ANSI/HI 9.6.

1-1998

American National Standard for

Centrifugal and
Vertical Pumps
for NPSH Margin
ANSI/HI 9.6.1-1998

9 Sylvan Way
Parsippany, New Jersey
07054-3802
www.pumps.org
 This page intentionally blank.

Copyright 2000 By Hydraulic Institute, All Rights Reserved.

 ANSI/HI 9.6.1-1998

American National Standard for

Centrifugal and Vertical Pumps

for NPSH Margin

Secretariat
Hydraulic Institute
www.pumps.org

Approved March 3, 1998

American National Standards Institute, Inc.

Recycled
paper

Copyright 2000 By Hydraulic Institute, All Rights Reserved.

 Approval of an American National Standard requires verification by ANSI that the
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Published By

Hydraulic Institute
9 Sylvan Way, Parsippany, NJ 07054-3802
www.pumps.org

Copyright 1998 by Hydraulic Institute

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form,

in an electronic retrieval system or otherwise, without prior
written permission of the publisher.

Printed in the United States of America

ISBN 1-880952-25-4

Copyright 2000 By Hydraulic Institute, All Rights Reserved.

 Contents
Page

Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v
9.6.1 Pump NPSH margin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
9.6.1.1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
9.6.1.2 Suction energy level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
9.6.1.2.1 Suction energy factors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
9.6.1.2.2 Suction energy determination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
9.6.1.3 Cavitation damage factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
9.6.1.4 NPSH margin ratio recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
9.6.1.5 Application considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
9.6.1.5.1 Petroleum process pumps. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
9.6.1.5.2 Chemical process pumps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
9.6.1.5.3 Electric power pumps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
9.6.1.5.4 Nuclear power/cooling tower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
9.6.1.5.5 Water/wastewater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
9.6.1.5.6 General industrial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
9.6.1.5.7 Pulp and paper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
9.6.1.5.8 Building services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
9.6.1.5.9 Slurry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
9.6.1.5.10 Pipeline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
9.6.1.5.11 Waterflood (injection) pumps. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
9.6.1.6 Summary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Appendix A Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

iii

Copyright 2000 By Hydraulic Institute, All Rights Reserved.

 This page intentionally blank.

Copyright 2000 By Hydraulic Institute, All Rights Reserved.

 Foreword (Not part of Standard)

Purpose and aims of the Hydraulic Institute

The purpose and aims of the Institute are to promote the continued growth and
well-being of pump manufacturers and further the interests of the public in such
matters as are involved in manufacturing, engineering, distribution, safety, trans-
portation and other problems of the industry, and to this end, among other things:
a) To develop and publish standards for pumps;
b) To collect and disseminate information of value to its members and to the
public;
c) To appear for its members before governmental departments and agencies
and other bodies in regard to matters affecting the industry;
d) To increase the amount and to improve the quality of pump service to the public;
e) To support educational and research activities;
f) To promote the business interests of its members but not to engage in busi-
ness of the kind ordinarily carried on for profit or to perform particular services
for its members or individual persons as distinguished from activities to
improve the business conditions and lawful interests of all of its members.

Purpose of Standards
1) Hydraulic Institute Standards are adopted in the public interest and are
designed to help eliminate misunderstandings between the manufacturer,
the purchaser and/or the user and to assist the purchaser in selecting and
obtaining the proper product for a particular need.
2) Use of Hydraulic Institute Standards is completely voluntary. Existence of
Hydraulic Institute Standards does not in any respect preclude a member
from manufacturing or selling products not conforming to the Standards.

Definition of a Standard of the Hydraulic Institute

Quoting from Article XV, Standards, of the By-Laws of the Institute, Section B:
An Institute Standard defines the product, material, process or procedure with
reference to one or more of the following: nomenclature, composition, construc-
tion, dimensions, tolerances, safety, operating characteristics, performance, qual-
ity, rating, testing and service for which designed.

Comments from users

Comments from users of this Standard will be appreciated, to help the Hydraulic
Institute prepare even more useful future editions. Questions arising from the con-
tent of this Standard may be directed to the Hydraulic Institute. It will direct all
such questions to the appropriate technical committee for provision of a suitable
answer.
If a dispute arises regarding the contents of an Institute publication or an answer
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tion shall be referred to the Executive Committee of the Hydraulic Institute, which
then shall act as a Board of Appeals.

Copyright 2000 By Hydraulic Institute, All Rights Reserved.

Revisions
The Standards of the Hydraulic Institute are subject to constant review, and revi-
sions are undertaken whenever it is found necessary because of new develop-
ments and progress in the art. If no revisions are made for five years, the
standards are reaffirmed using the ANSI canvass procedure.

Scope
This standard applies to centrifugal and vertical pump types. It describes the ben-
efit to pump life when the NPSH available is greater than the NPSH required by a
suitable margin, and suggests margins for various applications.

Units of Measurement
Metric units of measurement are used; corresponding US units appear in brack-
ets. Charts, graphs and sample calculations are also shown in both metric and US
units.
Since values given in metric units are not exact equivalents to values given in US
units, it is important that the selected units of measure to be applied be stated in
reference to this standard. If no such statement is provided, metric units shall govern.

Consensus for this standard was achieved by use of the Canvass

Method
The following organizations, recognized as having an interest in the standardiza-
tion of centrifugal pumps were contacted prior to the approval of this revision of
the standard. Inclusion in this list does not necessarily imply that the organization
concurred with the submittal of the proposed standard to ANSI.

