Determing Net Positive Suction Head and Suction Specific Speed

Engineering Encyclopedia
Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards
DETERMINING NET POSITIVE SUCTION

HEAD AND SUCTION SPECIFIC SPEED
Note: The source of the technical material in this volume is the Professional
Engineering Development Program (PEDP) of Engineering Services.
Warning: The material contained in this document was developed for Saudi
Aramco and is intended for the exclusive use of Saudi Aramcos employees.
Any material contained in this document which is not already in the public
domain may not be copied, reproduced, sold, given, or disclosed to third
parties, or otherwise used in whole, or in part, without the written permission
of the Vice President, Engineering Services, Saudi Aramco.
Chapter : Mechanical For additional information on this subject, contact

File Reference: MEX-211.03 PEDD Coordinator on 874-6556
Engineering Encyclopedia Pumps
Determining Net Positive Suction
Head and Suction Specific Speed
Section Page
INFORMATION ............................................................................................................... 3
INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................. 3
DETERMINING PUMP NET POSITIVE SUCTION HEAD AVAILABLE
(NPSHA) ................................................................................................... 4
Head..................................................................................................................... 6
Lift......................................................................................................................... 7
Velocity Head ....................................................................................................... 9
Discharge Head.................................................................................................. 10
Total System Head ............................................................................................. 10
Total Dynamic Suction Head ................................................................... 10
Total Dynamic Discharge Head ............................................................... 11
Net Positive Suction Head (NPSH)..................................................................... 14
Low Vapor Pressure ................................................................................ 17
High Vapor Pressure................................................................................ 17
Boiling Fluid ............................................................................................. 17
NPSH Required .................................................................................................. 18
Pump Cavitation ...................................................................................... 20
Pump Recirculation.................................................................................. 22
DETERMINING PUMP SUCTION SPECIFIC SPEED .................................................. 24
Suction Specific Speed and Recirculation Nomagraph ...................................... 25
DETERMINING ACCELERATION HEAD LOSSES FOR PISTON AND
PLUNGER PUMPS ....................................................................... 26
Acceleration Head Loss Calculation ................................................................... 27
WORK AIDS.................................................................................................................. 30
WORK AID 1: FORMULAS TO DETERMINE NET POSITIVE SUCTION
HEAD AVAILABLE (NPSHA) ................................................................. 30
Feet-to-Pressure Conversion.............................................................................. 30
Velocity Head ..................................................................................................... 30
NPSHA ................................................................................................................ 30
WORK AID 2: FORMULA TO DETERMINE SUCTION SPECIFIC SPEED ................. 31
WORK AID 3: FORMULAS TO DETERMINE ACCELERATION HEAD
LOSSES................................................................................................ 32
Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards i

FLUID VELOCITY IN A PIPE ............................................................................. 32

ACCELERATION HEAD LOSS .......................................................................... 32
GLOSSARY .................................................................................................................. 33
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. Pump Datum Elevations.................................................................................. 5

Figure 2. Suction Head................................................................................................... 7
Figure 3. Suction Lift ...................................................................................................... 8
Figure 4. Example System for TSH Calculation ........................................................... 12
Figure 5. Pressure Reduction at a Pump Suction ........................................................ 14
Figure 6. Example System for NPSHA Calculation for a Low Vapor Pressure
Fluid............................................................................................................ 16
Figure 7. Example Curve from a Pump Cavitation Test at a Constant Speed
and Capacity .............................................................................................. 18
Figure 8. Typical NPSHR Test Plot for Four Capacities................................................ 19
Figure 8a. Typical NPSHR / Capacity Curve................................................................. 19
Figure 9. Suction Recirculation .................................................................................... 22
Figure 10. Discharge Recirculation .............................................................................. 23
Figure 11. Suction Specific Speed Versus Percent BEP Nomagraph .......................... 25
Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards ii

