Net Positive Suction Head Vs NPIP

Net Positive Suction Head Versus Net Positive Inlet Pressure
Because centrifugal pumps and positive displacement pumps operate on entirely

different principles, common usage has created two different ways to identify the
pressures associated with them. In its simplest form, a centrifugal pump is a velocity
machine. The liquid to be pumped is directed into the center of a rotating impeller
where it is entrained in the impeller vanes and accelerated to a higher velocity. The
casing surrounding the impeller then converts the high velocity to pressure. Because it
is a velocity machine, if pressure is measured in units of liquid length, all units of
measure becomes consistent. Velocity is measured in meters/second (feet/second), and
pressure is measured in meters (feet), i.e., the pressure created by the height of a
column of the liquid being pumped. This consistent use of units greatly simplifies
pump calculations and allows the effects of certain liquid properties (specific gravity,
for example) to be ignored.
By contrast, a positive displacement pump does not generate pressure solely by
increasing fluid velocity. Instead, these pumps convert reciprocating motion and
torque into fluid motion and force, generating variable flow at the discharge
connection. This occurs as the pump cycles separately through each suction and
discharge stoke. Positive displacement pumps have no theoretical discharge pressure
limitation. They respond solely to the pumping system and require system discharge
pressure control, usually in the form of a relief valve, to prevent damage to the pump
mechanism and/or stalling of the driver. A centrifugal pump, however, responds quite
differently in that the discharge pressure developed is a function of flow through the
pump impeller. With decreasing flow (as in the case of increased system resistance),
the centrifugal pump develops an ever-increasing pressure rise up to the point defined
as shutoff head at zero flow. Shut-off head is the maximum pressure rise that a
centrifugal pump can develop.
For a reciprocating positive displacement pump, flow is a function of pump stroke
length and/or rpm. Either type of pump requires sufficient fluid pressure at the inlet to
prevent release of dissolved gasses and/or change of state of the pumped fluid from
liquid to gas. The term for pressure at the inlet is either Net Positive Suction Head
(NPSH) or Net Positive Inlet Pressure (NPIP). To be consistent, the API Standards for
both centrifugal and reciprocating pumps, as well as the latest editions of the
Hydraulic Institute Standards, refer to the total suction head as NPSH rather than
NPIP. Although the Hydraulic Institute indicates that NPSH is normally expressed in
either kPa (psi) or m (ft), the latest API Standards refer to NPSH in m (ft), the
preferred terminology for both pump types, to avoid confusion. Positive displacement
pump manufacturers generally refer to NPIP, expressed in kPa absolute (psi or bar,
absolute).
NPSH or NPIP is indicated as either Available or Required. The Net Positive Inlet
Pressure Available (NPIPA) is the absolute pressure above fluid vapor pressure at the
pump inlet and is determined as follows:
NPIPA = Pa + Pz – Pf – Pvp – Pamax (E.1)
where
Pa is the absolute pressure at surface of liquid in kPa absolute (psi or bar, absolute);
Pz is the static Head (+) or Static Lift (–) in kPa (psi) for level of fluid above or below
inlet;
Pf is the inlet line, valve & fitting friction losses at maximum viscosity in kPa (psi or
bar);
Pvp is the fluid vapor pressure or gas dissolution pressure in kPa absolute (psi or bar,
absolute);
Pamax is the pressure loss due to acceleration (see Pamax below) in kPa (psi or bar).
NPIPA calculation for a reciprocating controlled volume pump shall include the
effects of system acceleration head (see 3.3, acceleration pressure). From the
Hydraulics Institute Standards, Fourteenth Edition, liquid in the suction and
discharge lines of controlled volume pumps has to be accelerated because flow varies
with time. This produces alternate pressure drops and surges. The instantaneous
pressure drop required to accelerate the mass of fluid in the suction line, or the
instantaneous pressure rise required to accelerate the mass of fluid in the discharge, is
referred to as acceleration pressure. When computing this value for a reciprocating
controlled volume pump, the equation below defines the maximum instantaneous
value of hamax:
(E.2)
where
hamax is the maximum instantaneous acceleration head in meters (feet);

Pamax is the maximum instantaneous acceleration pressure in kPa (psi or bar);
L is the length of pipe in meters (feet);
C is 0.628 for simplex single-acting;
K is 1.4;
V is the average velocity in meter/sec (feet/sec);
n is the pump speed in rpm;
g is the gravitational constant, 9.82 m/s2 (32.2 ft/sec2).
NOTE: It is the responsibility of the Purchaser to define acceleration pressure, yet the
value is dependent on the characteristics of the pump selected. Consequently, the
value should be reviewed by both the Purchaser and the Vendor before a final
selection is made.
NPIP Required (NPIPR) is a function of pump type, speed, and viscosity of fluid
pumped. NPIP Available must always be greater than NPIPR to prevent occurrence of
cavitation. Typically, NPIPR values published by positive displacement pump
manufacturers are expressed in kPa (psi or bar) units. The preferred
means of communicating suction pressure requirements is: NPIP, NPIPA, and NPIPR.
Acceleration Pressure / Anticipated System Acceleration Pressure (3.3):

The estimated pressure changes due to changes in velocity in the piping system. It is
an important factor in the application of reciprocating pumps because of the pulsating
nature of the flow in the pump suction line, in addition to NPSHR, vapor pressure,
and pressure required to overcome suction line losses.
NOTE: This factor is accounted for in the standard calculation for NPIP. See the
definition of NPIP, NPIPa, and NPIPr.
Annex E (informative) API 675 3rd Edition

Net Positive Suction Head Vs NPIP

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Net Positive Suction Head Vs NPIP

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Net Positive Suction Head Versus Net Positive Inlet Pressure

Because centrifugal pumps and positive displacement pumps operate on entirely

hamax is the maximum instantaneous acceleration head in meters (feet);

Acceleration Pressure / Anticipated System Acceleration Pressure (3.3):

Annex E (informative) API 675 3rd Edition

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