The centrifugal pumps were also specials in that the operational axis is horizontal with a vertical drive shaft. The shaft is supported by an outrigger bearing which is specified to be a long bronze bush. The stuffing box is basically the sealing arrangement where the drive shaft enters the housing of the pump. Short lengths of "packings", being square in section and made from a fibrous material which has been impregnated with lubricant, are placed one above the other and compressed to form a tight seal between the shaft and the housing thus preventing leaks! Or at least, that is the theory! After time, the shaft wears and the seals don't seal too well anymore so the fitter is called and has to remove the old packings with an implement like a corkscrew, cut and re-fit new packings and tighten up the gland nuts again; then tighten up the gland nuts again, and then again until the foreman finally gives in and the allows the job to be done properly by renewing the shaft first! It all makes work for the working man to do as the old song says! [015] [016]