DESIGN QUESTIONS
- How is Bearing Oil kept in the Bearing Housing?
- What is the Arknian shut off valve?
- What is the Babylonian Terrace?
- What is the Zenith Barrier?
- What is the smallest RADIAL cross-section space that a LabTecta can be fitted?
- What is the smallest AXIAL length of a LabTecta?
- What is the operational speed limit for the LabTecta?
- What lubrication media can the LabTecta be used to seal?
- At what shaft speed will the Arknian Energizer Elastomer lift off?

INSTALLATION QUESTIONS
- How do I install a LabTecta?
- What are the Equipment Tolerances required for installing a LabTecta?

JUSTIFICATION QUESTIONS
- What is the True Cost of a Lip Seal?
- How can I Justify the Price of the Product?
- What is the Cost of Repairing a LabTecta?
- How can I add further Value to my Customer?
- Where can I find Case References for LabTecta Installations?
- What Specifications does the LabTecta conform too?
- Is the LabTecta ATEX compliant?

PROBLEM SOLVING QUESTIONS
- I’ve tried “other” Compound Elastomer Labyrinth devices and they do not work?
- How do I repair a LabTecta?
- Why do I loose Oil through the LabTecta?

Q: What is a LabTecta?

A: A Labyrinth Bearing Seal that;
- Replaces Lip Seals - Stops Oil Escaping from the Bearings
- Does Not Wear Equipment - Stops Moisture Entering the Bearings

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Q: Where would you fit LabTectas?

A: ALL types of rotating equipment such as:
- Pumps - Pillar Blocks
- Electric Motors - Top Entry Gearboxes
- Conveyors - Fans/Blowers
- Paper Machine rolls - Machine tool spindles

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Q: Why do you want to use a LabTecta?

A: Provide Better Equipment Life and Productivity
- Reduce Lubrication Contamination
- Eliminate Equipment Wear, specifically Shafts
- Lower the heat generation compared to rubbing Lip Seal
- Reduce Lubrication Consumption and Man Hours maintaining the lubrication level(s) – i.e. Greasing remote pieces of equipment.
- Increase Equipment Productivity - Make the Equipment Run Longer
- Increase Customer Profits

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Q: What are the Benefits of a LabTecta seal to other labyrinth seals?

A: The most significant is the VAPOUR BLOCKING capability in Static & Dynamic Equipment mode.
- One global price and product availability within 24 hours.
- Integral vapour blocking shut-off seal, which seals the rotor to stator when the equipment is stationary and automatically disengages from the stator (thus does not wear) when the equipment is dynamic.
- Most Axially Compact Design available; it will fit in more places without Equipment modifications
- Non-Contacting; It will not wear out
- Made From Phospher Bronze; It will not Cold-flow like Plastic seals
- Repairable – without removing and comprising the stator to equipment interference fit.
- Two water/moisture repulsion orifices (Babylonian Terrance) – TWICE the chance of stopping water entry.
- An internal velocity reducing cavity and vortex creating cavity (Zenith Barrier) – TWICE the chance of stopping oil exit.
- Twin rotor elastomer drive – better rotor balance, better rotor drive and TWICE the chance of sealing on a damaged shaft.

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Q: Where do you NOT use the Standard LabTecta?

A: In Flooded, Pressurized, Vertical or Oil Mist* applications
- where the static oil level is above the bottom of the shaft: use MagTecta-II
- where the bearing chamber is pressurized: use MagTecta-P
- where moisture/water can enter through the standard LabTecta orifices: use a LabTecta-TE
- *Oil Mist: where equipment is designed to API 610 V10.

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Q: What is the Delivery of the Product?

A: 24 hours for Standard: 48 hours for Standard Plus (if required)
- Shipment for catalog products up to 145 mm (5.937”) are available within 24 hours from Rotherham, UK (local country customs permitting).
- Standard Plus designs are available for shipment within 48 hours, if required.
- FACT 63% of ALL LabTecta orders ARE delivered in 24hrs
- FACT 72% of ALL LabTecta orders ARE delivered in 48hrs
- FACT 83% of ALL LabTecta orders ARE delivered in 72hrs

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Q What practices differentiate the LabTecta from other suppliers?

A: Individual Part Code Etching on Products and ISO9001 procedures
- Unlike some competitors, each LabTecta housing is etched with a traceable serial number.
- Unlike some competitors, AESSEAL procedures ensure that the customer is never supplied with an obsolete product, if it is ordered by its part code.
- AESSEAL’s precision machining and CMM inspection ensures ALL parts are totally interchangeable.

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Q How does a Labtecta work Dynamically, when the Arknain Shut-off Valve is open?

A: A Labtecta uses a tortuous path, centrifugal force and gravity to ensure that contamination does not enter a bearing cavity and lubrication is contained within.