A.W. Chesterton Company ITT Industrial Pump Group

Agrico Chemical Corp. ITT Flygt Corp.
Ahlstrom Pumps, LLC Iwaki Walchem Corp.
Alden Research Lab J.P. Messina Pump & Hydraulics
Bechtel Corporation Consultant
Black & Veatch John Crane, Inc.
Brown & Caldwell Johnston Pump Co.
Camp Dresser & McKee Lawrence Pumps, Inc.
CH2M Hill M. W. Kellogg Co.
Chas S. Lewis & Co., Inc. Malcom Pirnie, Inc.
Crane Pump & Systems Marine Machinery Association
DeWanti & Stowell National Pump Co.
Dow Chemical Monsanto Co.
DuPont Engineering Montana State University
Electric Power Research Institute Montgomery Watson
Engineering Devices Resource Group MWI, Moving Water Industries
ENSR Consulting & Engineering Oxy Chem
Essco Pump Division National Pump Co.
Fairbanks Morse Pump PACO Pumps
Florida Power Corporation Patterson Pump Co.
Floway Pumps PC Garvin & Associates
Flowserve Corp. Price Pump Co.
Fluor Daniel, Inc. Raytheon Engineering & Constructors
Grundfos Pumps Corp. Robert Bein, William Frost &
Ingersoll-Dresser Pump Associates

vi

Copyright 2000 By Hydraulic Institute, All Rights Reserved.

 Sewage & Water Board of New Orleans
Skidmore
South Florida Water Management
Southern Company Services, Inc.
Sta-Rite Industries
Stone & Webster Engineering
Sulzer Bingham Pumps, Inc.
Summers Engineering, Inc.
Systecon, Inc.
The Process Group, LLC
Union Pump Co.
US Bureau of Reclamation
US Army Corp of Engineers

Although this standard was processed and approved for submittal to ANSI by the
Canvass Method, a working committee met many times to faciliate the develop-
ment of this standard. At the time it was developed, the committee had the follow-
ing members:

CHAIRMAN - Allan Budris, ITT Industrial Pump Group

OTHER MEMBERS
Ronald Brundage, ITT Flygt
Fred Buse, Ingersoll-Dresser Pump Co.
Greg Case, Price Pump
R. Barry Erickson, ITT Industrial Pump Group
Herman Greutink, Johnston Pump
Al Iseppon, Sta-Rite Industries
Ray Perriman, Sundstrand Fluid Handling
Robert Stanbury, Flowserve Corporation

vii

Copyright 2000 By Hydraulic Institute, All Rights Reserved.

 This page intentionally blank.

Copyright 2000 By Hydraulic Institute, All Rights Reserved.

 HI Pumps Centrifugal and Vertical Pumps for NPSH Margin 1998

9.6.1 Pump NPSH margin the service life of the pump. The full published pump
head will not, however, be achieved (by definition)
9.6.1.1 Introduction when the NPSHA equals the NPSHR of the pump. The
HI Pumps Centrifugal and Vertical Pumps for NPSH Margin

head will be 3% less than the fully developed head

The noise, the vibration and possibly the reliability of a
centrifugal or vertical pump and mechanical seal may
be significantly affected if an appropriate Net Positive
Suction Head (NPSH) margin is not provided by the
system above the published Net Positive Suction Head
Required (NPSHR) by the pump.
The NPSH Margin is defined as the NPSH Available
(NPSHA) at the pump inlet, minus the NPSH Required
by the pump. The NPSH Margin Ratio is the NPSHA
divided by the NPSHR. The Net Positive Suction Head
Available (NPSHA) is the total suction head available,
over the vapor pressure of the liquid pumped corrected
to the center line of the impeller (or impeller inlet vane
tip datum if vertically mounted), and measured at the
inlet to the pump.
value (see Figure 9.6.1.1). It can take up to 2.5 times
the NPSHR value just to achieve the 100 percent head
value. Just because the definition uses the word
Required, does not mean that providing that much
NPSHA will necessarily give satisfactory pump life. It is
also recognized that, as the suction energy of a centrif-
ugal pump increases, so does the need for a larger
NPSH margin above the 3% NPSHR of the pump, to
avoid excessive noise, vibration, and possible cavita-
tion erosion and seal damage.

NPSHA = hatm + hgs + hvs + Zs hvp

Where:

hatm = atmospheric pressure head

hgs = suction gage head

hvs = suction velocity head

zs = suction elevation head Figure 9.6.1.1

hvp = liquid vapor pressure head
See the ANSI/HI 1.6 Centrifugal Pump Tests for fur-
ther details on the definitions of NPSHA and NPSHR.
By Hydraulic Institute definition, the NPSHR of a pump
is the NPSH that will cause the total head (first stage
head of multistage pumps) to be reduced by 3%, due
to flow blockage from cavitation vapor in the impeller
vanes. NPSHR is by no means the point at which cavi-
tation starts; that level is referred to as incipient cavita-
tion. The NPSH at incipient cavitation can be from 2 to
20 times the 3% NPSHR value, depending on pump
design. The higher ratios are normally associated with
high suction energy pumps or pumps with large impel-
ler inlet areas.
The 3% head drop criteria was selected for the
NPSHR value based on the ease of determining the
exact head drop off point. Most standard low suction
energy pumps can operate with little or no margin
above the NPSHR value, without seriously affecting
Most pump manufacturers use the industry standard
3% head drop for NPSHR values and provide the
NPSH Margin recommendations separately. A few
manufacturers do include the NPSH Margin in their
pump NPSHR curves which then supersede the
guidelines spelled out in this standard. Unless advised
otherwise, however, the user must assume that there
is no margin in the published NPSHR, and that it is
based solely on the 3% head drop criteria.
9.6.1.2 Suction energy level
The suction energy level of a pump increases with the
casing suction nozzle size, the pump speed, the suc-
tion specific speed and the specific gravity of the
pumped liquid. Anything that increases the velocity in
the pump impeller eye, the rate of flow of the pump, or
the specific gravity, increases the suction energy of the
pump. The suction nozzle size is used for simplicity
because it approximates the impeller eye diameter and
ties to the rate of flow of the pump. The rpm ties directly
to the inlet tip speed of the impeller and relative inlet

Copyright 2000 By Hydraulic Institute, All Rights Reserved.

