Problem No. 48: Seal systems of high pressure reciprocating pumps

There is a lot of misunderstanding about the purpose and functioning of the seal systems (stuffing box) of the high pressure (HP) ammonia and HP carbamate reciprocating pumps. Some believe that lubrication is the main purpose, while others feel it is all about sealing. Both views are partly true. And for the HP ammonia pumps the objective is also to maintain the possibility to retighten the packing when ammonia starts to leak through the stuffing box. The stuffing box consists of the plunger, the casing, the high and low pressure packing assemblies, the glands and the seal system, either oil or water. This round table discussion is all about the experiences of various end users.