Seal/packing and seal plan for VS1, VS3 pumps

[JL2024]

Dear all,
I have API VS1 and VS3 pumps per client request although the pumped fluid is water. Hopefully you don't mind my silly and simple questions.
I'm wondering the following questions:
1) Does API pumps allow packing? if the water is not clean and has solids, can we still use packing?
2) if mechanical seal will be used, what seal plan to use? thanks a lot.

 

[Pandeyji]

API does not allow gland packing.
in case of Mechanical Seal API Plan 13 will be right selection. In this case liquid does not impinge on to the seal and moves away from the seal faces, hence chances of seal face erosion will reduce.
The standard mention following in special notes
"API publications are published to facilitate the broad availability of proven, sound engineering and operating practices. These publications are not intended to obviate the need for applying sound engineering judgment regarding when and where these publications should be utilized."
Therefore if you are not comfortable with Mechanical Seal, you can go for gland packing.