HI Pumps Centrifugal and Vertical Pumps for NPSH Margin 1998
velocities, and the suction specific speed is also
dependant on rpm and rate of flow. The NPSHR in the
suction specific speed is appropriate as a measure of
suction energy in that larger impeller eye diameters
are normally required for lower NPSHR values, which
increases the impeller tip speed.
9.6.1.2.1 Suction energy factors
Many factors are known to contribute to the suction
energy level, and resulting NPSH margin requirements
of a pump, more than used in the above definition.
Those used in the above definition are factors which
are typically available from standard pump manufac-
turers technical literature. Manufacturers of custom
engineered pumps may use alternate evaluation meth-
ods to establish NPSH margin requirements and these
would supersede the guidelines spelled out in this
standard. For general information a list of suction
energy factors is provided below:
The peripheral velocity at the O.D. of the impel-
ler eye. Values below approximately 15 m/sec. (50
ft/sec) are generally considered low suction
energy, while values above approximately 35 m/
sec. (120 ft/sec) are considered high suction
energy.
The suction specific speed of the pump (S = n
Q/(NPSHR)). Suction specific speed values
below approximately 8,000 metric (7,000 U.S.
units) generally represent low suction energy,
while above approximately 23,000 metric (20,000
U.S. units) are considered high suction energy.
See Figure 9.6.1.3 for suction specific speeds
between these values. (Note: Q is the BEP rate of
flow entering the impeller eye. In double suction
pumps, use one half total rate of flow. NPSHR is
based on 3% head drop at BEP.)
The specific gravity of the liquid pumped. The
higher the value the higher the suction energy.
Thermodynamic properties of the liquid. Cold
water has one of the highest energy levels for
imploding cavitation bubbles. See section on Elec-
tric Power pumps for more details.
The geometry of the pump inlet. The greater the
variation in velocity across the impeller inlet and
the higher the magnitude of velocities, the higher
the energy level. For this reason, radial inlets, as
found in split case pumps have higher suction
energy levels due to the right angle turn in front of
the impeller.
Copyright 2000 By Hydraulic Institute, All Rights Reserved.
The overlap of the impeller vanes. Overlap val-
ues less than approximately 15 degrees, such as
found on two or three vane impellers (see
Figure 2), can allow the high discharge pressure
(energy) to recirculate into the impeller suction at
low rates of flow. Overlap is defined as the angular
amount that the trailing edge of one vane (low
pressure side) overlaps the inlet leading edge of
the following adjacent vane (at the outer diameter).
ROTATION
15
VANE
OVERLAP
IMPELLER
VANE
Figure 9.6.1.2
The incidence angle between the inlet impeller
vanes and the approaching liquid. Typically an
impeller is designed to have a zero incidence
angle at design rate of flow. Higher or lower rates
of flow cause a mismatch between the angle of the
approaching liquid and the impeller vane inlet tips.
The greater the incidence the greater the turbu-
lence and suction energy.
The geometry of the inlet piping to the pump.
The turbulence (added suction energy) that is gen-
erated at the pump inlet from piping turns and
large changes in pipe diameter adds to the suction
energy at the pump inlet.
Operation away from the best efficiency point
(BEP) of the pump. At reduced rates of flow the
pump may operate in its suction recirculation
region. Operation off BEP rate of flow also
increases the incidence angle to the impeller
vanes, and suction recirculation adds to the suc-
tion energy level. See ANSI/HI 9.6.3-1997, Centrif-
ugal and Vertical Pumps for Allowable Operating
Region, for more information.
 HI Pumps Centrifugal and Vertical Pumps for NPSH Margin 1998

9.6.1.2.2 Suction energy determination

This is a complex situation and a single equation or

relationship has not been developed, which will accu-
rately tie all of these factors together to predict pump
noise, vibration, erosion, and reduced mechanical seal
life from cavitation, and the NPSH margin level
required to avoid these undesirable effects. Recom-
mended margin ratios can typically range from one to
five times the NPSHR value of the pump, with the
higher values applying to high and very high suction
energy pumps, and continuous operation outside the
preferred operating region of the pump. The attached
graph (Figure 9.6.1.3) is a simplified method for identi-
fying high suction energy pumps. Pumps above the
appropriate suction specific speed curve as shown in
Figure 9.6.1.3, are considered high suction energy Figure 9.6.1.3A (metric)
pumps. Very high suction energy pumps can be
defined as pumps whose actual impeller operating
speeds are in the range of 1.5 to 2.0 times the values
shown in Figure 9.6.1.3, or higher. As an example, an
end suction pump with a 10" suction nozzle size and
9,500 suction specific speed is shown to start high
suction energy at 1,800 RPM. If this pump were to be
operated at 3,600 RPM (2 times 1,800) the pump
would be considered to have very high suction energy.

It must be stressed that the impeller eye diameter is

actually a better factor for identifying the suction
energy level of a pump than the suction nozzle diame-
ter. The nozzle size was chosen for Figure 9.6.1.3
because it is more often available to the pump user,
and normally has a close relationship to the impeller
eye. Therefore, reducing the suction nozzle size, with-
out a corresponding reduction in the impeller eye
diameter, will not reduce the true suction energy of a
pump. It could even increase cavitation. Figure 9.6.1.3B (US units)

Generally speaking, high suction energy pumps are
susceptible to noise and increased vibration, but will
not suffer significant erosion damage (especially with
more erosion resistant impeller materials) when suffi-
cient NPSH Margin is not provided. Very high suction
energy pumps will more likely experience erosion
damage from cavitation under inadequate NPSH mar-
gin conditions.
Notes for Figure 9.6.1.3:
For two vane impellers and impeller trims with less
than 15 degrees vane overlap, (see Figure
9.6.1.2) increase suction nozzle size by one or two
sizes before using Figure 9.6.1.3.
Inducers, which are generally beyond the scope of
this document, should have the suction nozzle
decreased by at least one size before using
Figure 9.6.1.3.

