NPSHa

Basics
How to best calculate
net positive suction head
available in a variety
of scenarios.

Articles by Jim Elsey, originally published in Pumps & Systems

from Pumps & Systems magazines

NPSHa Basics
How to best calculate net positive suction
head available in a variety of scenarios.

Contents

1 STEP BY STEP CALCULATION

OF NPSHA 13 NPSHA: A SUMMARY & HOW TO
SOLVE PROBLEMS
4 CALCULATE NPSHA FOR A SUCTION
LIFT CONDITION 16 BEST PRACTICES FOR STRAINER
LOCATION
6 CALCULATING NPSHA WHEN
THE LIQUID IS ABOVE AMBIENT
TEMPERATURE

8 CALCULATING NPSHA FOR A

CLOSED & PRESSURIZED SYSTEM

10 NPSHA: CALCULATING FOR

SYSTEMS UNDER VACUUM

Dear Reader,
Pumps & Systems is known for its highly technical
information, and we pride on our place as the industry’s best
By Jim Elsey
resource for operations and maintenance knowledge. Summit Pump Inc.
In recent years, we are seeing an increasing need for
more basic articles. Our columnist Jim Elsey—the top-read
writer in our publication month after month—addresses Jim Elsey is a mechanical engineer
these topics with expertise and flair. In this ebook, we have who has focused on rotating equipment
collected Elsey’s columns about NPSHa (net positive suction design and applications for the military
head available) in one complete package. NPSH represents and several large original equipment
one of the cornerstones of pump system operation, and it is manufacturers for 47 years in most
frequently misunderstood. In these pages, NPSHa in a variety industrial markets around the world.
of scenarios will become easier to understand. And for more, Elsey is an active member of the
visit pumpsandsystems.com. American Society of Mechanical
Thanks for reading! Engineers, the National Association of
Corrosion Engineers and the American
Society for Metals.
He is the general manager for Summit
Pump Inc. and the principal of MaDDog
Alecia Archibald,
Pump Consultants LLC. Elsey may be
Editor-in-Chief, Pumps & Systems
reached at jim@summitpump.com.
aarchibald@cahabamedia.com
1 NPSHa BASICS By Jim Elsey

Step by Step Calculation of NPSHa

Part 1 of 5

I
n the world of psychology and my previous columns on the subject, eye of the impeller. The liquid will flash
specifically in the area of introspective one from Pumps & Systems August 2015 to vapor if there is not enough NPSHa.
issues, it is often declared that, “what and the other from April 2018. Do not confuse NPSHa with suction
you resist will persist.” pressure. While suction pressure is in
You’ve heard it before, and here we Definition of NPSH, some ways a component in the mix,
go again. NPSHa and NPSHr there is something more complex to
Allegedly, the most misunderstood The net positive suction head is the total the story.
concept in the pump world is net positive suction head in feet of liquid (or meters), NPSHa is the amount of NPSH that
suction head (NPSH). I have written several less the vapor pressure (in feet or meters) the system has available at the eye of
articles on the subject and so have many of the liquid being pumped. the pump impeller.
other pump technicians or engineers and Think of head as an energy level and This NPSHa value is entirely a function
so-called experts. not as a force-like pressure. All values of the liquid, its properties, ambient
The NPSH name itself, an acronym, are absolute. conditions and the suction system design
confuses most pump neophytes. The subject NPSHa is measured at the pump and geometry. Essentially, the calculation
and required calculations confounds people centerline or the impeller eye. These is about the suction system itself and has
who are new to the industry, those on the two things can be at different places nothing to do with the pump.
periphery (operators or administrators) and or elevations. This calculation should be completed by
professionals who incorrectly believe they Think of NPSHa as the liquid’s available the system owner, the end user and/or their
fully understand the subject even after 25 energy level at the inlet of the pump or the engineer or consultant.
years in the business.
I suggest we need to be concerned about
this issue, because mistakes with respect to
NPSH available (NPSHa) calculations are all Calculating NPSHA
too frequent and expensive to correct.
One of the fun parts of my position is Tank open to Atmospheric Pressure
68 Degree F Water = Vapor Pressure 0.33889 PSIA
teaching at several pump schools each
year and devoting a major portion of the
course to the subject of understanding
the concept of NPSH and how to complete
the calculations.
Static Head
In the teaching process, I cover the 10 feet from the centerline of
five main examples that you will likely the pump to the top of water
encounter in normal industry applications.
The examples are adapted from chapter 1 of
the “Cameron Hydraulic Data Book.”
Suction valve is fully open
I will explain these five examples with
the basic optimistic intent that once
Water System is at elevation = sea level …where atmospheric pressure is 14.7 PSIA
you learn these five examples and a few Friction losses and entrance losses total 3.2 feet
variations of each you will be able to
handle the applications encountered in the
Image 1. Flooded open system with ambient temperature water
real world. (Image courtesy of the author)
As background, please re-examine two of

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2 NPSHa BASICS By Jim Elsey

For liability reasons, manufacturers over and hate formulas, perhaps you should distance from the top of the water
are normally directed to not be involved study Image 1 for a few moments and see surface to the pump impeller eye (or
in the customers’ calculations; however, what’s going on there before we approach pump centerline if they are the same)
as time marches on, the manufacturer the formula. • vapor pressure of the liquid being
is getting more involved mostly as a In Image 1, we have a tank of clear water pumped, which you can easily calculate
preservation issue. at ambient temperature (68 F, which also based on the temperature and is a value
that is easy to look up
• friction head, which I have calculated
and will advise for this example to be
I suggest we need to be concerned about 3.2 feet
this issue because mistakes with • velocity head, normally a negligible
factor and for simplicity we will skip it
respect to NPSHa calculations are all too this month and address in a later article
frequent and expensive to correct. in the series

How to Calculate the NPSHa

for a Flooded Suction:
NPSH required (NPSHr) is most means the specific gravity will be 1.0) and 1. For our metric friends, these
commonly determined by the pump it is open to atmospheric pressure. Here, components can also be in units of
manufacturer by empirical methods and the tank and pump system are at an meters, but stay consistent with
using standards and specifications from elevation near sea level. the units.
the Hydraulic Institute (HI). NPSHr values The top surface of the water level in 2. The components of vapor pressure
are normally reported on the performance the tank is 10 feet above the pump and friction will always be a negative
curves for the pump. centerline. We call this a “flooded suction” value and consequently always work
Note that NPSHr and NPSH3 are because the source of the liquid is above against you.
essentially the same thing. At the given the pump impeller. 3. Absolute pressure can be zero, but it
operating point of head and flow, the There is adequately sized piping from cannot be negative (by definition).
pump is already slightly cavitating due to the tank to the pump suction with an 4. Suppose the liquid source was below
insufficient NPSH and the developed head elbow and a fully open isolation valve. We the pump instead of above? In the
has dropped by 3 percent while the flow will assume that the water level remains case of a “lift” where the liquid level is
rate is fixed at some value. constant at 10 feet for the example, but in
NPSH margin is how much the NPSHa the real world you will want to calculate the NPSHa = pressure absolute – vapor pressure
value exceeds the NPSHr. NPSHa for the worse condition, which will absolute + static height of the liquid
There are guidelines for recommended likely be at a lower level. – friction
or proper margins, and I say the higher the At this point, with just the information I
margin, the better. have given you from the figure, you have all Where:
See ANSI/HI 9.6.1-2012 for more the data you need to calculate the NPSHa, the pressures are in absolute values and all
information on this subject. except the friction head. components are in units of feet.
For this first example I will calculate the
NPSHa: Formula or the Figure? friction head to keep the problem simple.
I like to think of formulas as my “friends” We will ignore velocity head since the value
because once I know the correct formula is normally small. Or: NPSHa = A – V + S – F
to use, I can simply fill in the values for In future examples, we will discuss the Or: NPSHa = ha - hvpa + hst - hf
the terms or components in the formula, methods of calculation for the friction
complete the math steps and come up with head, and I will also calculate and show how Where:
the right answer. the velocity head can affect the outcome absolute pressure = ha
In college, we referred to this process as or not. vapor pressure = hvpa (absolute value)
“plug and chug.” Some friends have told me To calculate NPSHa, you need to know: static head = hst (positive value because it is
that the moment I reference a formula in • absolute pressure on or at the liquid flooded)
class or my articles, I lose 50 percent of my surface friction head = hf
audience! So, for those of you that glaze • static head, which is simply the vertical

