Define the Net Positive Suction Head
All values in the equations are in units of feet.
Note: Only use values related to the suction side of the pump.
NPSHR = Net Positive Suction Head Required. Provided by the pump manufacturer. This is the value required to prevent cavitation.
NPSHA = Net Positive Suction Head Available. Determined by equations:
NPSHA = + hp(s) + hv(s) - hvp Fluid source at pump inlet
+ hp(s) the pressure head at the pump inlet (p/γ)
+ hv(s) the velocity head at the pump inlet (v2/2g)
hz(s) = 0, inlet is approximately at the centerline of the pump
NPSHA = + hatm + hz(s) - hf(s) - hvp Fluid source above pump
+ hatm = atmospheric pressure unless the source is pressurized
+ hz(s) the fluid source is above the centerline of the pump
Note: + hz(s) denotes the situation is a Static Suction Head
- hf(s) = head lost due to friction in the suction piping only
- hvp = vapor pressure head Note: The higher the fluid temperature, the higher the hvp and the lower the NPSHA.
NPSHA = + hatm - hz(s) - hf(s) - hvp Fluid source below pump
- hz(s) the fluid source is below the centerline of the pump, and the
fluid is at atmospheric pressure + hatm
Note: - hz(s) denotes the situation is a Static Suction Lift