KETOS RING – FULL DESCRIPTION(AS PER ASTM E1444)

1. Introduction

A Ketos Ring (sometimes called a Keto’s ring, Kitos ring, or water flinger ring) is a mechanical component designed primarily for preventing lubricant leakage, excluding external contaminants, and redirecting cooling or cleaning fluids away from rotating machinery parts. It is widely used in centrifugal pumps, motors, gearboxes, and shaft assemblies.

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2. Purpose / Function

A Ketos Ring performs three major functions:

A. Oil / Grease Retention

• Helps maintain lubrication inside bearing housings.

• Prevents leakage of lubricants along the rotating shaft.

B. Contaminant Exclusion

• Stops dust, dirt, moisture, and slurry from entering the bearing chamber.

• Ensures longer bearing life and reduced maintenance.

C. Water Flinging / Deflection

• During rotation, the ring flings water or fluid outward using centrifugal force.

• Protects bearings and seals from direct water or coolant exposure.

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3. Where It Is Used

Ketos Rings are commonly used in:

• Centrifugal pumps

• Submersible pump motors

• Vertical turbine pumps

• Cooling tower motors

• Gearboxes

• Rotating shaft sealing assemblies

• Marine and industrial pump applications

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4. Construction & Materials

Typical Materials

• Bronze / Gun Metal (most common)

• Cast Iron

• Stainless Steel

• Nitrile Rubber (NBR) / Neoprene for flexible versions

Design Features

• Precision-machined inner bore for proper shaft fit.

• Grooved or smooth outer profile to direct fluid flow.

• Balanced design to run smoothly at high speeds.

• Often installed between bearing housing and shaft sleeve.

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5. Working Principle

1. The Ketos Ring is mounted on a rotating shaft.

2. As the shaft rotates, the ring also spins.

3. Its specially designed shape causes:

   • Centrifugal flinging of water or fluid away from the shaft.

   • Sealing action that prevents lubricant from escaping.

4. This creates a barrier between the bearing chamber and external environment.

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6. Advantages

• Low-cost sealing solution

• Simple installation

• No maintenance required

• Improves bearing life

• Effective in wet environments

• Works without mechanical friction (unlike mechanical seals)

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7. Variants

• Split Ketos Ring (two halves for easy installation without disassembling the shaft)

• Solid Ketos Ring (one-piece, stronger)

• Flanged Ketos Ring

• Grooved Ketos Ring

• Rubberized Ketos Ring

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8. Typical Dimensions

Dimensions vary by manufacturer, but common ranges include:

• Inner Diameter (ID): 20 mm to 200 mm

• Outer Diameter (OD): 40 mm to 300 mm

• Width: 10 mm to 40 mm

(Custom sizes are also available.)

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9. Applications in Pump Assemblies

In pump systems, Ketos Rings are found in:

• Stuffing box region

• Bearing housing

• Gland areas

• Water flinger zones

Their goal is to keep water away from the bearings and seal chambers.

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10. Maintenance

Ketos Rings generally require optional or minimal maintenance:

• Check for wear during pump overhauls.

• Ensure proper shaft alignment.

• Replace if cracked, worn, or loose.