An aid for formulating pending technical problems as precisely as possible and presenting them in a logical arrangement. The range of data needed to describe the sealing problem depends on its complexity. Whatever the case, however, the following minimum specifications are required for the seal design: type of machine, diameter of shaft or shaft sleeve, speed, the medium with details of concentration and temperature, and sealing pressure. From case to case it can also be necessary to provide further specifications concerning, for example, the pH value, solids content or viscosity of the medium, and whether or not QA measures have to be taken.