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Q: How is Bearing Oil kept in the Bearing Housing?

A: Via an unique and innovative non-contacting TWIN stage process
- exclusive feature to the LabTecta that gives you the added benefit of TWIN lubrication prevention exit system; firstly an internal velocity reducing cavity slows down oil splash and secondly the Zenith Barrier creates an visible shield which prevents oil passage.

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Q: What is the Arknian shut off valve?

A: An Automatic, Integral VAPOUR/MOISTURE BLOCKING device
- exclusive feature to the LabTecta give you the advantage of a contact seal when the equipment is at rest and the advantage of a non-contact seal during operation.
- During operation the Arknian energizing ring will lift off and allow a gap to form between the stator of the seal and the Arknian shut off oring. This allows the equipment to “breath” as the bearing chamber increases temperature. When the equipment shuts down, the energizing ring will push the shut off oring onto the stator allowing a positive seal providing a barrier for contamination to enter as the equipment cools.

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Q: What is the Babylonian Terrace?

A: An Integral defense system, which prevents Moisture Entry
- exclusive feature to the LabTecta that gives you the added benefit of TWO moisture expulsion ports, separated by a moisture defense terrace system between the rotor and stator.

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Q: What is the Zenith Barrier?

A: An Impregnable shield, which prevents Oil/Lubrication Exit.
- exclusive feature to the LabTecta that gives you the added benefit of TWIN lubrication prevention exit system; firstly a velocity reducing cavity slows down oil splash and the Zenith Barrier

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Q: What is the smallest RADIAL cross-sectional space that a LabTecta can be fitted into?

A: In practice around 4mm (0.160”), given there is at least 19mm (0.750”) external axial space available.

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Q: What is the smallest AXIAL length of a LabTecta?

A: In practice around 13mm (0.500”), however some of the design features, like the Zenith Barrier, may have to be compromised.

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Q: What is the operational speed limit for the LabTecta?

A: The LabTecta is a non-contacting seal, therefore in theory, an upper speed limit of 30m/s (5900 ft/min) is not out of the question. In practice the LabTecta has been extensively tested to 20m/s (3940 ft/min) and therefore this is the AESSEAL published speed limit.

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Q: What lubrication media can the LabTecta be used to seal?

A: The LabTecta has been extensively tested to 20m/s (3940 ft/min) on MINERAL OIL, GREASE, OIL MIST*, and DRY RUNNING.
- *Oil Mist tests were conducted to API 610 Ed.7, which allowing purged mist to escape to the atmosphere. If this is not acceptable for environmental reasons, you should use a MagTecta-OM and reconfigure the Mist In/Out purge system on the equipment.

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Q: At what shaft speed will the Arknian Energizer Elastomer lift off?

A: Tests and Calculations prove that the Arknian Energizer Elastomer lifts at 335rpm.
- For shaft speeds less that this, tests show that because the LabTecta uses PROPER materials of construction, AND a contoured “v-seat” stator surface, elastomer wear, stator wear and resulting heat generation is negligible.

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Q: How do I install a LabTecta?

A: In 3 minutes – installed exactly like a Lip Seal
- Press the LabTecta into the equipment housing/plate, using a small bench press, applying force on the stator member.
- Ensure the LabTecta stator orifice(s) are positioned at the 6 o’clock position.
- Lubricate the shaft using the P80 lubricant provided and slide the LabTecta/Housing assembly onto the shaft and into final running position.
- If a bench press is not available, you should use something like a round plastic/brass tube (of appropriate size) and knock the LabTecta housing carefully into position applying the force on the other side of the tube using a plastic hammer/mallet. The important point is not to damage the LabTecta, therefore use a flat, uniform surface to press the LabTecta into position.

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Q: What are the Equipment Tolerances required for installing a LabTecta?

A: Typically, they will fit where a LIP SEAL fits, therefore Shaft diameter tolerance (h11) and Housing bore tolerance (H8)
- Ideally however, the housing bore diameter should be the Nominal size +/-0.001” (+/-0.03mm)
- Ideally however, the shaft diameter should be the Nominal size +/-0.002” (+/-0.05mm)
- Like all bearing seals, the LabTecta stator is a slight interference fit into the equipment housing, as this prevents the stator from rotating if the shaft contacts it.

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Q: What is the True Cost of a Lip Seal?

A: On average 2,850 Euros each, because of
- the cost of the shaft replacement or refurbishment due to wear.
- the cost of the man hours to pull the pump from the plant position and take it to the repair shop.
- the cost of the pump repair
- Shaft re-alignment and pump commissioning costs
- the Cost of the Lost Plant Production; Downtime
- Constant cost of replacing the bearing Lubrication (often man hour costs/travel are far higher than the cost to replace the lubrication).
- Environmental & Health and Safety oil-spill clean-up costs

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Q: How can I Justify the Price of the Product?

