Compare mechanical seal pumps with sealless pump technologies.

Mechanical seals: industry standard, versatile, field-maintainable, but leak pathway exists and seals are wear items. Sealless options: Magnetic drive pumps (magnets couple motor to impeller through containment shell - zero leakage but efficiency loss from eddy currents, temperature limits), Canned motor pumps (motor rotor in process fluid - compact, suitable for high pressure, but bearing wear in fluid). Sealless preferred for toxic, carcinogenic, or expensive fluids; mechanical seals for high temperature, abrasive, or when efficiency is critical.