Packing performance depends on the combination of fluid, temperature, pressure, shaft speed, stuffing-box condition, lubrication and adjustment. Material name alone is not a complete specification.
Equipment and motion
Identify pump, valve, mixer or other equipment and whether the packing sees rotary, reciprocating or static stem service.
Process fluid
Provide chemical composition, concentration, solids, pH where relevant and any contamination restrictions.
Operating limits
Temperature, pressure and shaft / stem speed define the mechanical and thermal severity of the service.
Stuffing-box data
Shaft / stem diameter, bore, box depth and number of rings are required for size and quantity.
Current problem
Leakage, shaft wear, heat generation, short life or frequent adjustment should be stated so the selection can target the actual failure mode.
