How should the packing around the shaft of a centrifugal pump be adjusted?

The appropriate adjustment for the packing around the shaft of a centrifugal pump is to tighten it just enough to allow an occasional drop of liquid to escape. This option strikes a balance between preventing leaks and ensuring that there is sufficient lubrication and cooling for the shaft and packing. When packing is too tight, it can lead to increased friction, overheating, and premature wear of both the packing and the shaft. Conversely, if the packing is too loose or removed entirely, it can result in excessive leakage, reduced efficiency, and potential damage to the pump due to lack of lubrication. Therefore, maintaining a slight degree of leakage is beneficial as it indicates that the packing is sealing adequately while preventing excessive wear and allowing for operational effectiveness.