Abstract: An apparatus is provided for pumping a fluid, wherein the fluid comprises a volatile organic compound (“VOC”), the apparatus including: an enclosure for the exposed portion of the reciprocating piston or plunger; and a VOC-absorbing material operatively positioned to reduce VOC emissions from the enclosure to the atmosphere. According to another aspect, a method is provided for pumping a fluid comprising a VOC is provided. According to yet another aspect, a method is provided for reducing emissions of a VOC from a positive-displacement pump used for pumping a fluid, wherein the fluid comprises the VOC, and wherein the method includes the steps of: (i) enclosing at least the exposed portion of the reciprocating piston or plunger to form an enclosure; and (ii) operatively positioning a VOC-absorbing material to reduce VOC emissions from the enclosure to the atmosphere. Preferably, the VOC-absorbing material comprises peat moss.

Abstract: A package cartridge is provided for use in the maintenance of a packing bore for a plunger-type pump. According to one aspect, a packing cartridge includes: a generally-cylindrical sleeve adapted to be at least partially positioned in the packing bore, a first abutment ring positioned in the sleeve, and a second abutment ring positioned in the sleeve and co-axially spaced apart from the first abutment ring. Telescoping structures are operatively positioned between the first abutment ring and the second abutment ring. According to another aspect, a structure forming a circumferential pressure-ring groove is provided. A pressure ring is positioned in the pressure-ring groove, the pressure ring having at least one smaller external dimension than an internal dimension of the pressure-ring groove, whereby at least one clearance is provided between the pressure-ring groove and the pressure ring. These aspects can be advantageously practiced together.