For axial split case (side Suction) pumps,

decrease nozzle size by one size, before using
Figure 9.6.1.3.

Copyright 2000 By Hydraulic Institute, All Rights Reserved.

HI Pumps Centrifugal and Vertical Pumps for NPSH Margin 1998
For pump speeds higher than 3600 rpm, the suc-
tion nozzle sizes should be increased, propor-
tional to the increase in speed, and enter the
graph at 3600 rpm. For example, increase the
nozzle size by 2 times if the speed is doubled.
For vertical turbine (line shaft diffuser) type
pumps, the Impeller Inlet eye diameter should be
obtained from the supplier and used as the suction
nozzle size, when using Figure 9.6.1.3.
Multistage pumps, such as used for boiler feed
and pipeline services, are excluded from this fig-
ure due to the typically large shaft diameters in the
impeller eye, which distorts the relationship
between the impeller eye diameter and the suction
nozzle size.
9.6.1.3 Cavitation damage factors
There are other factors which, although not affecting
the suction energy of the pump, will affect the degree
of cavitation erosion damage (and sometimes noise)
within a pump when sufficient NPSH margin is not pro-
vided above the NPSHR of the pump. These non-
suction energy factors are:
The impeller material. Rigid plastics and com-
posites are normally the least cavitation resistant
materials. Cast iron and brass will experience the
most damage of commonly used metals, while
stainless steel, titanium and nickel aluminum
bronze will have much less damage, under the
same cavitation conditions.
Pump size. Large pumps (impeller inlets over
450 mm (18 in) in diameter can be more prone to
cavitation damage than smaller pumps.
The gas content of the liquid. Small amounts of
entrained gas (1 to 2%) cushion the forces from
the collapsing cavitation bubbles, and can reduce
the resulting noise, vibration and erosion damage.
The lack of any entrained gas can have the oppo-
site effect. Warmer liquids tend to release less dis-
solved gas, which increases the noise level of a
pump. On the other hand gas can collect in the
inlet of a pump which will block portions of the flow
area, thus increasing the inlet velocity of the liquid
and creating even more cavitation. This increases
the apparent NPSHR of the pump. The net result
of these two counter effects of gas content on
pump noise and vibration will vary based on the
suction energy level of the pump. In the case of
low to high suction energy levels, the net effect of
Copyright 2000 By Hydraulic Institute, All Rights Reserved.
gas may be to quiet the pump, since the cushion-
ing may more than offset the added cavitation.
However, with very high suction energy pumps,
the force of the collapsing cavitation bubbles may
be too great for any real cushioning, so the noise
and damage will increase with increasing gas
content.
Additives in the liquid. Additives in the liquid
which increase vapor pressure can increase cavi-
tation damage. For example, cooling tower water
treatment agents.
The corrosive properties of the liquid. This can
accelerate the damage.
Solids/abrasives in the liquid. Adding abrasives
to the high implosive velocities from the collapsing
vapor bubbles increases the wear rate.
The duty cycle of the pump. Cavitation damage
is time related. The longer a pump runs under cav-
itation conditions, the greater the extent of dam-
age. Fire pumps, which run intermittently, rarely
have a problem with cavitation damage for this
reason.
9.6.1.4 NPSH margin ratio recommendations
Field experience is the most accurate predictor of
future performance. Table 9.6.1.1 offers suggested
minimum NPSH margin ratio guidelines (NPSHA/
NPSHR), within the allowable operating region of the
pump (with standard materials of construction). The
table is based on the experience of the many pump
manufacturers with many different pump applications.
Vertical turbine pumps often operate without NPSH
margin without damage, but with slightly reduced dis-
charge head.
High and very high suction energy pumps that operate
with only the minimum NPSH margin values recom-
mended in Table 9.6.1.1 will normally have what is
considered acceptable seal and bearing life. They
may still be susceptible to elevated noise levels and
erosion damage to the impeller. This can require more
frequent impeller replacement than otherwise would
be experienced had the cavitation been totally elimi-
nated. It will typically take an NPSHA of 4 to 5 times
the 3% NPSHR of the pump to totally eliminate cavita-
tion. This ratio can reach 20 for very high suction
energy pumps, and a low of 2 for some pumps with low
suction energy levels. There are studies that show that
the maximum cavitation damage can actually occur at
 HI Pumps Centrifugal and Vertical Pumps for NPSH Margin 1998

NPSHA values twice the NPSHR or more for very high
suction energy pumps.
In addition to the minimum NPSH Margins recom-
mended in Table 9.6.1.1, extra margin may be required
to account for changes in the pump geometry which
can increase NPSHR, such as wear that can open
impeller wearing ring clearances and increase the
internal flow through the impeller eye. The NPSHR
may also be affected by the gas content of the liquid
pumped. Added NPSH Margin may be needed to
cover uncertainties in the NPSH available or the actual
operating rate of flow. If a pump runs further out on the
curve than expected, the NPSHA of the system may
be lower than expected and the NPSHR for the pump
will be higher, thus giving a smaller (or possibly nega-
tive) NPSH Margin. (See ANSI/HI 9.6.3-1997, Centrif-
ugal and Vertical Pumps for Allowable Operating
Region). All pumping systems must be designed to
have a positive margin throughout the full range of
operation. Optimum pump performance also requires
that proper suction/inlet piping practices are followed,
according to the Hydraulic Institute Standards (see
ANSI/HI 9.8-1998, Pump Intake Design), to ensure a
steady uniform flow to the pump suction at the
required suction head. Poor suction piping can result
in separation and turbulence at the pump inlet, which
decreases the NPSHA to the pump and causes added
cavitation. NPSHA Margins of two to five feet are nor-
mally required (above those shown in Table 9.6.1.1) to
account for these uncertainties in the actual NPSHR
and NPSHA values, and this added margin require-
ment could be even greater depending upon the sever-
ity of the conditions. If the application is critical, a
factory NPSHR test should be requested.
NPSH Margins are not normally a consideration for
most standard vertical turbine pumps, since they gen-
erally have Low Suction Energy, and cavitation noise is
normally not an issue. NPSHA must, however, be
equal to or larger than the NPSHR over the allowable
operating region of the pump, including at low water
level. The determination of the minimum submergence
required to avoid the formation of sump vortices

