To help narrow down the correct packing material, some basic questions must be answered. The acronym S.T.A.M.P.S can be used to identify these key questions:
S-Size: What are the stuffing box dimensions?
T-Temperature: What is the temperature of the medium?
A-Application: What type of equipment is it?
M-Media: What medium is being sealed?
P-Pressure: What is the internal pressure being sealed?
S-Shaft Speed: What is the surface speed of the Shaft?