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3 NPSHa BASICS By Jim Elsey

below the suction of the pump, (not a The second component in the equation is We will address some pipe friction
“flooded” situation) then that value for hvpa, or the vapor pressure for the liquid fundamentals in the later examples in the
static height is negative (the situation at this given temperature of 68 F. To get coming articles.
is referred to as a “lift”) and this the vapor pressure value, simply look it Lastly, remember we are not addressing
component in the equation now works up in a reference book like the “Cameron the fifth factor in the formula, which is
against you. Hydraulic Data Book.” The value (pressure velocity head (hvel). In a properly designed
5. We do not need to be concerned with the of saturated vapor absolute) will typically system (with Newtonian liquids in a
discharge side of the pump or system for be given in units of psia, will vary directly nonslurry application), the value of velocity
NPSHa calculations. with the temperature and is also different head will typically be under 1 foot in value.
6. In summary, most of the components for each liquid type. The value for the velocity head component
in the NPSHa formula are working The value you should obtain from your is positive.
against you. You begin to understand search is 0.33889 psia. Multiply that For now, we have the four values required
why suction sources that are elevated, number by 2.31 to convert to head in units to fill in for the components and calculate
flooded, open to atmosphere and/or of feet. You will obtain the value of 0.7828 the answer for NPSHa. All units are in feet.
pressurized with the liquid at lower feet. We will round off to 0.783 feet. You The pressures are in absolute values.
temperatures are desired. now have the second value in the equation: Please work through the example below
0.783 feet. to see if you get the same or similar value.
Back to the formula (yes I slipped it into
the article). The third component in the equation is Next we will calculate NPSHa for a lift
As mentioned before, you have the the static head (hst). This is a vertical condition.
information to fill these four components measurement from the surface of the liquid Later we will look at the effects of high
to the centerline of the pump (impeller elevations, hot liquids, hydrocarbons and
NPSHa = ha – hvpa + hst – hf eye). Remember to figure for the worst case pressurized suction tanks. We will also
(lowest level expected). In our example, address suction conditions under vacuum.
it was stated the static height is 10 feet.
in with real numbers and complete the No need to convert as it is already in the
calculation to determine NPSHa. correct units. You now have the value for NPSHa = ha – hvpa + hst – hf
the third component in the equation: 10
The first component in the equation (ha) feet. NPSHa = 34 – 0.783 + 10 – 3.2 = 40.017
represents the value for the absolute feet—or rounded to 40 feet NPSHa.
pressure above the open water tank. It was The fourth component (hf ) in the equation NPSHa = 40 feet
given earlier that the system is at sea level. is the friction loss in the piping, which I
The liquid in the open tank is subject previously supplied at a value of 3.2 feet.
to atmospheric pressure. At sea level, the You now have all four values for figuring References
atmospheric pressure can be assumed to be out the answer. Cameron Hydraulic Data Book, 16th edition
near 14.7 pounds per square inch absolute Note that the given friction factor of 3.2
(psia), or 0 psi gauge (psig). Note that feet is a function of the liquid properties,
variations in the atmospheric pressure can the flow rate and the pipe (suction system)
and will affect the NPSHa value. materials and geometry. You should
Now convert the atmospheric pressure understand in simple terms that for a given
from psia to feet of head. Multiply 14.7 by liquid flow rate, there will be friction losses
2.31, and the result is 33.957 feet, rounding for the pipe length, the elbow, the valve,
to 34 feet. The value for the first component the exit loss from the tank (large to small
in the equation is 34 feet. We will cover the transition) and the entrance loss into the
effects of higher elevations and vacuum in pump (change in diameters from the pipe to
later articles. the pump nozzle).

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4 NPSHa BASICS By Jim Elsey

Calculate NPSHa for a Suction Lift Condition

Part 2 of 5

I
n the last article, we worked through an
example for a simple system calculation
of net positive suction head available
(NPSHa) based on a 10-foot flooded suction
with 68 F water at sea level. The head due to
friction in the suction system was 3.2 feet.
After working through the formula with
the data (calculated or given), the answer
for the amount of NPSHa was 40 feet.
This month, we will turn the suction
system around and calculate the NPSHa
for a 10-foot suction lift. The liquid source
will remain open to atmospheric pressure.
The location elevation is at sea level and
the liquid is water at a temperature of 68
F. The friction head (hf ) for the suction
side system is calculated by the author
Image 1. The system arrangement for a 10-foot suction lift. (Image courtesy
at 3.2 feet. Please refer to Image 1 to see of the author)
the system arrangement for this second
example.
We call this a “lift” situation because actual suction lift added together is pressure. The pump site location/
the top surface of the liquid is below 13.2 feet. elevation was given as sea level.
the centerline of the pump impeller. When calculating the power required to Consequently, the absolute atmospheric
Consequently, the static head will be a drive the pump, you need to consider the pressure at sea level of 14.7 pounds
negative quantity. work done in the lift evolution, because the
The pump is not really “lifting” the liquid pump is moving liquid of a certain weight
because water (along with all other liquids) NPSHa = ha – hvpa – hst – hf
per unit volume up a vertical distance
has no tensile strength, and the pump is (lift or static suction lift). Water at 68 F is
not capable of reaching out and pulling the Where:
62.32 pounds per cubic foot or 8.33 pounds
fluid in—a common misconception. ha = the head from the absolute pressure
per gallon.
Due to atmospheric pressure pushing acting on the surface of the liquid
As I said in the last article, the formula
down on the fluid, there is a force that hvpa = the head from vapor pressure. This is
for NPSHa is my “friend” because if I can
causes the liquid to move to the pump when always a negative value
fill in the values for the formula, then all I
the air in the line is removed (the pump is hst = the static head or elevation difference.
need to do is the math to get my result (also
primed). The pump exerts a small amount In this case of a lift, the value is
known as “plug and chug”). The formula for
of differential pressure on the liquid in negative. Note the change in sign (+ to
NPSHa for a suction lift condition is in the
front of the impeller that initiates flow. -) from the first example (last month)
box at right.
The actual suction lift is the static of a flooded suction.
head plus the friction head that must hf = the friction head. Friction head is
Notes:
be overcome. always a negative component.
1. (ha) The system is open to atmosphere
In this case, the static head is 10 feet so the absolute pressure above the liquid
and the friction head is 3.2 feet, so the Equation 1
in this example is simply atmospheric

