If packing wear is excessive but the shaft sleeves are not worn, what can that indicate?

Excessive packing wear in a pump that features unworn shaft sleeves can indicate that the shaft is bent. When the shaft is not perfectly aligned, it creates uneven pressure on the packing, leading to an accelerated wear rate. This misalignment can cause vibrations and erratic motion, which can further contribute to the degradation of the packing.

In a healthy system, good alignment minimizes wear by ensuring that force and motion are distributed evenly. Conversely, a bent shaft disrupts this balance, manifesting in increased friction and wear at the packing. This situation highlights the importance of regularly monitoring the condition of the pump components and performing alignment checks to maintain operational efficiency and prolong equipment life.