PUMP PACKING
Pump packing is one of the biggest problem areas for operators in charge of pump maintenance.
Poor maintenance of pump packing is responsible for more pump damage than any other
maintenance item. Improperly maintained packing can cause several problems including:
DAMAGE CAUSED BY PACKING FAILURE
• Loss of prime or suction due to an air leak
• Shaft and sleeve damage
• Water contamination of bearings
• Flooding of pump stations
There are many different types of pump packing available for use in today's pumps. The most
common type of packing comes in a square braided stock. There are a number of different kinds of
braided packing. It can be manufactured from jute, asbestos, nylon, Teflon or other synthetics. It
can be lubricated with graphite, grease, or other synthetic lubricants such as Teflon. Prices for
packing range from several dollars a pound for graphite-impregnated jute to hundreds of dollars a
pound for pure Teflon and other synthetics.A rule of thumb is to buy the most expensive packing that you can afford, provided that you are
taking care of the rest of the pump properly. If scored or damaged shaft sleeves and out of round or
bent shafts are not going to be repaired, use the cheapest packing you can get. Expensive packing
will not last any longer than the cheap stuff if the sleeve is scored or the shaft is bent. If the rest of
the pump is properly cared for, the more expensive types of packing will last several times longer
than the cheap packing and will usually pay for itself with a longer life