Weir Minerals Netherlands b.v.
Suction Pressure. Prepared by: Jack Keunen
Product Manager.
Excellent
Minerals
Solutions
Confidential Information
This document contains information which is confidential to companies forming the Weir Minerals Division.
It should not be disclosed in whole or in part to parties other than the recipient without the express written
permission of Weir Minerals Division authorized personnel
Weir Minerals Netherlands b.v.
Presentation to: Prepared by:
GEHO Product Training Jack Kuenen
Product Manager GEHO
Suction pressure
- Requirements pump
- Minimum suction pressure
- System suction pressure
- Maximum suction pressure
Excellent
Minerals
Solutions
Confidential Information
This document contains information which is confidential to companies forming the Weir Minerals Division.
It should not be disclosed in whole or in part to parties other than the recipient without the express written
permission of Weir Minerals Division authorized personnel
Copyright © Weir Minerals Netherlands b.v.
Weir Minerals Netherlands b.v. 3
Suction pressure
PUMP REQUIREMENTS
1. Minimum Suction pressure for good pump performance:
Too low suction pressure -> boiling liquid -> cavitation -> noise + vibration and damage
if pump is cavitating continuously.
2. Check requirements pump – pump supplier will define NPSHR
NPSHR is based on pump inlet flange position.
2.1 Centrifugal -> NPSHR normally specified in meters
2.2 PD -> NPSHR normally specified in bara or kPa
Weir Minerals Netherlands b.v. 4
Minimum Suction Pressure
SYSTEM SUCTION PRESSURE
Suction system defines pressure at pump inlet flange.
System designer or customer calculates available NPSH (= NPSHA)
System suction pressure > Required pump suction pressure
Special attention for hot liquids or high elevation
Centrifugal pump:
NPSHA = Total suction pressure – (Vapour pres.)
PD:
NPSHA = Total suction pressure – (Vapour + Acceleration pressure)
(Note: Acc. pressure Not Applicable if suction air vessel is installed)
Weir Minerals Netherlands b.v. 5
Suction Pressure + NPSH definitions
Weir Minerals Netherlands b.v. 6
Minimum Suction Pressure
Check : NPSHA > NPSHR
If not okay, possible modifications:
Increase static head or min. tank level
Decrease suction friction losses -> increase suction pipe dia
Install booster pump
Install suction dampener
Reduce liquid temperature
Reduce pump speed or pump flow
Weir Minerals Netherlands b.v. 7
Maximum Suction Pressure
Effect of high suction pressure for centrifugal:
gland packing leakage and wear
more risk for mech. Seal problems
high axial load -> heavy bearing bracket required
variation in suction pressure means variation in pump flow
Effect of high suction pressure for Geho PD:
Geho PD is designed to handle high suction pressure.
=> inform Geho about maximum suction pressure.
no variation in pump flow when suction pressure changes