can significantly improve the performance and reliability of the machinery, reducing maintenance costs and downtime.