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5 NPSHa BASICS By Jim Elsey

per square inch absolute (psia) can be it is a lift condition, and for last month’s NPSH is established from a difference in
converted to feet (absolute) by simply example the static head was positive elevation. The velocity head component is a
multiplying 14.7 psia by 2.31. The answer because it was a flooded suction. positive value when used in the equation.
is 33.957 feet, rounded to 34 feet for this The NPSHa formula for a lift is shown in Measuring NPSHa = head of inlet + head
illustration. For elevations above sea Equation 2 below. of velocity – head vapor pressure.
level, the absolute pressure (head) will be Last month, the NPSHa result for the Head of the inlet is equal to the absolute
reduced proportionally with the increase 10-foot flooded suction Example 1 was 40 head + or – the static head – the friction
in elevation. Look at reference charts feet. The only change made this month for head (as shown in Equation 3 below).
that will provide this information. Also, It is important to know that when
be aware there are locations that may be NPSHa = ha – hvpa – hst – hf measuring for NPSHa using a suction
below sea level. pressure gauge, the difference in elevation
2. (hvpa) The head due to the vapor pressure Filling in the factors: between the gauge and the pump impeller
is a direct function of the liquid NPSHa for the 10-foot suction lift example =
properties and its temperature. With 34 – 0.783 – 10 – 3.2 = 20 feet hinlet = habsolute (+ or –) hstatic – hfriction
water at 68 F, you can look up the vapor NPSHa = 20 feet for this example.
pressure in a reference source such as Where:
the “Cameron Hydraulic Data Book” and Equation 2 You can substitute hinlet for gauge pressure
it is usually expressed in units of psia. at or near the pump suction and correct for
The 68 F water will have a vapor pressure elevation to the datum point.
of 0.33889 psia, which will convert to Example 2 was that the flooded suction was
0.7828 feet when you multiply by 2.31 changed to a 10-foot suction lift with the Equation 3
and divide by the specific gravity (SG) NPSHa result of 20 feet.
of 1.0. Recognize that simply changing the centerline (my proposed datum point for
3. (hst) The static head will be negative conditions from a 10-foot flooded suction this example) must be corrected for the
because it is a lift situation, meaning to a 10-foot suction lift changed the NPSHa NPSHa result. If the gauge is above the
the surface of the liquid is below the by a difference of 20 feet. datum point, add the result (how many
centerline of the impeller. The difference feet or fraction thereof) and if the gauge
in elevation is 10 feet. Velocity Head (hvelocity): is below the datum, subtract the
4. (hf ) The friction head was given as To Be or Not To Be? elevation amount.
3.2 feet. I wish to explain a point of confusion for Most gauges used in the field are not
5. (hvelocity) This is not shown in the many of the readers. (I am guilty for not accurate enough or in the wrong range/
equation. The velocity head is not being consistent with this practice across scale to measure for the specific purpose
required when calculating the many of my articles.) of NPSHa. Using a calibrated gauge in the
NPSHa. It is accounted for elsewhere The component of velocity head (hvelocity) proper range, with the proper scale, can
in the formula. in the NPSHa formula is not required yield good results.
6. You should always calculate for the worst when you are calculating NPSHa using the
condition. The liquid surface level may be formula method, but it is required when
References
a different (lower) level. The temperature you are measuring for NPSHa. Cameron Hydraulic Data Book, 16th edition
of the liquid may be hotter, which will There are two methods for the
increase the head of vapor pressure. The determination of NPSHa—either the
friction head may also increase with calculation method or the empirical
time, fouling, corrosion or with different measurement for NPSHa. The fifth
valve settings. component in the NPSHa formula is
velocity head and must be included if you
To solve for NPSHa, fill in the given or are (measuring) determining the NPSH
calculated values. Again, the static head from a gauge reading on the pump suction.
factor is negative in this example because Velocity head is already included if the

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6 NPSHa BASICS By Jim Elsey

Calculating NPSHa When the Liquid Is Above

Ambient Temperature
Part 3 of 5

I
n the first part of this five-part series,
we defined net positive suction head
available (NPSHa) and then walked
through a simple calculation based on
ambient temperature water for a flooded
suction condition.
In part two, we worked through an
almost identical situation except the
water source was at a level below the
pump centerline, which is a suction lift
situation. In both cases, the systems were
open to atmospheric pressure, located Image 1. Flooded suction with hot water (Image courtesy of the author)
at the elevation of sea level. The liquid
temperature was at ambient 68 F.
is always a negative quantity. In the context The Formula for NPSHa
Flooded Suction of NPSHa, vapor pressure is not a friend to Remember that we are calculating NPSHa,
Pumping Hot Water the pump. so we do not need to include velocity head.
In this third part of the series, we will For a given temperature, a liquid exerts Velocity head would be included if we were
investigate what happens when the liquid a certain pressure to the atmosphere, and measuring NPSHa. Please refer to Image 1.
temperature is above ambient. Before we the atmosphere exerts a counter pressure The water level is 10 feet (hst) above the
get to the formula and the calculation, I in return. pump centerline, and let us assume the
recommend a review of the definition for For water temperatures below 212 F, the water level will remain at that height for
vapor pressure. atmospheric pressure is greater than the this example. We will assume the supply
I covered vapor pressure in my April 2018 vapor pressure. Those two pressures (vapor rate is the same as the demand rate. In a
Pumps & Systems column should you wish to and atmospheric) would be in equilibrium real world situation, you must calculate
revisit. A brief summary is as follows. if the water was at 212 F at sea level, where NPSHa based on the expected worst-case
A liquid in an open container will the water would begin to boil. scenario. For example, the application could
eventually evaporate to a vapor unless some If the pump example was at higher be a batch process where the tank will be
other force is present to prevent the change elevations (lower ambient pressure nearly empty at some point.
from occurring. and consequently a lower equilibrium For ease in working the example, I have
In most examples, that force is simply temperature) the water would boil at a calculated the total friction losses (hf )
atmospheric pressure. Even a bowl of water lower temperature. as 3.2 feet. Note that friction losses are
left on the kitchen counter will evaporate Vapor pressures for water at various technically lower for hot water than cold,
away over time, but it will happen at temperatures are easy to calculate or obtain but we will ignore the small difference for
a significantly faster rate with each in a reference source, but it is often very the examples in this series.
incremental increase in temperature. difficult to find reliable information on The tank is open to atmospheric pressure,
The amount of energy associated with the vapor pressures for other liquids. It is not and the system is located at an elevation of
vapor pressure is subtracted from the total uncommon for the end user/operator to sea level. The absolute pressure in feet of
energy level available for the NPSHa. The be using the incorrect vapor pressure in head (ha) is 35.4 feet as a result. Remember
energy associated with the vapor pressure their calculations. from the formal NPSHa definition for