INFORMATION
INTRODUCTION
All pumps are designed to increase the energy of a fluid while
maintaining the fluid in its liquid state. Positive-displacement
pumps have the characteristic of constant volume flow and
providing unlimited energy to the fluid; therefore, positive-
displacement pumps are not affected by the fluid density.
Dynamic pumps (centrifugal and axial) are designed to produce
a specific amount of head at a specific flow rate and speed
based on a specific fluid density. Once the pump is designed,
any reduction in fluid density will result in a reduction in flow rate.
Liquid disturbances in pumps are one of the major causes of
reduced pump reliability. The pressures generated by cavitation
can exceed 100,000 psi. Cavitation, which is caused by many
different factors, is responsible for lost service time as a result of
various pump component failures, such as the following:
Bearings
Seals
Wear rings
Impellers
Shaft
Casings
The factors that affect pump and system fluid flow are referred
to as hydraulic characteristics. The hydraulic characteristics of a
pump and system for a given application must be used to
determine the type and the size of a pump.
To select the proper pump for an application, a Mechanical
Engineer must understand and must be able to determine the
hydraulic characteristics of a pump and the process system.
This module provides information on the following topics related
to hydraulic characteristics:
Net Positive Suction Head Available (NPSHA)
Net Positive Suction Head Required (NPSHR)
Pump Suction Specific Speed
Acceleration Head Losses for Piston and Plunger Pumps
Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 3

DETERMINING PUMP NET POSITIVE SUCTION HEAD AVAILABLE

(NPSHA)
When pumping a fluid, the fluid must be in its liquid phase at the
suction of the pump. The volume of fluid that is discharged from
the pump is replaced by the fluid inventory available at the
pump suction. If a fluid surface level is below the elevation of
the pump suction, work has to be performed by the pump to
move the fluid to the pump suction. If a fluid surface level is at a
higher elevation than the pump suction, the fluid has potential
energy and additional energy is not required to move the fluid to
the pump suction.
The relationship between the location of the pumped fluid and
the suction of the pump is described by the terms lift and
head. Lift refers to fluid levels below the suction of the pump.
Head refers to fluid levels above the suction of the pump. Lift
and head describe energy in terms of the equivalent pressure
that is resultant from the height of a column of the fluid pumped
as measured from the datum elevation. The datum elevation is
an arbitrary plane at the pump from which the height of a fluid
column is measured. The Hydraulic Institute Standards define
the datum elevation for pumps as follows:
For horizontal pumps, the datum elevation is the centerline

of the pump shaft.
For vertical, single-suction pumps (both volute and diffusion

vane types), the datum elevation is the impeller suction
vanes.
For vertical, double-suction pumps, the datum elevation is

the impeller discharge horizontal centerline.

Figure 1 shows the datum elevation for the different pump

designs.
Figure 1. Pump Datum Elevations

Head
The height of a fluid column is called static head and is
expressed in terms of feet of liquid. The static head that
corresponds to any pressure can be determined by the following
formulas:
P 2.31
Head in feet =
SG
Where:
P = Pressure in psia
SG = Specific gravity of the fluid pumped
Suction head (hs) exists when the fluid supply to the pump is
above the pump datum elevation. The following equation
defines total suction head:
Total suction head = fluid height (in feet) above datum
elevation + suction supply pressure (feet) - suction piping
losses

Figure 2 illustrates suction head. In this operating condition, the

pump is pumping a liquid from a reservoir that is located above
the pump. This condition causes a head pressure (suction head)
to be applied to the pump inlet.
Figure 2. Suction Head
Lift
Suction lift (hs) exists when the fluid supply level is below the
datum elevation. When the fluid supply level is below the datum
elevation, a pump must lift the fluid to the pump suction. Suction
lift is expressed as a negative value of head and reflects the
work that must be performed by the pump to move fluid to the
pump suction. As suction lift increases (becomes more
negative), the suction pressure will approach the vaporization
point of the fluid. The fluid will vaporize when the pump suction
pressure reaches the vapor pressure of the liquid at the
pumping temperature. Vaporization of the liquid can cause
cavitation, which can result in seizure of the pump due to dry
running.

Figure 3 illustrates suction lift. The pump is pumping a liquid

from a reservoir that is located below the pump, which requires
the pump to overcome the static suction lift and draw the liquid
up to the pump.
Figure 3. Suction Lift
Total suction lift is equal to the static lift in feet minus piping
losses in the pump suction piping. When a positive pressure
exists at the pump suction fluid supply, the positive pressure
value (converted to feet) is added to the negative suction lift
value. When a vacuum exists at the pump suction fluid supply,
the negative value (converted to feet) is added to the negative
suction lift value. The following formula can be used to convert
vacuum in inches of mercury to vacuum in feet of fluid:
Vacuum in inches of Hg 1.13

