Source: ChestertonPump and valve solutions provider Chesterton has installed three pump rig stations for advanced testing of packing used in pumps, mixers and agitators.

The rigs will enable the company to test its rotary packing products and provide data for the industry standard EN16752 Centrifugal Pumps — Test Procedure for Seal Packings. That data is expected to be available later in 2020.

Each Chesterton simulated pump rig is equipped to monitor fluid pressure, gland and fluid temperature, power consumption, shaft speed, and leakage rate continuously using a digital data acquisition system. Each stand is fitted with a 15 hp motor and variable speed drive to allow fine-tuning of shaft speeds for any configuration used. Additionally, leakage rates from the stuffing boxes are collected and measured automatically for the duration of the test.

Originally developed by both the European Sealing Association (ESA) and the North American Fluid Sealing Association (FSA), EN16752 enables prospective buyers to make data comparisons between packing products from various manufacturers or for two different packing products from the same manufacturer.

For more information, visit the Chesterton website.