Design key to fluid flow, pump maintenance
This article discusses some of the possible problems caused by improperly designed piping and presents guidelines for avoiding or at least reducing them. Explains that even if design and manufacture are precisely correct and the pump perfectly matched to the operating conditions, the pump can perform properly only if supplied with a steady flow of liquid arriving at the pump suction flange under sufficient absolute pressure to equal or exceed the net positive suction head (npsh) required by the pump and with uniform velocity with no rotational component. Points out that failure of the suction piping to deliver the liquid to the pump in this condition can lead to noisy operation, random axial oscillations of the rotor, premature bearing failure, and cavitation damage to the impeller and inlet portions of the casing. Discusses adequate priming or venting, piping velocities, and elbow use limits.
- Research Organization:
- Worthington Division, McGraw-Edison Co., Mountainside, NJ
- OSTI ID:
- 5882233
- Journal Information:
- Oil Gas J.; (United States), Vol. 81:4
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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