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7 NPSHa BASICS By Jim Elsey

The more important fact is to know the involving flooded suctions are instead
NPSHa = ha – hvpa + or – hst – hf actual elevation for the pump location and confronted by a project with a lift or a
adjust your calculations accordingly. vacuum on the suction side.
Where: The difference between this third To continue the full calculation for this
ha = the absolute pressure. Absolute example and the first example is that now example, the head due to static height (hst)
pressure as measured in feet of head of the water temperature has been increased is positive because it is a flooded suction
the liquid being pumped at the surface from 68 F to 212 F. Both examples are a above the pump centerline.
of the liquid. flooded suction and an open system. Vapor
hvpa = the vapor pressure. The head in feet pressure for 212 F water can be obtained NPSHa = ha – hvpa + hst – hf
corresponding to the vapor pressure from a reference text. Vapor pressure
NPSHa = 35 – 35 + 10 – 3.2 = 6.8 feet
of the liquid at the temperature being is normally expressed in units of psia,
pumped. which must then be converted to feet (“for
Equation 4
hst = the static head of the liquid over the the liquid being pumped”) for use in the
pump centerline for a flooded suction previous equation. The vapor pressure
in feet (positive value for flooded for water at 212 F is 14.696 psia. When When the water temperature was 68 F,
suction) converted to feet, this will round off to the NPSHa was 40 feet. Now that the water
hst = the static head of the liquid below the 35 feet. is 212 F, the NPSHa has dropped to 6.8
pump centerline for a lift situation in The calculation is shown in Equation 3. feet—a significant difference of 33.2 feet.
feet (negative value for lift situations)
hf = the total friction loss in feet of head (14.696 x 2.31) = 35.4 ≈ 35 feet Summary
for the suction side system 0.958 The situation illustrated in this article
Equation 3 where the vapor pressure cancels out the
Equation 1 absolute pressure is very common in the
industry because many processes are
The significant difference for the current designed to operate at or near equilibrium
absolute pressure (ha)… “is the absolute
example is that the vapor pressure will be for maximum efficiency.
pressure as measured in feet of head of the
higher because the temperature is higher. The only system design aspect working
liquid being pumped at the surface of the
The vapor pressure for 68 F water is 0.783 for your pump application in a positive
liquid.” Absolute atmospheric pressure is
feet. (To obtain that value, convert 0.33889 way remains the static head (hst). This is
14.7 pounds per square inch absolute (psia).
psia to head by multiplying by 2.31 and why you see so many elevated tanks in
To convert to feet, multiply by 2.31 and
dividing by specific gravity, which was 1.0.) chemical plants and refineries and also why
divide by the specific gravity of the liquid
But now the vapor pressure for 212 F water condensate pumps are always in the lowest
being pumped. (See Equation 2.)
is 35 feet. See Equation 3 above. This is a level of the steam plant.
In real life examples, the actual
significant difference of almost 34 feet over
atmospheric pressure will be slightly lower References
the 68 F water example and the major point
and vary with weather/barometric pressure Cameron Hydraulic Data Book, 19th Edition
of this article.
and elevation above or below
Many sales engineers, pump technicians
sea level.
and operators will work for years in the
pump application world and will have no
pump suction side issues with NPSHa
(14.7 x 2.31) = 35.4 or ≈ 35 feet
until that first time they encounter an
0.9580
Equation 2 application involving hot liquids (higher
vapor pressures), where the previous
“forgiving adequacy” of 34 feet NPSHa
margin was just “mysteriously stolen” from
Standard pressure at sea level may also be
them by the thief that is vapor pressure.
listed as 14.696 psia in lieu of 14.7. Either
A similar scenario plays out when people
way, it rounds off to 14.7 psia.
who have always worked with applications

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8 NPSHa BASICS By Jim Elsey

Calculating NPSHa for a Closed &

Pressurized System
Part 4 of 5

I
n the first three parts of this five-part
series, we covered the calculation of net
positive suction head available (NPSHa)
for a flooded suction, a lift condition and
a third scenario where the water was hot
(212 F) on a flooded suction example. Note
we did not go over a hot water lift condition
example because these situations are not
practical or feasible.
The negative aspects of the vapor
pressure and the static lift components in
conjunction with the friction will negate
almost all of the energy that is supplied
by atmospheric pressure (habsolute). Always Image 1. Flooded suction in closed system with hot water (Image courtesy of the author)
be very careful and circumspect of any hot
liquid lift situation for these reasons.
that suction pressure is equivalent to the vertical distance from the top of the
Pressurized Suction Source NPSHa. For more than 47 years, I have liquid surface to the centerline of the pump.
The majority of pump applications in North unfortunately witnessed this mistake being The value for the static head component
America are installed at elevations below made time and again. is positive because this is a flooded
5,000 feet (reference to sea level). When I talk with other technicians, engineers, suction situation.
the system is open to atmospheric pressure, industry peers and even industry contacts Steam systems that are 100 to 150 psig
we automatically gain the energy from the at competitive companies. This common, are common in industrial and commercial
air column pushing down on the surface of yet preventable, mistake is the major applications. If you are involved in pump
the liquid. point of this article. Suction pressure is applications, you will come across this
At sea level, we gain 34 feet of absolute not NPSHa. example at some point.
pressure and at 5,000 feet above sea level This is specifically an example of a
(ASL), we still have 28 feet of energy due to About This Example deaerator tank where 120 psig steam is
the atmospheric pressure. The example for this article (see Image 1) used to both preheat the water and reduce
So far in this series, the examples have shows a closed and pressurized suction and/or eliminate the dissolved gas level in
been for open systems. This means the tank at 120 pounds per square inch gauge the feedwater.
liquid supply source was open and subject (psig) and 350 degrees F. The system is The main culprit to be removed from
to the atmospheric pressure for the at sea level. It is important to state this the liquid is oxygen. By reducing the
elevation and barometric conditions at the not because the atmospheric pressure is oxygen level in the system, the corrosion
pump site. exerting on the fluid, but because it also is minimized.
Please note that just because a tank has affects the gage pressure readings. The saturation temperature for 120
a top or cover on it does not mean it is a • (gage = absolute – atmospheric) psig steam (134 5 psia) is in essence 350
pressured tank. • (atmosphere = absolute – gage) F. Consequently the corresponding vapor
One of the biggest mistakes I see in new • (absolute = gage + atmospheric) pressure for the liquid will be the same or
pump applications is the false assumption The static head is 10 feet (hst). This is very close (hvpa).

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9 NPSHa BASICS By Jim Elsey

Because the system is at or close to centerline (Image 1). For this example, The Calculation
saturation, corresponding head from the let us assume the water level will remain At this point, you have all the data to
absolute pressure will negate head from the at that height. We will assume the liquid complete the calculation. All units are in
vapor pressure component in the NPSHa supply rate is the same as the demand feet at absolute values.
equation. This is common in industrial and rate. In a real world situation, you must NPSHa = ha – hvpa + hst – hf
commercial applications. calculate NPSHa based on the expected NPSHa = 350 - 350 + 10 – 3.2 = 6.8 ft.
Remember from part one of this series worst case scenario. Ask yourself if the pump you would
that we need to convert to absolute For example, the application could be select for this application has a net positive
values when calculating NPSHa. The a batch process where the tank will be suction head required (NPSHr) value of less
absolute pressure for the system would be nearly empty at some point. In this case than 5 feet.
approximately 135 psia. Absolute pressure of a deaerator system the level will likely In conclusion, many technicians and
equals gauge pressure plus atmospheric remain the same. operators will not bother to conduct the
pressure, therefore 120 + 14.7 = 134.7. We For ease in working the example, I have NPSHa calculations because the suction
will round off to 135 psia. calculated the total friction losses (hf ) pressure of 120 psig leads to a false belief
Notice that while the suction pressure is as 3.2 feet. Note that friction losses are that it is not necessary.
almost 120 psig, the result for the NPSHa technically lower for hot water than cold, Do not let it happen to you. The mistake
calculation will be less than 7 feet. This isbut we will ignore the small difference for is very costly to correct.
one reason I instruct all of my pump school the examples in this series.
students to always calculate the NPSHa. The tank is closed off to atmospheric
The other reason is that I see the mistake pressure and the system is pressurized with
of confusing suction pressure for NPSHa steam to 120 psig. The absolute pressure
on a regular basis. in feet of head (ha) is 350 feet as a result.
Remember the formal NPSHa definition References
The Formula for absolute pressure (ha): “the absolute Cameron Hydraulic Data Book, 19th Edition

I know many of you hate this part, but pressure as measured in feet of head of
remember the formula (the equation) is the liquid being pumped at the surface of
your friend in these examples. If you know the liquid.” Depending on which method
the formula you can just “plug” in the of conversion of pressure to feet you use,
values and “chug” through the math to get the answer will still round off to 350 feet
the correct answer. (Equations 2 and 3).
Remember that we are calculating NPSHa The vapor pressure for 350 F water is
(Equation 1), so we do not need to include 134.604 psia. I looked for this value in
velocity head.The water level is 10 feet (10 the “Cameron Hydraulic Data Book,” but
feet of static head hst) above the pump you can find the information in several
technical reference sources. I then
NPSHa = ha – hvpa + hst – hf converted to units of feet (Equation 4).

