Root cause failure analysis for pump packing is similar to RCFA for mechanical seals. Just using your eyes and this guide, you can identify with confidence why the packing failed. Then, you can determine if a change is necessary and/or cost effective.

Potential changes include:

• Using a different style or material of packing
• Cutting the rings differently
• Buying them pre-cut and pre-formed
• How the packing is installed
• How the packing is “broken in”
• Use of environmental controls like circulation or flushing

Wear track analysis is an important part of root cause failure analysis of mechanical seals, because the wear track may contain clues that may identify why the seal failed. The wear track is the mark made by the mechanical seal's rotating face rubbing against the stationary face. You can use the diagrams in this post to identify common issues that can be identified using wear track analysis.