NET POSITIVE SUCTION HEAD, (NPSH) AND

CAVITATION

The NPSH is a measure of the positive pressure, above absolute zero, which is required in order to
maintain a flow of liquid into the eye of the pump impeller. It is affected by barometric pressure and by
the cargo liquid vapour pressure and by the cargo liquid vapour pressure. Put simply

The required NPSH for the pump is a function of the pump design.

The available NPSH is a function of the system to which the pump is connected and the characteristics
of the fluid being pumped.

ie Available = Pa + head of liquid in tank relative to pump suction - total suction line losses - Psvp
NPSH og og
(absolute)

Where Pa = absolute pressure acting on liquid surface in suction tank.

Psvp = absolute saturated vapour pressure of the liquid at the pumping temperature.

'+' if liquid level above level of pump suction inlet.

NPSH is temperature dependent and is not easily determined. However, if the pump operator takes the
following precaution, cavitation and premature loss of suction should be avoided.

Maintain the pump suction pressure at a higher value than the liquid vapour pressure at the pump inlet.

This is done by minimising suction velocity losses ie, by reducing the flowrate. As we have already
seen this is achieved either by reducing the speed of the pump (preferable) or by closing in on the pump
DISCHARGE valve (not the suction valve - this increases cavitation and suction problems).

Alternatively the available NPSH at the pump can be maintained at a suitable value by partially opening
the outlet valve from a full tank. Care is required here since, if the valve is opened too far, liquid will
flow from the full tank to the tank being stripped.

From figs (i) and (vii) it is evident that, in the 'Syphon' case very high flowrates will, and almost
certainly, result in cavitation. This, in turn, will lead to mechanical damage to the pump. Note also that
the discharge rate may exceed the capacity of the INERT GAS plant!!!

In such a case the discharge rate should be reduced to an acceptable level by partially closing the
discharge valve.

FLOWRATES SHOULD NEVER BE CONTROLLED BY RESTRICTING THE FLOW TO THE

CARGO PUMP.