Table 9.6.1.1

Minimum NPSH margin ratio guidelines (NPSHA/NPSHR)

Suction energy level

Application Low High Very high

Petroleum 1.1a 1.3c

Chemical 1.1a 1.3c

Electric power 1.1a 1.5c 2.0c

Nuclear power 1.5b 2.0c 2.5c

Cooling towers 1.3b 1.5c 2.0c

Water/waste water 1.1a 1.3c 2.0c

General industry 1.1a 1.2b

Pulp and paper 1.1a 1.3c

Building services 1.1a 1.3c

Slurry 1.1a

Pipeline 1.3b 1.7c 2.0c

Water flood 1.2b 1.5c 2.0c

a) Or 0.6m (2 feet), whichever is greater.
b) Or 0.9m (3 feet), whichever is greater.
c) Or 1.5m (5 feet), whichever is greater.

Copyright 2000 By Hydraulic Institute, All Rights Reserved.

HI Pumps Centrifugal and Vertical Pumps for NPSH Margin 1998
around the pump inlet must be considered indepen-
dently from NPSHA, since they are a separate phenom-
ena. (See ANSI/HI 9.8-1998, Pump Intake Design).
9.6.1.5 Application considerations
9.6.1.5.1 Petroleum process pumps
Pumps used for petroleum (hydrocarbon) services can
usually survive with relatively small NPSHA margins
for several reasons:
1) Processes are typically steady, with few sys-
tem upsets (transients) or quick flow change
demands.
2) Process requirements are typically well known
and demands can be planned and predicted.
3) Most hydrocarbon liquids have relatively low
vapor volume to liquid volume ratios. This
means that, if the liquid should vaporize at or
near the pump suction (impeller inlet), the vol-
ume of the resulting vapor does not choke the
impeller inlet passages as severely as does
water vapor during cavitation. This results in a
smaller drop in developed head for the same
NPSH margin.
4) Less energy is released when hydrocarbon
vapor bubbles collapse (velocity from implo-
sion is less), and this means less damage
occurs as a result of cavitation. It is, therefore,
not as critical that cavitation be avoided, as
might be the case with other liquids.
Hydrocarbon liquids, especially mixtures of hydrocar-
bon liquids, because of their relatively low vapor vol-
ume, are sometimes associated with a hydrocarbon
correction factor. This correction factor is applied to
the water NPSHR values to correct for the fact that
the vapor volume of flashed hydrocarbon liquid is
substantially less than that of flashed water and,
thus, has the effect of reducing the amount of NPSH
required by the pump at a given rate of flow before
cavitation results in a 3% drop in the developed head
(first stage head) of the pump.
This favorable vapor bubble size situation with hydro-
carbons should be taken into account when determin-
ing the NPSHA Margin requirements for petroleum
pumps. The margins can be lower than for other appli-
cations. Typical NPSH Margins for pumps on hydrocar-
bon services are as follows:
Copyright 2000 By Hydraulic Institute, All Rights Reserved.
Low Suction Energy Single Stage Overhung, Verti-
cal and Multistage Pumps: For all hydrocarbon liq-
uids use an NPSH Margin Ratio of 1.1.
High and Very High Suction Energy Single Stage
Overhung, Single Stage Double Suction Multi-
stage Pumps: For all hydrocarbon liquids use a
NPSH Margin Ratio of 1.3.
The majority of vertical turbine pumps in the petro-
chemical industry are normally installed in a barrel or
can as shown in Figure 2.6 of the Hydraulic Institute
standard ANSI/HI 2.1-2.2, Vertical Pumps for Nomen-
clature and Definitions. The NPSHA must exceed the
NPSHR over the expected range of operation. Nor-
mally, the customers will give a margin value which will
vary from 0 to approximately 1.5m (5 feet). The
NPSHA is normally given at ground level or pump inlet
level. The manufacturer then determines the length of
the pump required to achieve sufficient NPSHA at the
first stage impeller inlet to account for the NPSHR,
pump inlet losses (inlet to eye of first impeller) and
margin.
9.6.1.5.2 Chemical process pumps
Pumps for these applications frequently share the fol-
lowing characteristics:
1) Operation frequently occurs at a wide variety
of rates of flow.
2) Materials of construction are often stainless
steel impellers.
3) They may operate with relatively low NPSHA.
4) Operators are frequently located remotely
from the pumps.
These factors emphasize the need to apply large
NPSH margins when selecting pumps.
Taking these issues into consideration, the following
NPSH Margin guidelines are proposed for Chemical
Process pumps to account for the many uncertainties:
For low suction energy pumps, the margin should
be 10% of the NPSHR or 0.6m (2 ft), whichever is
greater.
For high suction energy pumps the margin should
be 30% of the NPSHR or 1.5m (5 ft), whichever is
greater. NPSH tests are recommended if the
 HI Pumps Centrifugal and Vertical Pumps for NPSH Margin 1998
pump specific speed is above 2,300 metric (2,000
U.S. units).
If a pump is applied to the right of BEP, careful consid-
eration should be given to ensuring that, at the maxi-
mum flow rate permitted by the system, and its
controls, the NPSHA is in excess of the NPSHR of the
pump.
If the above criteria cannot be met and there is no prior
experience with the specific pump in the application,
NPSH tests should be conducted on the pump. One
test should be conducted at the rated conditions and
must demonstrate that the NPSHR (3%) is equal to or
less than the rated NPSHR. Tests should also be con-
ducted at four additional rates of flow at approximately
even intervals from the minimum to maximum antici-
pated rates of flow to fully define the NPSHR (3%)
characteristic curve.
9.6.1.5.3 Electric power pumps
Power plant pumps are water pumps. Cold water is
one of the most difficult liquids to pump in that cavita-
tion can cause severe damage. Unlike hydrocarbon
liquids handled by petroleum pumps, water, when it
vaporizes (flashes), expands tremendously. This
results in higher impact velocities when the vapor bub-
bles implode, thus higher suction energy. One pound
of water at room temperature which occupies 4.5104
cubic meters (0.016 cubic feet), will flash to over
34 cubic meters (1200 cubic feet) of vapor. This is a
volume ratio of 75,000 to 1. For typical hydrocarbon
liquids, this volume ratio is one-half to one-tenth that of
water.
Hot water, on the other hand, can act similar to hydro-
carbon liquids. When water is heated to 250-300 F,
the vapor volume characteristics become similar to
that of a typical hydrocarbon. This means that the
effects of flashing are diminished; however, the oppor-
tunities for system transients increase significantly
with temperature.
In addition to possible severe vaporization effects, typ-
ical power plant operating cycles are not stable. Most
pumps in these services do not remain at constant
flow rates for extended periods of time. The pump flow
demands vary widely with power demands. Because
of varying power demands, system upsets may occur
which result in rapid changes in pump flow demands
and, many times, severe changes in pump suction
pressure. This is especially true for pumps in the boiler
water systems such as boiler feed pumps and boiler
feed booster pumps. It is not unusual, during such
Copyright 2000 By Hydraulic Institute, All Rights Reserved.
system upsets, or transients, for flashing to occur in
the suction line to the pump, causing loss of suction
