How do I Determine Packing Failure on Recip Pump? 1

[GaTechTheron]

Unfortunately, my pump manufacturer has never done this before, but I am told it can be done.

My setup: I have double packing, with a lantern right removing excess fluid after the first set (effectively venting off any pressure, and piping it back to suction), and a lantern ring in the middle of the second set for lubricating purposes.

My question is... how would I determine when the packing fails? It seems the flow is probably to low for a flow meter, and pressure is vented off to suction so I cannot use any type of pressure switch. Any ideas?

All I can come up with right now, is possibly an orifice on the recirculation line...

Any help is GREATLY appreciated.

 

[MikeHalloran]

Direct the recirc through a bucket equipped with two float switches and a drain valve.
Start a timer when the bottom float rises.
Stop the timer when the top float rises, then
Open a valve to drain the bucket to the pump inlet.
Close the valve after the bottom float sinks.
Recurse.
Monitor the timing of the loop; when it starts going too fast, your packing is leaking too much. When it's going too slow, your packing is not leaking enough.



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

 

[GaTechTheron]

Would you consider this suitable for refinery general practice?

 

[CH5OH]

using a stuffing box type of packing suitable in a refinery?
yeah sure,30 years ago...
for H2O application, may be even today
for hydro carbons, go for mechanical seal...(or duplex, depending on application....

 

[GaTechTheron]

CH5OH,

You cannot use a standard mechanical seal in a reciprocating pump. Please correct me if I am wrong...

This is a hydrocarbon service, but I described a double packing "vaporless" setup, where low pressure fluid that gets past the first set of packing will recirculate to the pump suction. Therefore the only leakage is packing lubrication from the second set of packing.

My question was, is there some means leak detection I can use in this set up?

 

[CH5OH]

oeps, missed on the recip part....
best to quantify the leakage as described by
mike
a drain pot with a float switch triggering a solenoid drain valve (to suction of pump) and a counting device will do the trick

 

[MikeHalloran]

Of course all the electrical bits have to be explosion proof, and there are probably other requirements specific to the refinery or company.



Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA