How should conventional pump packing be secured?

Conventional pump packing should be secured by tightening it down to a drip. This method allows for an optimal balance between preventing leaks and avoiding excessive friction on the pump shaft. The packing material, typically made of flexible materials like graphite or Teflon, needs to compress against the shaft adequately to seal without causing undue wear or overheating.

If the packing is too loose, it will not adequately seal the pump shaft, leading to leaks that can compromise the system's efficiency and safety. Conversely, if it is overtightened, it can create excessive heat and wear on the shaft, ultimately leading to failure of both the packing and the pump itself due to increased friction.

Tightening it "to a drip" means that the pump should release a small amount of liquid—enough to lubricate the packing and shaft without allowing significant leakage. This approach is standard practice for maintaining the functionality and longevity of pump systems. The other options do not provide the appropriate methods for securing pump packing, as they either neglect the need for secure sealing or advocate for practices that would lead to problems in pump operation and maintenance.