Vacuum in feet of liquid =
Specific gravity of pumped fluid

Velocity Head
The movement of fluid in a pumping system represents the
kinetic energy of the fluid. The kinetic energy of the fluid is
equivalent to the vertical distance the mass of fluid would have
to fall (in a perfect vacuum) to acquire the fluid velocity. The
term velocity head is used to describe the distance that the
liquid being pumped would be required to fall to reach the same
velocity when coming out of the pump.
Velocity head can be calculated with the following formulas:
V2
hv =
2gc
0.00259(gpm) 2
=
d4
Where:
hv = Velocity head in feet of liquid
V = Velocity of liquid in ft/sec
gc = Constant for gravitational acceleration,
ft - lbm
32.2
2
lbf - sec
d = Inside diameter of the piping in inches
gpm = Fluid flow rate in gallons per minute
bph = Fluid flow rate in barrels (42 gallons) per
hour
The precise units of head are ft-lb. (force) per lb. (mass).
However, it is conventional practice to cancel the "lb." units and
to speak of head in terms of feet (ft).
When performing total system head calculations for pumps that
produce high discharge head, the velocity head can be
considered negligible.

Discharge Head
Static discharge head is the vertical distance in feet between the
datum elevation and the point of free discharge of the surface of
the fluid in a discharge tank. Total discharge head (hd) is the
sum of the static discharge head, friction head, and pressure
head (if discharging to an enclosed vessel).
Total System Head

Total suction, velocity, and discharge head are combined to
determine the total system head (also called the total dynamic
head) at a specific flow rate. Total suction and discharge head
must be compensated by the velocity head, which results in
dynamic head values. The following terms are used to define
the combined dynamic heads of a pump.
Total Dynamic
Suction Head
The total dynamic suction head (hs) is defined by the following

equation:
hs = Pressure acting on the liquid + static suction
head - velocity head at the pump suction - friction
head drop
The total dynamic suction head can be determined by reading a
compound pressure gage mounted on the pump suction (the
pressure gage must be located on or near the pump suction
flange for accuracy), and by subtracting the velocity head at the
pump suction. The static suction head can be negative (-) value
for a suction lift or a positive (+) value for suction head.

Total Dynamic
Discharge Head
The total dynamic discharge head (hd) is defined by the

following equation:
hd = Static discharge head + velocity head at the
pump discharge + friction head at the pump discharge
+ pressure in the discharge vessel
The total dynamic discharge head can be determined by
reading a pressure gage mounted on the pump discharge (the
pressure gage must be located on or near the pump discharge
flange for accuracy), and by adding the velocity head at the
pump discharge.
The total system head of a pump can be determined by the
following equation:
TSH = hd - hs
Where:
hd = Total dynamic discharge head
hs = Total dynamic suction head
TSH = Total system head
The following example shows the application for determining
suction head, discharge head, and total system head.

As shown in Figure 4, water is pumped by a centrifugal pump

from a sump to a tank located 300 feet above the datum
elevation and at atmospheric pressure. The sump fluid surface
level is constant and is located 16 feet below the datum
elevation and at atmospheric pressure. The suction piping
provides 0.13 feet of friction head. The discharge piping and
components provide 1.75 feet of friction head. The suction
piping is 5-inch schedule 40 steel pipe. The discharge piping is
4-inch schedule 40 steel pipe. The total system head must be
determined for a normal flow rate of 200 gpm. The velocity of
water in the suction piping is 5 feet/sec. The velocity of water in
the discharge piping is 3 feet/sec.
Figure 4. Example System for TSH Calculation

Calculate the velocity head at the pump suction:
V2
hv =
2gc
(3.25) 2
=
2x(32.2)
= 0.164 feet
Calculate the suction head (hs):

hs = Pressure acting on the liquid + static suction
head - velocity head at the pump suction -
friction drop
hs = 34 + (-16) 0.164 0.13
(Note: 14.7 psi = 34 feet of water)
= 17.71 feet
Calculate the velocity head at the pump discharge:
V2
hv =
2g c
(5) 2
=
2x(32.2)
= 0.388 feet
Calculate the dynamic discharge head (hd):
hd = Static discharge head + velocity head at the
pump discharge + friction head at the pump discharge
+ pressure at pump discharge
hd = 300 + 0.388 + 1.75 + 34
= 336.14 feet
Calculate the total system head (TSH):
TSH = hd hs
= 336.14 17.71
= 43 feet

Net Positive Suction Head (NPSH)

