Approximately how many drops per second are necessary to keep packing lubricated?

Approximately how many drops per second are necessary to keep packing lubricated?

• A. 0
• B. 1
• C. 2
• D. 3

Answer: (B)

Lubricating the packing needs a light, steady drip to create just enough lubricant on the moving shaft without flooding the packing area. About one drop per second is the typical rate used to maintain a thin lubricating film as the shaft turns. If you skip drops entirely, the packing dries out, overheats, and wears more quickly. If you drip too fast—two or three per second—the packing can be washed out and leak more, wasting water. A steady, modest drip of roughly one drop per second strikes the right balance.

Lubricating the packing needs a light, steady drip to create just enough lubricant on the moving shaft without flooding the packing area. About one drop per second is the typical rate used to maintain a thin lubricating film as the shaft turns. If you skip drops entirely, the packing dries out, overheats, and wears more quickly. If you drip too fast—two or three per second—the packing can be washed out and leak more, wasting water. A steady, modest drip of roughly one drop per second strikes the right balance.