Where: [(135 psia) x (2.31)] = 350.23 ≈ 350 feet (h )

a
ha = the absolute pressure. Absolute 0.8904
pressure as measured in feet of head of Where:
the liquid being pumped at the surface 0.8904 = the specific gravity of water at 350 F
of the liquid.
hvpa = the vapor pressure. The head in feet Equation 2
corresponding to the vapor pressure
of the liquid at the temperature being
[(135psia) x (144)] = 349.703 ≈ 350 feet (h )
pumped. a
hst = the static head of the liquid over the 55.59
pump centerline for a flooded suction Where:
in feet (positive value for flooded 55.59 = the specific weight in pounds per
suction) cubic foot
hf = the total friction loss in feet of head Equation 3
for the suction side system

Equation 1
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10 NPSHa BASICS By Jim Elsey

NPSHa: Calculating for Systems Under Vacuum

Part 5 of 5

I
n the first four parts of this five-part
series, we covered the calculation of
NPSHa for a flooded suction, a lift
condition, a hot water flooded suction and
a pressurized hot water flooded example.
In this fifth and final working example, we
will investigate what happens to NPSHa
when the system is under vacuum.

Understanding a Vacuum
The concept of vacuum is frequently
misunderstood and is a source of confusion
to many in the pump world. In general,
people that manufacture, sell, maintain
and operate vacuum pumps and other
related vacuum equipment know the terms,
units and principles very well, but the rest
of us are often confused and dismayed by
the subject. Nomenclature in the world of Image 1. Flooded suction/10 feet static/closed system under vacuum (Image courtesy
of the author)
vacuum applications can be confusing and
is often counterintuitive; for example, the
term “high vacuum” simply implies low
on the suction side of the pump is under (barometric pressure) and the elevation
pressure. The higher the vacuum, the lower
vacuum. Condensers are not the only above or below sea level.
the remaining pressure, and vice versa.
applications concerned with vacuum. The
What if I told you that vacuum is
pressure in the suction line of a centrifugal Absolute Pressure = Gauge Pressure +
pressure? Most people would surely
pump operating in a lift application will Atmospheric Pressure
dismiss that statement as silly, but
most often be in a vacuum—that is, at a To help in understanding the next part of
please think about it. In a vacuum, there
pressure less than atmospheric. this example, I will add a few comments.
remains an amount of pressure that is
To be clear, when we state a pressure, we Atmospheric pressure at sea level equals
below atmospheric pressure, but is also
should add the mode to differentiate the 14.7 pounds per square inch (psi) and that
above absolute zero. Even in a container
pressure measurement we are referencing. equates to a pressure of 29.92 inches of Hg
at “middle to high vacuum” there is some
That is, we should state with the units (mercury). To convert inches of mercury to
pressure remaining.
and measurement quantity the correct units of feet, multiply by 1.1349. For those
The application example for this article is
mode; either vacuum, atmospheric, gauge that deal in SI units or work professionally
a steam condenser. Condensers operate in
or absolute. in the vacuum arena, note that a Torr is
a vacuum by design because this approach
For this article, we will refer to the area defined as 1/760 of an atmosphere and
maximizes efficiency for the steam system.
of vacuum as that pressure range (mode) may be expressed as 1 mm-Hg, where 760
If you are applying pumps in commercial or
below atmospheric pressure and above zero mm-Hg also equals 29.92 inches Hg.
industrial applications, you will eventually
pressure absolute. Note that atmospheric Also in what appears to be an evil plot
encounter a situation where the liquid
pressure changes with the weather just to confuse the neophytes, we reverse

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11 NPSHa BASICS By Jim Elsey

the scale when we switch from pressure Using the information above, you now specific weights versus specific gravities
to vacuum. know there is still a small amount of when converting between pressure and
When we use the expression “full pressure remaining in the condenser. You head; both methods are correct, but may
vacuum,” we are referring to the vacuum also know that a full vacuum is accepted to yield slightly different answers.
level of 29.92 inches of Hg. Note we state be 29.92” Hg. Consequently the difference You can see from the example that the
full vacuum and not a perfect vacuum. At between the full vacuum and the measured positive component of static head minus
full vacuum, there is no pressure remaining vacuum is therefore 1.5” Hg or 1.7 feet the friction becomes the main contributor
for the NPSHa calculations. [29.92 – 28.42 = 1.5” Hg]. to the NPSHa total. The head due to
The 1.5” Hg converts to 1.7 feet of head absolute pressure and the vapor pressure
The Mistake absolute (1.5 x 1.1349 = 1.7 and note the components cancel each other out because
The mistake most often made in vacuum units are now feet). Now you have the the system is at, or near, equilibrium. This
applications is thinking the level of vacuum first component in the NPSHa formula condition is also referred to as saturation.
is the same as the pressure and that the as 1.7 feet. The second component in the The friction component takes an
units just need to be converted. Further, formula is the vapor pressure (hvpa). I additional toll on the total leaving some
when the person calculating the NPSHa provided the information that the water portion of the static head as the main factor.
for the system is looking to determine the was at approximately 92 F. Water at this Pumps applied in low NPSHa situations
value of the first component in the NPSHa temperature has a vapor pressure of such as condensate service are always going
equation (which is ha or habsolute) many people 0.741457 pounds per square inch absolute
just convert the vacuum measurement (psia) and that pressure converts to a head
to feet of water and use that result in the of 1.73 feet which rounds to 1.7 feet. NPSHa = ha – hvpa + hst – hf
equation. That approach will yield the Caution: remember from the definition
wrong answer. For example, 28 inches of of NPSHa formula the vapor pressure is Where:
mercury vacuum converts to approximately not simply a conversion, but is defined as ha = the absolute pressure. Absolute
32 feet. the head in feet corresponding to the vapor pressure as measured in feet of head of
The correct answer is discussed later. pressure of the liquid at the temperature the liquid being pumped at the surface
being pumped. Another way to calculate of the liquid. This will be barometric
would be [1.5” Hg x 1.1349 = 1.7 feet]. pressure if suction is from an open
[28 x 1.1349 = 31.7772 ≈ 32] The third component in the formula is tank; or the absolute pressure existing
Equation 1 the head due to static height (hst), which was in a closed tank such as a condenser
provided in the figure as 10 feet. The fourth hotwell or deaerator.
component in the equation is the head due hvpa = the vapor pressure. The head in feet
The Formula to friction (hf), which was provided by the corresponding to the vapor pressure
For the correct answer, we first need to author as 3.2 feet. of the liquid at the temperature being
determine the amount of residual pressure Now you simply need to insert the values pumped.
in the condenser. Then use the formula in the equation and complete the hst = the static head of the liquid over the
to calculate the resultant NPSHa. I know pump centerline or impeller eye for a
many of you hate formulas, and I will NPSHa = ha – hvpa + hst – hf flooded suction in feet (positive value
remain insistent they are your friends. NPSHa = 1.7- 1.7 + 10 – 3.2 = 6.8 for flooded suction). Not all impeller
Refer to Image 1, which depicts the centerlines correspond to the pump
condenser application for this example. The NPSHa = 6.8 feet centerline.
application is at sea level. The condenser Equation 3 hf = the total friction loss in feet of head
is operating at a vacuum of 28.42 inches for the suction side system.
of mercury (28.42” Hg). Note we are math steps (see Equation 3).
measuring vacuum so the scale is now When you conduct your calculations for Equation 2
reversed from our normal perception of your own applications, you may have results
pressure. The higher the vacuum, the closer that differ slightly due to temperature
we approach the maximum or full vacuum conversions, rounding and conversions to be in the lowest level of the plant for
of 29.92” Hg. At zero or low vacuum, the between units. the aforementioned reasons. In a refinery
measurement would be 0” Hg. Another explanation for result variance application, the tower will need to be
Using the information I provided can be different techniques such as using at a higher elevation so the pumps have