Net positive suction head (NPSH) is defined as the total suction
head of the pumped fluid, in feet, from the datum elevation less
the absolute vapor pressure of the liquid being pumped. NPSH
is an analysis of the energy conditions on the suction side of the
pump to determine whether the pumped fluid will vaporize at the
lowest pressure point in the pump.
The lowest pressure point in a centrifugal pump is the eye of the
impeller. When the pumped fluid enters the impeller eye, the
pressure of the fluid is significantly reduced. Figure 5 shows the
reduction of pressure in the suction of an overhung impeller
pump.
Impeller Vane Inlet
Impeller Vane Inlet
Impeller Eye
Suction Flange
Pressure (PSIA)
Suction Press
HRSPN
Friction,
Acceleration &
Shock Losses
Distance
Figure 5. Pressure Reduction at a Pump Suction

If the pressure drop is large enough, or if the fluid temperature is

high enough, the fluid may vaporize in the impeller eye. The
vapor bubbles formed in the impeller eye will collapse as they
pass through the impeller to an area of higher pressure. The
formation of vapor bubbles in the eye of the impeller that is
followed by a collapse of the bubbles in a higher-pressure area
is called cavitation. Cavitation is a result of the pump suction
pressure reaching the vapor pressure of the pumped fluid.
Cavitation can also occur in positive-displacement pumps.
Cavitation will be discussed in detail later in this module.
Cavitation can have a damaging effect on a pump and can also
result in a loss of pump flow rate, pressure fluctuations, and a
decrease in pump efficiency. To prevent cavitation, a minimum
pressure in the form of suction head must be present at the
pump suction.
Excess fluid pressure at the pump suction, in feet absolute, over
the fluid vapor pressure is called NPSH Available (NPSHA).
NPSHA is calculated from the system data. NPSHA is the head
that is available at the inlet flange of a pump minus the pumped
liquid vapor pressure and the suction piping friction losses.
NPSHA can be calculated using the following formulas:
2.311
NPSH A = (p s p vp ) + h s h f
SG
Where:
NPSHA = Net positive suction head available
hvpa = Vapor pressure of pumped fluid in feet
absolute
hs = Total suction head in feet
pvp = Vapor pressure in psia
w = Specific weight of pumped fluid in pounds
per cubic foot
ps = Pressure acting on the liquid in psia
hf = Friction loss in feet
The vapor pressure of the pumped fluid must always be known
to calculate the NPSHA. The following section provides example
calculations that show the effect of different vapor pressures on
NPSHA for the following scenarios:

Fluid with a low vapor pressure.
Fluid with a high vapor pressure.
Boiling fluids assuming constant flow.

All scenarios will use the same assumptions: a total suction
pressure drop of 1 psig, a constant barometric pressure of
14.696 psia, and water is the pumped fluid. Figure 6 shows an
example of an open system with the pump suction 10 feet
above the datum elevation.
14.696 PSIA
10 FT
Figure 6. Example System for NPSHA Calculation

for a Low Vapor Pressure Fluid

Low Vapor Pressure
The water temperature is 70 F. The vapor pressure of the

water is 0.3631 psia. The specific gravity of water at 70 F is
1.0.
NPSHA =
2.31
SG s
( )
p pvp + hs hf
2.31
= (14.696 0.3631) + 10 - 3
1.0
= 40.1 feet
High Vapor Pressure
The water temperature is 200 F. The vapor pressure of the

water is 11.562 psia. The specific gravity of water at 200 F is
0.966.
NPSHA =
2.31
SG s
( )
p pvp + hs hf
2.31
= (14.696 11.562) + 10 - 3
0.966
= 14.5 feet
Boiling Fluid
The water temperature is 212 F. The vapor pressure of water

at 212 F is 14.696 psia. The specific gravity of water at 212 F
is 0.961.
NPSHA =
2.31
SG s
( )
p pvp + hs hf
2.31
= (14.696 14.696) + 10 - 3
0.961
= 7.0 feet

NPSH Required
NPSHR is a function of pump design and is the positive head in
feet absolute required at the pump suction to overcome the
pressure drops as a fluid flows through a pump and to maintain
the fluid above its vapor pressure.
Because NPSHR is a function of the pump design, it is
determined by the manufacturer during controlled tests with
water. A pump is operated at a constant speed and capacity
and the NPSHA is reduced until cavitation occurs. Because the
onset of cavitation is difficult to determine by vibration or sound
(normal pump noise and vibration may mask the small amount
of noise and vibration from the onset of cavitation), the drop in
pump differential head is used to indicate the onset of cavitation.
The amount of the drop in pump discharge pressure that
indicates the onset of cavitation during the test is defined in 31-
SAMSS-004 and is 3 percent reduction of the first stage
differential head. Figure 7 shows an example of a curve of a
typical cavitation test that indicates the onset of cavitation.
Figure 7. Example Curve from a Pump Cavitation Test at a

