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
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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)
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Suction Pressure + NPSH definitions

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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
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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