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12 NPSHa BASICS By Jim Elsey

adequate NPSHa. At this value of 6.8 feet,

you can also see why condensate pumps
operate at slow speeds, are physically placed
well below the condenser, often have special
impellers, enlarged eyes or inducers on the
first stage and are frequently dual suction.
The NPSHa in this example is 6.8
feet, but also think of it as the net static
submergence. If you refer to the “Cameron
Hydraulic Data Book” and view the NPSHa
calculation for condenser applications,
the editor also points out the vacuum
application is similar to, and can also be
equated as, a lift situation. The equivalent
suction lift is equal to the difference
between the “vacuum effect” and the net
submergence. In this case it would be 25.45
feet. That is, this vacuum application can be
equated to a lift situation of 25.45 feet. The
text example is a different result because
the friction factor was lower.

28.42 Hg of vacuum x 1.1349 = 32.25 feet

Static submergence = 10 feet
Friction losses = 3.2 feet
Net static submergence = 6.8 feet
Equivalent suction lift = 32.25 – 6.8 = 25.45 feet

Equation 4

Conclusion
Remember, static height and the NPSHa
formula are your friends, vapor pressure
is not. Next I will summarize the subject
and lessons learned from the five-part
series in combination with a discussion on
how to address the issue if you do not have
sufficient NPSHa.

References
Cameron Hydraulic Data Book, 19th Edition

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13 NPSHa BASICS By Jim Elsey

NPSHa: A Summary & How to Solve Problems

TIPS FOR

T
five-part series of articles when they reach an area of higher
covered the calculation of pressure at about one-third to one-half
CALCULATING NPSHa
net positive suction head the distance along the underside of the
available (NPSHa). I summarized
the NPSHa concept and said that
impeller vane. The formation of the
bubbles does little physical damage.
1 Always calculate the NPSHa when
choosing, applying or troubleshooting
a pump.
firmly grasping the theory and Cavitation will affect the pump
completing the calculation can often
be a tricky process. However, with
an understanding of the basics and
hydraulic performance. The collapse of
the bubbles potentially creates serious
damage to the impeller.
2 Always work in absolute values.

some practice, you can gain confidence

and work through most applications. NPSH Margin
3 Keep the units consistent. I
recommend working in feet of head
if you are working in U.S. customary
The five examples in the series were To preclude or mitigate cavitation, (USC) units or meters of head if using
selected to cover almost every aspect you must have more NPSHa than the metric International System (SI) units.
you will encounter in the real world. pump requires.
In most real-life NPSH issues, we are
not the person that is conducting the
How much NPSH margin you need
to preclude cavitation varies with each
4 Use the NPSHa formula. It is
your friend.

initial NPSHa calculation for a system application. The more margin,

and initially selecting the pump. The
more likely scenario is that we are NPSHa ÷ NPSHr = NPSH margin
5 Always calculate for the worst
condition (most restrictive) in
the system.
stuck with an existing system problem,
and the associated pump is cavitating
toward a short and very expensive life
ending. The guilty parties are gone or
Where:
NPSHr is also equal to NPSH3 6 Suction pressure is not NPSHa.

not talking. Equation 1 7 Do not confuse submergence

with NPSHa. You need to calculate
for both.
Why Cavitation is a Bad Thing
If there is insufficient NPSHa, the
pump will cavitate. Cavitation causes
the better. Guidelines and rules of
thumb are as plentiful and reliable as 8 Almost every pump problem is on
the suction side.
pump damage and a reduction in urban myths. I recommend you read
performance. The pump damage
manifests as mechanical seal and
American National Standards
Institute/Hydraulic Institute (ANSI/ 9 Vapor pressure is not your friend.
Always know the liquid properties.
bearing damage. In the later stages, HI) specification 9.6.1 to gain a better
it can also destroy an impeller. All
damage is expensive.
understanding. The liquid properties
and the suction energy level are the
10 In a vacuum, there is still some
pressure. It is just at a level below
atmospheric pressure.
Most readers know that cavitation differentiating factors.
(classic) is the formation of vapor
bubbles in the liquid. How to Fix a Cavitating Pump 11 For a given pump, the same flow
rate (Q) using a smaller impeller will
require more NPSH. Look at using a
These bubbles form because the I am frequently asked this question,
larger impeller if feasible. Note the
pressure on the liquid has dropped and I normally suggest a look at
total dynamic head (TDH or TH) will
below the vapor pressure (NPSH the NPSHa formula and its four be different.
required [NPSHr] exceeds NPSHa). This components for the solution.
issue normally occurs near the eye of
the impeller since this is the lowest
Using each of the four components
from the formula, you can map 12 When in doubt, revert back to this
series of articles or call your “pump
phone a friend.”
pressure area in the suction system. potential solutions to solve the
The bubbles subsequently collapse existing NPSHa problem.

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14 NPSHa BASICS By Jim Elsey

