How to Install Pump Packing

Pump packing prevents leakages. There are four main factors that affect its functionality: quality, packing material, mechanical condition and installation and lubrication. Poor quality materials may damage equipment. Packing material should correspond to working conditions. Good mechanical condition of equipment ensures packing's longevity. Proper installation and lubrication ensure efficient operation of the pump. Basic packing types are: flax (low-quality), non-asbestos (medium quality, common in irrigation pumps), Ameri-lon (high quality), GFO (for industrial pumps), chemical resistant (high quality) and high-temperature (high quality).

Protective gloves
Packing hooks
Emery cloth
Meter
Pencil and paper
Mandrel
Lubricant
Cloth
Follower

Instructions

- 1
  Use packing hooks to remove the old packing. Do it carefully to prevent damage to the shaft.
- 2
  Clean the shaft and stuffing box with Emery cloth.
- 3
  Inspect the shaft for damage. If there is any damage, replace the parts in accordance with manufacturer's directions.
- 4
  Measure the shaft and the stuffing box bore diameters with a meter, and write down the dimensions.
- 5
  Subtract the shaft diameter from the bore diameter, and divide the result by two to get cross-section size. Write the size down. Consult the measures when choosing packing materials.
- 6
  Cut the packing into rings with a mandrel. The mandrel should have same dimensions as the shaft.
- 7
  Lubricate the rings. Use a clean cloth and a lubricant to do this.
- 8
  Insert the first ring into the stuffing box using the mandrel. Repeat the procedure for all rings.
- 9
  Install the follower with your hands. The follower is an oval metal component with a hole in the middle. The hole accepts the shaft. Follower's purpose is to transmit shaft motions to valve motions.
- 10
  Start the pump and watch for leakages. Tighten the bolts to decrease leakages to a minimum, but do not stop them completely. That may damage the package. Pump package prevents leaking, and keeps waste out of water.
- 11
  Reduce the leakages gradually during the first hour or two after installation of the packing material.

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