Cylinder Sealing Grease MFZ-3: Pre-Cleaning of Sealing Construction in Steam Turbine

In the operating system of thermal power plants and industrial steam turbines, the cylinder sealing performance directly affects the efficiency and safety of the equipment. As the core sealing material, cylinder sealing grease undertakes the important task of preventing steam leakage and ensuring the stable operation of the system. MFZ-3 cylinder sealing grease has become a preferred product widely used in the industry due to its high temperature resistance, strong pressure resistance and environmental protection characteristics. However, in actual construction, many engineers often ignore a key link-the flange surface cleaning process before applying sealing grease. This link seems simple, but it plays a decisive role in the durability of the sealing effect.

1. Performance and construction requirements of cylinder sealing grease

Cylinder sealing grease MFZ-3 is a single-component sealing material designed for high temperature and high pressure environments. Its performance must meet the stringent requirements of the split face seal in the turbine cylinder. Under the working conditions where the main steam temperature is as high as 600℃ and the pressure can reach 26MPa, the sealing material must have long-term stability. MFZ-3 has achieved excellent temperature resistance and pressure resistance through optimized formula. At the same time, it does not contain harmful ingredients such as asbestos and lead, which meets the requirements of modern industry for environmental protection and safety. After application, it can be put into operation without waiting for curing, which significantly improves maintenance efficiency.

In the sealing application of turbine cylinder, sealing grease MFZ-3 needs to fill the microscopic gaps on the flange surface to form a continuous sealing layer. This process places high demands on the adhesion, flexibility and durability of the material. If the construction quality is insufficient, the sealing layer may fail under thermal stress or mechanical vibration, causing steam leakage or even equipment shutdown. Therefore, the preparatory work before construction, especially the cleaning of the flange surface, directly determines the reliability of the sealing effect.

2. The necessity of acetone cleaning process

In the construction of turbine cylinder sealing, the cleanliness of the flange surface is a key factor affecting the sealing performance. Contaminants such as oil, dust, and metal oxides will hinder the full contact between the sealing grease and the metal surface, resulting in insufficient bonding. As an efficient organic solvent, acetone has become the preferred cleaning agent in this link due to its unique chemical properties.

In actual operation, the dissolving ability of acetone can quickly remove grease, anti-rust oil and residual old sealing materials on the flange surface. Its low surface tension property enables it to penetrate deep into the microscopic pores on the metal surface and completely remove embedded contaminants. Compared with traditional water-based cleaning agents, acetone evaporates quickly and does not require an additional drying step. Cleaning can be completed with ventilation only. This feature not only improves construction efficiency, but also avoids secondary pollution that may be caused by residual moisture.

Taking the turbine maintenance of a thermal power plant as an example, when the technicians replaced the cylinder sealing grease, they found that some flange surfaces were not thoroughly cleaned, causing the sealing grease to peel off. After analysis, the residues in the old sealing material carbonized at high temperatures, forming tiny cracks, which eventually caused steam leakage. Through subsequent improvements in the cleaning process and the use of acetone wiping technology, the sealing performance was significantly improved and the stability of equipment operation was guaranteed.

3. The impact of cleaning process on sealing performance

The cleanliness of the flange surface is positively correlated with the adhesion of the sealing grease MFZ-3. If there is oil or impurities on the surface, the molecular chain of the sealing grease is difficult to form effective adsorption with the metal surface, resulting in peeling or cracking of the sealing layer under high temperature and high pressure. The use of acetone can completely remove these interfering factors, allowing the active ingredients of the sealing grease to directly contact the metal surface and enhance the bonding strength. At the same time, the permeability of acetone can evenly cover the flange surface, improve the density of the sealing layer, and reduce the risk of steam penetration.

In the industry standard, cylinder seal construction has clear requirements for the cleanliness level of the flange surface. For example, the sealing surface of the high-pressure turbine butt joint needs to be sanded to remove burrs and oxide layers, and then wiped with acetone to an oil-free and dust-free state. This process is not only applicable to MFZ-3 type sealing grease, but also a standard operation for other high-performance sealing materials.

4. Optimization suggestions in actual construction

Although the acetone cleaning process has been widely recognized, attention should still be paid to details in specific operations. First, construction personnel need to wear protective equipment to avoid direct contact with acetone vapor. Second, cleaning should be carried out immediately after mechanical treatment to prevent the cleaned surface from adsorbing pollutants again. In addition, the application of sealing grease should be completed as soon as possible after cleaning to avoid oxidation or moisture on the metal surface. The recommended coating thickness of MFZ-3 sealing grease is 0.2-0.3 mm. Too thick or too thin may affect the sealing effect.

When constructing in a low-temperature environment, the volatilization rate of acetone may slow down, and it is necessary to appropriately extend the cleaning time or adjust the construction conditions of the sealing grease. For example, during the winter maintenance of a coastal power plant, the sealing grease was unevenly adhered because the effect of ambient temperature on the volatilization of acetone was not considered. The problem was solved by optimizing the cleaning process and controlling the construction temperature.

The role of cylinder sealing grease MFZ-3 in the turbine sealing system is irreplaceable, and its performance is highly dependent on the cleaning process before construction. The efficient cleaning ability of acetone provides a clean base for the flange surface, ensuring that the sealing grease can form a stable and lasting sealing layer. In the context of the pursuit of high reliability of industrial equipment, the emphasis on cleaning technology is not only a requirement of technical specifications, but also the key to ensuring the safe operation of equipment.

When looking for high-quality, reliable steam turbine sealant, YOYIK is undoubtedly a choice worth considering. The company specializes in providing a variety of power equipment including steam turbine accessories, and has won wide acclaim for its high-quality products and services. For more information or inquiries, please contact the customer service below:
E-mail: sales@yoyik.com
Tel: +86-838-2226655
Whatsapp: +86-13618105229
Yoyik offers various types of power plants spare parts for steam turbines, generators, boilers as below:
CPU MODULE CPU-01-JAPMC-CP2200
Wireless remote control HS-4
capillary type dp level transmitter UHZ-10C00N
MAGNETIC CONTAMINATION SWITCH VSS18S/22
Ignitor Gun Lower Burner JDQ-L2350
Fluid Control Valve Z6206052
Solenoid 220V Ac Z6206060
Installing Pressure Regulator Valve Kc50P-97
Pressure Reducing Valve Bxf-40
Sealing Oil Screw Pump Hsnh440Q2-46Nz
hydraulic filter transmission HT801951WU
hydraulic filter micron size WU-1200*100G-J/G4
industrial filter solutions DP301EA10V/W HP precision filter
synthetic oil filter HQ25.600.12Z EH Circulating Pump Inlet filter element
hydraulic filter unit 0110D010ON/-V
hydraulic filter cross reference SFX660*20
filtration system SWFY5 DN150