Solids like chocolate, wax, and asphalt need to be melted prior to being pumped. Jacketing is a common way of heating the pump to successfully transfer these room temperature solids. Pump jacketing consists of chambers that surround the pumping cavity. Heating mediums such as hot oil, water, or steam are pumped into these chambers which then heat the pumping cavity as well as the liquid inside. Once the liquid is melted, the pump can be started. Common pump components that can be jacketed include brackets, heads, rotor bearing sleeves, casings, and relief valves.

Mechanical seals are extremely common in the pumping industry - and come in a wide range of materials and options. In its simplest form, a single component mechanical seal has two faces that contact and create a seal. These seal faces are lapped to a smooth, high quality finish. One face rotates with the pump shaft - while the other is held stationary in the pump housing. Once a small amount of process liquid reaches the seal faces, a hydrodynamic liquid film is created - this is what forms the seal and lubricates the faces.

Packing is one of the most common and simplest seals for positive displacement pumps. Packing consists of braided or formed rings that are compressed inside the stuffing box of a pump. As the packing gland is tightened, the packing is compressed against the shaft and the inside of the stuffing box bore - creating a seal. When the pump is operating, process liquid cools and lubricates the packing. The pump must leak or "weep" slightly to ensure proper lubrication. Packing is one of the oldest forms of shaft sealing. Original packing was made of materials such as leather or rope.