A: It is easy to justify the use/upgrade of LabTecta bearing seals, as;
- The LabTecta is cheaper than fixing / replacing the equipment shaft.
- The LabTecta is typically cheaper than two lip seals plus two sacrificial lip seal–shaft protection sleeves.
- What is the cost (man hours plus material) of greasing/lubricating a remotely located piece of equipment, as lip seals are unable to contain the lubrication fluid?
- What is the lost plant production costs?
- What is the cost of disposing of waste/leaked oil?
- What is the cost of oil dripping onto finished product; e.g. a paper machine or steel coil plant?
- What is the cost of a plant fire; escaping oil from a lip seal soaking material which can contact hot pipes and self-ignite?
- What is the cost of a Health and Safety accident claim, where a plant operative slips on oil which has escaped from a lip seal?

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Q: What is the Cost of Repairing a LabTecta?

A: Average $9.60 / 8.08 euros / £5.65
- The Repair cost of the LabTecta is equivalent to the cost of a lip seal.
- After the initial capital upgrade expense costs (of purchasing the product), the customer gets ALL the benefits of the LabTecta for the same price as a lip seal.
- The unique advantage of the LabTecta is that it is designed to be repaired. That means that only the elastomers and the face shield needs to be placed during repair….
- No heat torches, no chemicals/acid baths and no special press tools.
- Unlike practically ALL other bearing seals, you do not have to press the stator out of the equipment housing, thus you do not compromise the radial interference fit between the two.

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Q: How can I add further Value to my Customer, over the LabTecta?

A: If a bearing chamber is correctly sealed using the LabTecta or MagTecta, then it makes economic sense to improve the lubrication fluid properties.
- Inform the customer about the benefits of Synthetic oils over Mineral oils – see the “Why Synthetic Oil?” question.
- Conduct an Oil Sample analysis, for the Equipment, to demonstrate the contamination prevention.
- Direct the customer to the “best practice tips” on www.aesseal.com home page (bottom right hand corner)

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Q: Where can I find Case References for LabTecta Installations?

A: On www.labtecta.com (case reference section), or on www.aesseal.com (applications section – password protected)

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Q: What Specifications does the LabTecta conform too?

A: IEEE 841 2001 (Electric Motors), IP55 and API610 Ed.10 (Centrifugal Pumps)
- IP55: The LabTecta has been INDEPENDENTLY certified to IP55, which is a premium standard for Moisture and Dust protection used by Electric Motors.
- IEEE 841 2001: The LabTecta is self-certified to IEEE 841 2001, after duration tests suggest a 5+ year life under normal service conditions.
- API610 Ed.10 – The LabTecta conforms to the latest API premium pump design specification, specifically Sections 5.10.2.7 and 5.1.25.

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Q: Is the LabTecta ATEX compliant?

A: The LabTecta seal is classed as a machinery element and therefore is exempted from ATEX.
- Bearings are contacting elements, within machines and these are exempted from ATEX.
- The LabTecta is a non-contacting element.
- For further information, view www.aesseal.com (Atex section)

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Q: I’ve tried “other” Compound Elastomer Labyrinth devices and they do not work?

A: The Key to success of the LabTecta is in the DESIGN.
- The LabTecta de-couples the issue; it allows the sealing elastomer to seal the rotor to stator (made out of a “sealing and wear resistant” material), and allows the engerizing elastomer to freely radially displace under centrifugal forces….Splitting the problem down, increases reliability and seal life.
- The materials of construction are also important. The last thing you would do is put a material that is thermally unstable in contact with hot oil…..that’s why most plastic bearing seals have a poor market name, the plastic cold flows leading to loss of radial clearances and seal failure.

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Q: How do I repair a LabTecta?

A: You can repair a LabTecta in THREE minutes, using nothing but a screwdriver and a repair kit.
- Remove the sacrificial face shield using a sharp tool
- Remove the rotor from the stator
- Replace the Arknian Elastomer and Rotor elastomer(s).
- Replace the rotor in the stator
- Fit a new face shield.

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Q: Why do I lose Oil through the LabTecta?

Possible Problem Solution
High Oil level in bearing chamber Review Manufacturers oil height Recommendations and if higher than bottom of shaft, use a MagTecta-II
Equipment not horizontal Check baseplate and re-align equipment where permitted. If, equipment is installed on a ship where ship roll is expected use a MagTecta-II
An Unbalanced Oil Lubricator is Installed Use a Balanced Oil Lubricator

- Check that a radial shoulder (between the labtecta and bearing), which was previously used to support the lip seal, does not restrict the oil flow return, to the bearings and flood the labtecta exit port at the 6 o'clock on the stator. If shoulder does restrict, then cut a notch in the shoulder, at the 6 o'clock position, to prevent this problem.

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