The first factor in the formula is absolute Other Possibilities Outside

pressure (ha). This factor is always positive. of the Formula NPSHa = ha – hvpa + hst – hf
If the suction source is already open to If you cannot increase the NPSHa, perhaps
atmosphere, there is little you can do as it you can reduce the NPSHr. Where:
is both unlikely and unrealistic to change Look for different pump or impeller ha = the absolute pressure. Absolute
anything within your control. You cannot options that require less NPSH. It is not pressure as measured in feet of head of
change atmospheric pressure or move the uncommon for a manufacturer to have the liquid being pumped at the surface
pump/system location to a lower elevation different impellers for the same pump of the liquid. This will be barometric
in regards to sea level. However, if there with different NPSH requirements. Some pressure if suction is from an open
is an issue, it will help you understand manufacturers will offer an inducer that tank, or the absolute pressure existing
why the pump is cavitating. If the system works in conjunction with the impeller to in a closed tank such as a condenser
is closed and under pressure, there is a reduce the NPSHr. Do not add an inducer hotwell or deaerator.
possibility you can increase the pressure without consulting with the manufacturer, hvpa = the vapor pressure. The head in feet
(consequently the absolute head [ha]) in because inducers must be matched to the corresponding to the vapor pressure
some manner. My experience with plant impeller. Sometimes a different pump of the liquid at the temperature being
owners and operators is that raising the altogether is required. pumped.
system suction pressure is almost never Moving to a double suction impeller hst = the static head of the liquid over the
going to happen due to overriding and/or (two eyes) will have significant effect on pump centerline or impeller eye for a
higher priority constraints. the issue since the NPSHr will be reduced flooded suction in feet (positive value
The second factor in the formula is by 50 percent. for flooded suction). Not all impeller
the vapor pressure (hvpa). The higher the Reduce the pump speed either by centerlines correspond to the pump
temperature, the higher the vapor pressure incorporating variable speed or simply centerline.
and the higher the negative effect. In my using a pump that will complete the service hf = the total friction loss in feet of head
experience, I have only witnessed one case (flow [Q] and head [TH]) at a lower speed. for the suction side system.
where the customer was willing or able to The caveat is that the pump will likely be
reduce the system temperature, but it is twice as big (physically) as the initial pump Equation 2
still a question that must be asked. Even a with an associated higher cost.
few degrees can have a significant effect. In many cases, the solution is to add a
The third component in the formula is booster pump on the suction of the initial ultimate tensile strength, yield strength,
the static head (hst). Sometimes you can pump. In power plants and other steam ultimate elongation, Brinell hardness,
convince the system owner to keep the systems, it is not uncommon to have a modulus of elasticity and strain energy.
supply tank (flooded situation) or the condensate pump that pumps to a feed The most important property from this
sump (lift condition) at a higher level. If booster pump before the liquid gets to the list is the fracture strain energy of the
you are lucky, the few feet the static head actual feed pump. metals. It is for this reason that variations
is increased can make a big difference. I of aluminum bronze and duplex stainless
have been involved in a few cases where the Materials steels offer better resistance than other
pump was moved to a lower level and in one Sometimes there is nothing you can do to materials such as regular carbon steel and
case, a lower level was created for the pump. prevent the pump from cavitating, so your iron. Note, as a post-OEM fix, there are also
These solutions are expensive. option is to treat the symptom in lieu of the several coatings that can be applied. When
The fourth component in the formula is problem. Different materials offer varying using coatings, I recommend the decisive
the friction factor (hf ). Of all the factors ranges of resistance to cavitation damage. phrase and advice for the day be “caveat
in the formula, I have had more “luck” Additionally, some materials offer better emptor,” from the Latin for “buyer beware.”
convincing the system owner to replace protection than others during the course With coatings, there are good ones and
or modify the suction piping in an effort of a phenomenon referred to as cavitation bad ones and good ones applied poorly.
to reduce the friction component. You induced erosion-corrosion.
can increase the pipe size and possibly Cavitation damage resistance is defined Proximity to Best Efficiency
reduce the number of elbows, tees and as the reciprocal of the rate of volume loss Point (BEP)
other components in the suction system to for a given metal. The material’s mechanical Look at where you are operating on the
minimize the friction. properties that are part of this equation are pump curve (head and flow). If too far to

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15 NPSHa BASICS By Jim Elsey

the right, there is a mismatch with the

system and the pump. The NPSHr increases
exponentially as you move right. Operating
too far to the left on the curve can have
similar issues. NPSHr actually increases as
you approach areas of low and minimum
flow rates. This is not published on most
pump curves.

Suction Specific Speed (NSS)

Back in the 1970s, new plants or systems
were designed with an ever-increasing
strict mandate to save money (sometimes
over reliability), especially on the initial
construction and material costs. As a
cost-cutting measure, the NPSHa of
systems was reduced (think smaller and
lower tanks and pumps at higher levels).
The system owners/buyers subsequently
placed increasing pressure on the pump
manufacturers to design pumps with
lower NPSH requirements.
The simplest and quickest solution for
the pump manufacturers was to increase
the size of the impeller eye. The good news
was that the NPSHr was reduced, but the
bad news was the hydraulic stability of the
pump was also markedly reduced if and as
the operating point departed from BEP.

Conclusion
No matter what, you will be involved in
pump applications whether new or existing
from some aspect where NPSH will be a
factor. At least now you will know why
impellers have big eyes, tanks have long
legs and pumps hang out in low places.

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16 NPSHa BASICS By Jim Elsey

Best Practices for Strainer Location

The second issue is a marked reduction

A clogged strainer…on the suction side of in NPSHa. The formula for NPSHa is
shown below for reference. Every pump
a pump, will starve the pump, cause it to cavitate has a requirement for a given amount of
and eventually fail. suction energy that is referred to as net
positive suction head required (NPSHr).
—Jim Elsey, 1979, in an engineering field service report at a large Midwest refinery
The specific requirement is determined by
the manufacturer and is published on their

S
ystem designers frequently place work to preclude or mitigate fouling of performance curves. The NPSHr data is
strainers on the suction side of a heat exchangers, valve blockages and determined by empirical means.
pump. This practice, ostensibly other component issues with small If you have read some of my previous
based on good intentions, is rarely a good operating clearances and annulus voids, articles, you already know that the suction
idea and will create serious issues for the to name a few. In the case of some positive side of the system must provide energy to
pump from the aspect of reduced and displacement pump types such as gear and deliver the liquid to the pump. The pump
turbulent flow, inadequate net positive screw pumps, it is imperative. does not reach out and pull the fluid into
suction head available (NPSHa) and the impeller.
eventually blocked flow. General Comments The pump does not suck the fluid into
The consequential reduction in NPSHa There are several issues with placing the itself, as fluids do not have tensile strength.
will create deleterious effects for the pump strainer in the suction line. The suction system must provide a level
and the downstream system. The first issue is that the strainer will of NPSHa. The level of NPSHa is either
These effects will always manifest as inevitably clog. The clogging will reduce, calculated or measured by the owner or
negative and expensive issues. Due to and at some rate of closure, completely operator of the system. It is imperative
vibrations from cavitation and poor shut off flow to the pump suction, creating that there is more NPSHa than NPSHr.
seal face lubrication from mixed phase serious damage to the pump. The blockage This difference is referred to as the margin.
fluids, the mechanical seals, like canaries also creates issues with the system and The Hydraulic Institute (HI) and American
in the coal mine, are typically the first downstream components that rely on National Standards Institute (ANSI) have
component to fail, followed shortly by the flow provided by the pump. Example: a published standard that covers this
the bearings. These events create reductions another pump in series with the first pump. subject—ANSI/HI 9.6.1-2012.
in efficiency and add to unscheduled
downtime, which all add to the total cost
of ownership. FLOW COEFFIECENT FLOW COEFFICIENT FORMULA
There are several acceptable methods and
Strainer manufacturers typically rate the strainer by size and CV number.
alternative designs to avoid these issues.
CV is the Flow Coefficient. It is a value based on testing and empirical data.
There are also situations where placing the FLOW C
A simple definition, V …is equal to the number of gallons of water that can flow through
COEFFIECENT
strainer on the suction side is the right the strainer withStrainer
a 1 PSI pressure differential.
manufacturers typically rate the strainer by size and CV number.
thing to do, but it must be done correctly. The formula forCC V is can
V the Flowbe helpful
Coefficient. It isin many
a value ways
based to and
on testing better understand
empirical data. the
definition, CV …is equal to the number of gallons of water that can flow through
flowrate throughAthesimple
the strainer and subsequent effects on the differential pressure.
strainer with a 1 PSI pressure differential.
The formula for CV can be helpful in many ways to better understand the
flowrate through the strainer and subsequent effects on the differential pressure.
Background • GPM is the flowrate in gallons per minute.
Normally the reasons for placing the • S is the Specific
• GPM Gravity
is the flowrate in gallons per minute.
• S is the Specific Gravity
• DP is the differential; pressure
• DP is the differential; in psi.
pressure in psi.
strainer on the suction side of a pump
seem like good ones, as it is prudent to CV = GPM !/($%) GPM = CV ($%)/!
protect the pump and the other ancillary CV = GPM !/($%) GPM = CV ($%)/!
components in the system. (DP) = (S)( GPM / CV) 2
This preventative design approach can
Figure 1 (DP) = (S)( GPM / CV) 2

Figure 1
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17 NPSHa BASICS By Jim Elsey

STRAINERS & FILTERS

One person’s strainer may actually be another’s filter. Some Filter is really a general term. It describes a device that
people use the terms interchangeably, but typically the removes solids from a fluid that is passing through the filter
term “strainer” is actually a subset of “filter.” I have used media. The solid could be removed by straining, but it can
the word strainer throughout the article, but note it could also be removed by other methods.
also be a filter. Technically, some people define a filter at less than 75
A strainer removes solids from a solution using a purely microns and a strainer at 75 microns and larger. In my
mechanical and particle size-based sieving process. experience, the colloquial expression is to use the word
If the particle is larger than the size of the holes, it “strainer” if the device has a metal screen, regardless of the
will not pass. If the particle is smaller than the holes, mesh size. Otherwise, the word “filter” is used if the device
it will pass. has bags or cartridges, regardless of the micron rating. You
may have other definitions in your facility.

