_A pump should be located in a convenient_ as well as a clean place. It should be well set upon a suitable foundation, so that it may be free from vibration or jar; this “note” applies to direct-acting, self-contained pumps, as well as to others.
The economical operation of a pump depends, to a great extent, upon the kind and condition of the packing in the stuffing-boxes and pistons, its quality, adaptability to particular requirements, and the method of placing it in the stuffing-boxes and plungers.
Almost all the stuffing-boxes on pumps are too shallow and the glands too short. To keep a rod tight under these conditions the packing must be of the proper size and quality, and it must be put in with a view to securing the greatest possible degree of elasticity, so that the rod may be kept tight with the least pressure on the packing.
To do this, it is best to select packing which will permit a number of narrow rings to be used instead of a few wide rings. The rings next to the bottom will become dry and hard before those next to the glands of the box are half worn out. If a number of narrow rings are used, the dry ones may be removed and duplicated by new ones and replacing the rest of the packing in the stuffing-box. This method economizes packing and secures a tight yet freely working rod.
When patent square packings are used, it makes less difference whether the rings are narrow or wide, because the surface in contact with the rod will be nearly continuous in either case.
When cutting packing rings, the length should be such that the ends do not come together within 1/8 inch when put into the stuffing-box, and the rings are put in to break joints, which prevents leakage through them.
When inserting this packing, the rings are put in one at a time, using a piece of hard wood to push them to the bottom of the stuffing-box and firmly against one another. The stuffing-box should be filled as full as it can be, and start the nuts on the studs by hand. Screw up the nuts with the hand and then start the pump slowly. If leakage occurs do not attempt to tighten the nut while the rod is in motion, and in all cases tighten it only enough to stop the leakage. A slight leakage at the water end is not harmful. A little cylinder oil and graphite occasionally applied to the rod will tend to keep it smooth and bright, which condition is favorable to the durability of the rod and of the packing.