Theory:

Net Positive suction head (NPSH)

- It’s the term used to describe pump cavitation characteristics. Specifically, it is the pressure
(head) in excess of the saturation pressure of the liquid being pumped.
- It is the difference between the absolute dynamic pressure of the liquid measured at the
centerline of the pump and the saturation pressure corresponding to the temperature of the
fluid at the same point, all expressed in terms of linear measurement of the fluid flowing for
practical purposes. It can never be a negative value for the liquid would then flash and vapor
would blind the pump
- The NPSH also refers to the pressure at the pump suction flange, connected to the pump
centerline, that prevents vaporization of fluid.

To avoid cavitation:

-it is a must that the absolute pressure of the liquid is always above the vapor pressure
corresponding the temperature of the liquid at the suction line of the pump.

-the following should always be satisfied:

 NPSH must always be positive

So what is NPSHAvailable?

--- it’s the net positive suction head that is available or existing at the pump installation. It is equal to
the pressure head of the source of liquid or atmospheric pressure, plus or minus the difference in
elevation between the surface of liquid source and pump centerline, minus the vapor pressure of
liquid at its temperature, minus the frictional losses between the source of liquid and suction flange.

NPSHA= Hp +/- (plus/minus) Hs – Hv-Hf

Where: NPSHA-net positive suction head available,m or ft

Hp= head corresponding to the absolute pressure on the surface of the liquid from which the
pump draws, m or ft

Hs= height of the fluid source surface, above or below p.c.l, m or ft

Hv= head corresponding to the vapor pressure of the liquid at existing temperature, m or ft

Hf= head loss due to friction b/w surface of the liquid and the pump suction flance, m or ft

So what is NPSH Required?

- It’s a performance characteristics of a pump and is established through closed loop or valve
suppression tests conducted by the pump manufacturer. An example is shown in the figure
(based on cengel) below showing the curve for the required NPSH.
 - It can be calculated because its equal to the gage pressure reading in linear dimension at the
suction flange, corrected to the pump centerline minus vapor pressure or saturation pressure
of water at a given temperature in linear measurement plus the velocity at suction flange.
- NPSHR= (Pa/ɣ + Hs) – Hv + (V^2/2g)

Cavitation Parameter (thoma-moody coefficient,e)

-dimensionless parameter used to predict the occurrence of cavitation

e=NPSH divide by TDH

e=0.05 at Ns=1000

e=0.10 at Ns=2000

e=0.30 at Ns=4000

For different pumping speed, e=0.175, which means at this point is the beginning of cavitation and
the minimum safe operating value of e.
Fluid Machine Problems

Cavitation and NPSH

1. water is pumped from a source 10 ft. above the water source surface to the pump centerline. Water
temperature is 90 F and installed at sea level absolute pressure. Head loss due to friction is 1.2 ft.

Required : NPSHA if sat.pressure at 90F=0.698psia

Answer: 21.2 ft

2. A plant located at an altitude of 1000 m above sea level has an open feed water heater located 3 m
above the pump intake. The discharge is located at pump c.line. The water in the heater has a
temperature of 80 C. if the head loss in the suction line is 3 m, determine the available net suction
head at the pump.

Psat at 80C=47.39KPaa and density=971.723 kg/m3

Answer: 7.194

3. Gasoline at 38C and relative density is 0.72, is being drawn from a closed tank having a pressure
of 70 KPAg. The level of gasoline in the tank is 2.5 m above the pump centerline. The suction line
friction losses amount to 0.60 m. The vapor pressure of the gasoline is 48 KPAa. The discharge is
400 lps Determine A) the available net positive suction head of the system, B) the thoma-moody
coefficient is 0.10, determine the Brake power required by the motor if pumps efficiency is 55%.

Answer: 19.356m, 994.29 KW

SEATWORK or ASSIGNMENT:

4. A condensate pump at sea level takes water from a surface condenser where the vacuum is 20
in.hg. The friction and turbulence in the piping between the condenser hotwell and pump suction
flange is assumed to be 4.8 ft. If the condensate pump to be installed has a required net positive
suction head of 8 feet, what would be the minimum height of water level in the hot well that must be
maintained above the pump centerline to avoid cavitation? The saturation pressure of the liquid
corresponding to its temperature is 4.91 psia. SG=0.9989

Answer: 12.8 feet

5. A 12.75 in. model 4013 centrifugal pump is to pump 600 GPM of water at 1160 rpm from a
reservoir whose surface is at 14.7 Psiaa. If headloss from reservoir to pump inlet is 6 ft, where should
the pump inlet be placed to avoid cavitation for water at 60F and Pv=0.26 Psiaa.

Answer: 21.32 below p.c.l to the reservoir surface to avoid cavitation.