flow and allowing the pump to run dry. A common
side effect of a pump running dry is rapid mechanical
seal face wear, general seal deterioration and prema-
ture, sometimes catastrophic failure.
Other pumps in the power plant are not usually
exposed to such severe transients as those in the
boiler water system. Condensate pumps and heater
drain pumps are usually isolated from severe system
upsets. They too, however, have special demands or
operating requirements which impact on NPSH and
NPSH Margin requirements. Since they are typically
required to operate with very low NPSHA, they are
designed to function, and survive, with a certain
amount of cavitation present. Some systems operate
on what is termed cavitation control, i.e. the pumps
operate with cavitation at all times.
In such a system, the pump is constantly under some
degree of cavitation which results in a reduced pump
developed head. The quantity of flow through the
pump, and system, is controlled by the intersection of
the pump reduced headrate-of-flow curve and the
system curve. For such an application, there is no
NPSH margin; and the pump must be designed to
withstand constant cavitation. This means it must be of
rugged construction to offset the detrimental effects of
cavitation related vibration, and the materials of con-
struction must be capable of withstanding the erosion
associated with cavitation.
Vertical turbine type pumps used as condensate
pumps are normally installed in a barrel or can as
shown in Figure 2.6 of ANSI/HI 2.1-2.2, Vertical
Pumps for Nomenclature and Definitions.
9.6.1.5.4 Nuclear power/cooling tower
Pumps in nuclear power plants share the following
characteristics and requirements:
a) Nuclear Reactor Duty:
1) Users are more frequently requesting NPSHR
curves based on a 1% head drop.
2) The NPSHA Margin, over NPSHR (3%), is
often incorporated in the NPSH Required
curve by the manufacturer.
3) High horsepower reactor cooling pumps, also
called primary heat transport pumps, are of
low to high suction energy levels.
HI Pumps Centrifugal and Vertical Pumps for NPSH Margin 1998
4) Reactor cooling pumps normally operate at
high temperatures and suction pressures, they
will operate at ambient temperature and low
suction pressures during transients and
commissioning.
b) Boiler Feed Duty:
1) NPSHR based on a 3% head drop is specified.
2) Suction energy levels are between low to very
high.
c) Cooling Tower Duty:
Cooling tower water typically has modified chemis-
try due to water treating agents. These additives
can increase the vapor pressure, which results in
a lower NPSHA than calculated for pure water.
This reduction can be as high as 1.8 meters (6.0
feet), although the exact number must be experi-
mentally determined.
9.6.1.5.5 Water/wastewater
The following considerations apply to pumps for this
application:
1) During variable speed operation, all possible
wet well levels, pump speeds, and rates of
flow exist. It is important that the pump can
function properly over the full operating range
of the system curve. A flow duration diagram
can be used to determine where the pump will
operate most frequently. In the on/off mode of
operation, the speed and rate of flow will be
relatively constant, but the sump level will vary
between a maximum water level and a mini-
mum water level. The change of the water
level in the sump will also change the pumps
total head, also slightly changing the speed
and rate of flow of the pump, but the duty point
will be nearly constant compared to variable
speed operation.
2) Actual system head curves often differ from
the calculated values. This will cause the
NPSH Margin calculation to be incorrect. It is,
therefore, very important to ensure that the
calculated system head curves be as close as
possible to the actual. For existing systems, it
is possible to measure the head at a number
of points to develop the system head curve.
Two system curves should be calculated for
new installations: one for the system as it will
Copyright 2000 By Hydraulic Institute, All Rights Reserved.
be installed; and a second to represent the
condition of the system after some increase in
pipe roughness has occurred.
3) Many pumps are installed in wastewater appli-
cations with elbows mounted in front of the
impeller eye. When suction elbows are neces-
sary, it is best to use reducing or long radius
elbows.
4) Materials of construction are typically cast iron
(wastewater) or cast iron / bronze fitted
(water). These materials are preferred for
water/wastewater, but they do not stand up
well under heavy cavitation. The protective
layer that is built up under normal operation is
destroyed by cavitation, causing abnormal
material removal rates. It is advisable to
change to tougher materials such as stainless
steel or aluminum bronze alloys if the pump
must withstand destructive cavitation levels,
however, this will not help the seals or bearings.
5) Pump stations often operate unattended, and
the malfunction of a pump must be avoided. A
failed pump station processing water or waste-
water will cause considerable inconvenience
to the public, and should be designed to be as
trouble-free as possible.
6) Single, two and three vane impeller designs
are common in wastewater applications, with
no or minimal vane overlap. Increase the suc-
tion nozzle sizes by one or two sizes for
pumps with one to three vane impellers before
using Figure 9.6.1.3.
7) Vertical Turbine barrel or can type pumps on
water booster services are generally applied
with little or no NPSH Margin, since they are
mostly low suction energy applications.
The above items are listed to illustrate the uncertainies
related to the NPSHA calculations, and at the same
time demonstrate the importance of accuracy when
determining the required NPSHA. It seems as though
the simple answer would be to over-compensate by
adding margin on top of margin, guaranteeing that the
pump would run far from the point of cavitation. Even
though an excessive amount of NPSHA is often not
detrimental to the pump, putting margin on top of mar-
gin would add to the cost of the pump stations. It is
also important to note that there are a number of peo-
ple involved in the supply chain from the specifier to
the end user, and each one may add a margin of their
 HI Pumps Centrifugal and Vertical Pumps for NPSH Margin 1998
own. Some pump manufacturers include a margin in
their published NPSHR curves. If everyone was to add
a margin, the result of this excess margin would
increase the cost of the pump stations dramatically.
9.6.1.5.6 General industrial
Pumps for this application are used to pump a great
variety of liquids, ranging from water to concentrated
chemicals. These pumps are often sold as standard
catalog, pumps. They are generally low suction energy
designs.
Due to the variety of liquids pumped through an
extreme range of temperatures, the specifier must
carefully calculate the NPSHA in the system, taking
into account the vapor pressure of the liquid at the
extreme operating temperature. The use of hose con-
nections and the associated piping bends must be
accounted for. The use of hose or tubing connections
