Print this page Practical Considerations in Pump Suction Arrangements
Randall W. Whitesides, P.E.
Course Outline
A great deal of attention is given to pump discharge pipe design because this is where continuing operational economics come to bear: Engineering know-how regarding pipe size and configuration in an attempt to optimize installed cost versus long-term power consumption is emphasized here. However, just as important are sump design, suction piping design, suction pipe size, and suction pipe support. These are all critical considerations when proper and successful pump operation is at stake. It is here on the suction side of the pump that chronic problems within the pump are perpetuated and sometimes magnified. From this side blossoms the cost associated with maintenance, reliability, and lost production due to downtime. This course focuses on the sometimes neglected and often overlooked aspects of pumping fundamental practices that comprise good suction arrangements.
This course includes
a multiple choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding
of the course materials.
Learning Objective
At the conclusion of this three hour course, the student will know the:
- Physical changes and external forces that liquids undergo and in turn impart when being suction induced;
- Classical techniques and configurations that comprise pump suction arrangements;
- Special situations and challenges that two-phase flow presents to pumping operations;
- Problems that can arise from the lack of proper pump suction design considerations; and
- Means to potentially
mitigate many of these problematic situations.
Intended
Audience
This course is intended for Chemical, Civil, Environmental, Mechanical, and
Petroleum Engineers whose endeavors involve pumps and pumping systems. It is
assumed that the student has a rudimentary knowledge of fluid static and dynamic
concepts. As a prerequisite, the student should have a basic familiarity with
pumps, pipes, valves, and pipe fittings.
Benefits
for Attendees
This course will emphasize the importance of certain design aspects exterior
to the actual pumping equipment that play a critical role in the equipment's
performance, reliability, and longevity. The course is fully illustrated with
line art and photographs of the salient points presented in the text content.
Additional and interesting hydraulic facts are occasionally interspersed through
the course.
Course Content
The course content is in a PDF file (331 KB) Practical Considerations in Pump Suction Arrangements.
Additional Resources
The following texts offer excellent additional information on the specific subject at hand. These books can be reviewed to supplement the material that is supplied in this course:
1. Pump Intake
Design Standard, American National Standards Institute/Hydraulic Institute
Standard 9.8, latest edition.
2. Allowable Nozzle Loads on Centrifugal and Vertical Pumps, American
National Standards Institute/Hydraulic Institute Standard 9.6.2, latest edition.
3. Standards for Centrifugal, Rotary and Reciprocating Pumps, Hydraulic
Institute, latest edition.
4. API 610 Centrifugal Pumps for Petroleum, Heavy Duty Chemical and Gas
Industry Services, latest edition.
Once
you finish studying the
above course content,
you need to
take a quiz
to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDHonline.com or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered professional engineer. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