The issue with insufficient margin is Issues with a Reduced Margin • How to Reduce or Eliminate Air
cavitation and its subsequent deleterious The friction component of the NPSHa Entrainment (December 2017)
effects, which include material damage formula becomes increasingly large when • Most Common Reasons for Air
(usually on the impeller), vibration, the strainer becomes clogged. This is a Entrainment in Pump Systems
mechanical seal and bearing damage, loss negative component in the formula and as a (December 2017)
of efficiency and loss of flow or partial flow. result the reduction in available NPSH will • Guidelines for Submergence & Air
cause the pump to cavitate. Entrainment (April 2016)
The formula for NPSHa If you look deeper into the cavitation • 10 Common Self Priming Pump Issues
Remember that we are calculating NPSHa, phenomena, the reduction in flow caused (September 2015)
so we do not need to include velocity head. by the restricted strainer will result in a
Velocity head would be included if we were higher velocity across the device. The fluid Oil & Gas Applications
measuring NPSHa. in the suction line must obey the law of In oil and gas applications where the pump
conservation of energy, which states energy is upstream at the well head, there is simply
can neither be created nor destroyed, no way to avoid the introduction of solid
NPSHa = ha – hvpa + or - hst – hf
but it can be altered in form. This is best containments and dual phase fluids to the
summarized in Bernoulli’s equation. pump suction.
Where:
Bernoulli’s Law, simplified for this It is extremely rare that a fluid coming
ha = the absolute pressure. Absolute
article, explains why the pressure will drop out of the ground will be 100 percent gas
pressure as measured in feet of head of
correspondingly as the velocity increases. free. A centrifugal pump cannot pump
the liquid being pumped at the surface
The clogged strainer is why the velocity (compress) air or gas.
of the liquid.
has increased in the first place. As the The comparative difference in the
hvpa = the vapor pressure. The head in feet
pressure drops, the vapor pressure will also range of fluid densities is a factor of
corresponding to the vapor pressure
be affected, and it is possible at some point approximately 800. Different designs and
of the liquid at the temperature being
for the liquid to change state and form a sizes of pumps handle this issue in better
pumped.
vapor. Centrifugal pumps are not capable ways than others, but at some level all
hst = the static head of the liquid over the
of pumping air, vapor or non-condensable centrifugal pumps will vapor lock and fail.
pump centerline for a flooded suction
gases. If there is as little as 4 percent The impeller eye will become blocked by the
in feet (positive value for flooded
entrainment in the liquid, it can bind (vapor air, vapor or gas.
suction)
lock) the pump.
hst = the static head of the liquid below the
The higher the temperature of the Lift Situations
pump centerline for a lift situation in
liquid, the higher the possibility for this If the pump is a self-primer or simply a
feet (negative value for lift situations)
phenomena to occur. centrifugal pump placed in a lift condition
hf = the total friction loss in feet of head
I have covered details of these application (externally primed), there can
for the suction side system
phenomena in four other articles in Pumps or will be performance issues should any
Equation 1
& Systems magazine. restriction be placed in the suction line.

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18 NPSHa BASICS By Jim Elsey

Note that “lift” signifies that the level of inaccuracies. A differential pressure If you connect an elbow directly to the
the source liquid to be pumped is below transducer is normally better than a pump flange, the fluid will be forced toward
the centerline of the pump impeller. The duplex gauge. the outside of the elbow and will not be
available NPSH will already be low because Some of the better designs incorporate directed into the center of the impeller.
the static head component in the formula a duplex strainer arrangement so that one Most pumps are designed for fluid to be
is now a negative quantity due to the lift strainer can be offline for cleaning and evenly loaded at the center of the impeller.
condition. Further restrictions will add to maintenance with no disruption in service. Otherwise, the imbalance creates stress on
the negative component of friction and for Some designs automatically change over the pump’s bearings and seals that leads to
any temperature above ambient the vapor and clean with no operator action required. wear and premature failure.
pressure component will also work against The size of the suction pipe must have
the pump. an adequate diameter to keep friction Acquiesce on Strainers &
“OK, I understand you, but I need to have losses down and velocities in an acceptable Filters on Suction Side
strainers on the suction side.” range. I always recommend to keep liquid It is noted and acknowledged that many
Assume you must have strainers on the velocities on the suction side below 2 processes are purposely designed to have
suction side of the pump. Now what? meters per second (6.6 feet per second) at strainers on the suction side of the pump.
If there are strainers on the suction side the maximum, and one meter per second Some processes actually rely on the reduced
of the pump, the best step you can take is (3.3 feet per second) is better. Just as the pressure (vacuum) created in the process.
to add instrumentation and continuously suction pipe size must be adequate, so must An example would be a filter press. Note
monitor the differential pressure (DP) the strainer size. these systems and pumps are designed and
across the strainer. The strainer will have Strainers should be engineered and instrumented for the additional stress.
a resistance coefficient assigned by the selected to keep the pressure drop down
manufacturer. This is a great place to use an to an acceptable low and safe level. The Conclusion
automated alarm system. The DP across the industry rates strainers using “CV”— Every rule usually has exceptions, but from
strainer for both clean and dirty conditions known as the flow coefficient. When the perspective of an industry best practice,
should be known. There must be a low selecting strainers, I suggest you work I suggest thinking long and hard before the
value of DP for the new and clean strainer; with a knowledgeable expert, because placement of strainers on the suction side
I prefer less than 2 pounds per square inch the selection process can be tricky for of the pump—and you “exceptions” already
gauge (psig). Also, you can compare the low the uninitiated. Most strainer resistance know who you are.
clean value of DP to a higher value for a coefficients are based on water and a given Many pumps are designed to handle
clogged strainer as indication for action. mesh size for the strainer screen. You may some amount and size of solids. The
need to correct for viscosity and a different manufacturer can or will advise what size
Note: You have to know the head loss mesh depending on your fluid properties. solids the pump will handle. It is typically
across the strainer anyway to do the NPSHa You will also need to decide the capacity a better idea to place the strainer on the
calculation. How else would you know if there ratio known as open area ratio (OAR). discharge side of the pump if possible. If
is sufficient margin in your design? The OAR will indicate how long you can you must place the strainer on the suction
operate the strainer before it will require side for a valid design reason, then take
If the DP across the strainer is not cleaning or replacement. the proper steps to design the system to
automatically monitored and alarmed, then In a good system design, the pump prevent pump issues caused by clogging.
an operator must check on a scheduled should be positioned close to the suction For more than 48 years, I have watched
basis. All changes must be recorded and source, but there should also be at least in amazement as operators destroyed their
action must be taken if the DP is out of 5 to 10 pipe diameters worth of straight, pumps by starvation.
specification. Even a difference of 1 or unobstructed piping connecting to the
2 psig DP can be the difference between pump. Never connect any components
success and failure. such as an elbow, reducer, valve or strainer
I suggest using a duplex gauge rather within the final run of pipework. A clogged
than two separate gauges, due to strainer will present a turbulent flow profile
differences in system losses and gauge to the pump suction.

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