with internal diameters smaller than the pump suction
inlet should not be used on the suction side of the
pump.
NPSHA on tank draining applications should be calcu-
lated for the lowest possible level of the liquid in the
tank during the pumping process.
Another consideration in the NPSH Margin of catalog
type pumps is the common changes in flow rates
experienced during process changes, as well as the
physical expansion of process systems to meet higher
production rates. In general an NPSHR versus rate of
flow curve has a parabolic shape. This may cause
large changes in NPSHR especially if the pump is
being run to the right of the best efficiency point.
Due to the low suction energy of most general indus-
trial pumps, operation of the pump without any NPSH
margin does not normally cause substantial damage
to the internal components of the pump. Typical prob-
lems are frequent replacement of the mechanical seal
as well as the front motor bearings (on close coupled
pumps) due to the intense vibration caused by the col-
lapsing bubbles, when in fully developed cavitation.
9.6.1.5.7 Pulp and paper
For horizontal end suction stock process pumps situ-
ated close to the suction chest, and operating in the
continuous allowable operating region, it is normal to
add sufficient NPSH Margin to account for the uncer-
tainties in the actual NPSHR and NPSHA from poor
suction piping and entrained air. The following minimum
Copyright 2000 By Hydraulic Institute, All Rights Reserved.
NPSH Margins are suggested for stock consistencies
up to 6%:
For Low Suction Energy pumps use an NPSHA
Margin Ratio (NPSHA/NPSHR) of 1.1 or a margin
of 0.6m (2 ft), whichever is greater.
For High Suction Energy pumps, or pumps having
Specific Speeds greater than 2300 metric (2000
US units), use an NPSHA Margin Ratio of 1.3 or a
margin of 1.5m (5 ft), whichever is greater.
9.6.1.5.8 Building services
Fluid systems for the building trades or HVAC Industry
are comprised of both closed and open pumping sys-
tems. NPSH is generally not a concern when design-
ing closed pumping systems. The typical closed
system is filled and then pressurized to a fill pressure
of 4 to 10 psig. If an inadequate NPSH available
(NPSHA) condition should occur, it can usually be
remedied by increasing the fill pressure.
For open systems, NPSH margin is a very important
consideration. As a guideline, the NPSHA for open
systems should exceed the pump manufacturers
stated NPSH-required (NPSHR) by a minimum of
0.6m, (2 ft) or 1.1 times the NPSHR for Low Suction
Energy Pumps. For High Suction Energy pumps the
margin ratio should be increased to at least 1.3, or a
minimum of 1.5m (5 ft). Pumps operating at these
established minimum NPSH margins may experience
some degree of impeller erosion and/or noise but
these effects should be minimal. System construction
may contribute to the problem of noise, and cavitation.
Increasing the NPSH margin will improve pump opera-
tion and reliability.
9.6.1.5.9 Slurry
Pumps used in slurry service are frequently con-
structed of either hard metals or elastic materials. It is
also common for the slurry concentration and flow
rates to change rapidly, imposing significant loads on
the impeller, shaft and bearings. Because of this, and
the erosive nature of many slurries, slurry pumps are
of an extremely rugged design, making them relatively
insensitive to the mechanical effects of cavitation.
Also, to minimize erosive effects, slurry pumps often
operate at low speeds (less than 1200 RPM). As a
result of this, they normally fall into the Low Suction
Energy category, and have NPSHR values below 6m
(20 ft).
HI Pumps Centrifugal and Vertical Pumps for NPSH Margin 1998
Slurries are typically water based and at ambient tem-
peratures. Suction flow is usually gravity fed. Conse-
quently the NPSHA is normally in excess of 9m (30 ft),
giving NPSHA/NPSHR ratios in excess of 1.5.
The recommended NPSH Margin Ratio for slurry
pumps is 1.1 or a margin of 0.6m (2 ft) whichever is
greater. For applications where the margin is less,
characteristics of the slurry, and the NPSHR perfor-
mance of the pump, should be reviewed to assure sat-
isfactory performance.
9.6.1.5.10 Pipeline
For this paper, pipelines are defined as hundreds of
miles in length for the transport of hydrocarbons or
water. Pumps used for pipeline service normally share
the following application criteria:
1) Customers more often request the NPSH
Required values to be based on a 1% head
drop.
2) The NPSHA Margin, over NPSHR (3%), is
often incorporated in the NPSH Required
curve by the manufacturer.
3) Some pipeline designers and operators
request two NPSH Required curves. One
being the conventional NPSHR curve based
on a 3% head drop, and a second based on
the NPSH required to guarantee a 40,000
hour impeller life.
4) Specifications frequently require that the
NPSHA exceed the NPSH Required (40,000
hrs) over the full Allowable Operating Region
for the pump (Minimum to Maximum Flow).
5) There is no standard method for determining
the NPSH Required for 40,000 hours impel-
ler life, however it is a function of:
i) Suction Energy Level.
ii) Material of impeller.
iii) Acidity of pumpage (pH).
iv) Temperature of pumpage.
v) Suction Specific Speed.
vi) Operating rate of flow vs pump best effi-
ciency point.
10
Copyright 2000 By Hydraulic Institute, All Rights Reserved.
vii) The NPSH Required (0%) vs NPSHR
(3%) ratio throughout the Allowable Oper-
ating Region flow range.
9.6.1.5.11 Waterflood (injection) pumps
Water injection pumps for flooding of oil wells typically
operate against relatively constant systems. The sys-
tem requirements vary with time, but normally these
variations are gradual and do not impact on operating
NPSH Margins. For sizing of the pumps initially,
NPSHR considerations are based on a) expected flow
rate requirements (changes) over the planned life of
the injection project and b) the nature of the suction
source for the pumps. Assuming that any changes in
the nature of the suction source would also be gradual,
the NPSH Margins required by the pumps are rela-
tively small in order to ensure satisfactory, consistent
pump performance.
Typical NPSH Margins for injection pumps are set
based on the following criteria, considering variations
which could occur during the life of the injection
project:
1) Pump NPSHR at maximum expected flow
rate.
2) Minimum NPSHA expected at this maximum
flow rate.
The NPSH Requirement based on 40,000 hours mini-
mum impeller life is being requested more frequently
in this market.
9.6.1.6 Summary
In summary, the following key points should be under-
stood about cavitation in a centrifugal pump, NPSH
Margin requirements, and how they are affected by the
Suction Energy level of the pump:
Cavitation exists when NPSHA is at and substan-
tially above the NPSHR of a pump.
The Suction Energy level of a pump (as installed in
a system) determines if the cavitation that fre-
quently exists in a pump will cause noise, vibration
and/or damage to the pump.
Low Suction Energy pumps can normally operate
at or near their NPSHR with little or no problems
from cavitation, except for the 3% head drop.
 HI Pumps Centrifugal and Vertical Pumps for NPSH Margin 1998

