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. According to yet another aspect, a bio-
filter element is provided with the packing
cartridge to reduce
volatile organic compound (“VOC”) emissions from a pump used for pumping
hydrocarbon materials such as oil or gas. According to still yet another aspect, a method of controlling emissions from a pump for pumping hydrocarbons is provided, including the steps of enclosing the power end of the pump and positioned a VOC absorbing material within the
enclosure. These aspects can be advantageously practiced together.