High Suction Energy pumps are likely to be noisy

with higher vibration and will possibly experience
less than optimum pump life, if sufficient NPSH
Margin is not provided.

High Suction Energy pumps are more susceptible

to problems from poor suction inlet piping.

Entrained air, or dissolved air which comes out of

solution in the impeller eye, can quiet the noise
and vibration of High Suction Energy pumps at low
NPSH Margins.

Very High Suction Energy pumps will be noisy, will

have high vibration and are likely to experience
reduced pump life if sufficient NPSH Margin is not
provided. Very High Suction Energy pumps are
very susceptible to problems from poor suction
inlet piping.

11

Copyright 2000 By Hydraulic Institute, All Rights Reserved.

 This page intentionally blank.

Copyright 2000 By Hydraulic Institute, All Rights Reserved.

 HI Pumps Centrifugal and Vertical Pumps for NPSH Margin Index 1998

Appendix A

Index

This appendix is not part of this standard, but is presented to help the user in considering factors beyond this
standard.

Note: an f. indicates a figure, and a t. indicates a table.

Additives in liquid, 4 guidelines, 4, 5t.

nuclear power pumps, 7
BEP See Best efficiency point petroleum process pumps, 6
Best efficiency point, 2 pipeline pumps, 10
Building services pumping systems, 9 pulp and paper pumps, 9
ratio, 1
Cavitation, 3, 6, 10 slurry service pumps, 9
damage factors, 4 and vertical turbine pumps, 6
Chemical process pumps, 6 water/wastewater pumps, 8
Cooling towers, 7 waterflood (injection) pumps, 10
Corrosive properties of liquid, 4 NPSHA See also Net positive suction head available
NPSHR See Net positive suction head required
Electric power pumps, 7 Nuclear power pumps, 7

Gas content, 4 Peripheral velocity, 2

Petroleum process pumps, 6
Impeller eye diameter, 3, 4 Pipeline pumps, 10
Impeller material, 4 Pulp and paper applications, 9
Impeller vanes Pump duty cycle, 4
incidence angle, 2 Pump size, 4
overlap, 2f., 2
Industrial pumps, 9 Slurry service pumps, 9
Inlet geometry, 2 Solids/abrasives in liquid, 4
Inlet piping geometry, 2 Specific gravity, 2
Suction energy, 10
Multistage pumps, 4 determination, 3, 3f.
factors, 2
Net positive suction head available, 1, 1f. Suction energy level, 1
Net positive suction head margin Suction specific speed, 1
See NPSH margin
Net positive suction head required, 1, 1f. Thermodynamic properties, 2
NPSH margin, 1, 10
building services pumping systems, 9 Vertical turbine pumps, 6
chemical process pumps, 6 and inlet eye diameter, 4
cooling towers, 7 and NPSH margin, 6
defined
electric power pumps, 7 Water/wastewater pumps, 8
general industrial pumps, 9 Waterflood (injection) pumps, 10

13

Copyright 2000 By Hydraulic Institute, All Rights Reserved.

M118

Copyright 2000 By Hydraulic Institute, All Rights Reserved.