Constant Speed and Capacity

An alternate cavitation test can be used to identify the NPSHR

The alternate test operates a pump at a constant speed and
suction pressure while varying the pump capacity. For any given
suction pressure, the pump head is plotted against capacity.
Cavitation is assumed to occur at a capacity above which the
two head curves just begin to separate. Operation of a pump
along the NPSHR curves is commonly called operating in the
break. As shown in Figure 8, pump vendors frequently plot a
family of NPSHR curves for different suction pressures on the
pump characteristic curve plots.
Figure 8. Typical NPSHR Test Plot for Four Capacities
Figure 8a. Typical NPSHR / Capacity Curve

31-SAMSS-004 also requires a NPSHR curve based on 40,000-

hour impeller life for high-energy pumps (pumps with total
differential head greater than 650 feet (200 meters) per stage
and more than 300 hp (225 kW) per stage). The vendor-
supplied curve must represent the NPSH required to permit
40,000 hours of operation between the minimum continuous
stable capacity and 120 percent of rated capacity after which
time the reduction in impeller vane thickness due to cavitation
erosion must not exceed 75 percent. The requirement for high-
energy pumps allows pump operation for 40,000 hours without
the necessity to replace impellers due to cavitation and
recirculation damage. Saudi Aramcos experience has shown
that there is an increasing NPSHA to NPSHR differential
between the normally applied 3 percent head drop method and
the NPSHA to NPSHR differential for satisfactory 40,000 hour
operation of high energy impellers. The differential for 40,000
hour operation for low energy impellers may be negligible;
therefore, the 3 percent head drop margin provides adequate
impeller life. The NPSHR differential for high-energy impellers
can be very substantial and requires additional margin to ensure
adequate impeller life.
Pump Cavitation
As previously defined, pump cavitation is the formation of vapor

bubbles in the low pressure area of a pump and the subsequent
collapse of the vapor bubbles in a higher-pressure area of the
pump. Heavy cavitation is indicated by a decrease in pump
head and capacity, steady crackling noises, knocking, and an
increase in pump vibration. Pump damage can occur when the
vapor bubbles collapse against the metal surfaces of the
impeller or casing. Cavitation causes metal erosion and pitting,
typically on the pressure side of the impeller vanes (the visible
side).
Cavitation damage is most likely to occur with single-component
liquids, such as water, because single-component liquids tend to
condense very suddenly. Mixed compound liquids condense
more gradually and cause less damage. However, even with
mixed compound liquids, the presence of vapor in the impeller
can decrease the head or flow capacity.

In addition to the major component of the pumped liquid,

dissolved gases, such as air in water or nitrogen in
hydrocarbons, can also vaporize. As the pressure drops in the
suction passages, small bubbles of the dissolved gas will be
released. However, these gases do not condense and collapse
suddenly. Because they dissolve quite slowly, sudden collapse
does not occur, and damage to the impeller is minimized. Also,
because the amount of gas that is released is small, the head
that is produced by the pump is usually not affected
significantly.
Cavitation is also affected by fluid temperature. The magnitude
of cavitation damage and the degree of interference with the
proper operation of a pump decrease with an increase in fluid
temperature. If a pump is handling water at near ambient
temperatures and cavitation occurs, the volume of the vapor
bubble will be must larger than the volume of the original
quantity of the water. For example, one pound of water at 40F
occupies 0.016 cubic feet, but one pound of water vapor at the
same temperature will occupy 2,441 cubic feet. The resultant
ratio of the volume of vapor to the volume of an equivalent mass
of water for a given temperature would be 152,562. The
resulting damage from a large change in volume (formation and
subsequent collapse of a vapor bubble) is greater than the
damage from a small change in volume. As temperature
increases, a lower change in volume will occur when the liquid
vaporizes and the ratio of vapor volume to liquid volume
decreases. If the temperature of the water is 705.4F (the critical
point for water), the volume occupied by a mass water is the
same as the volume of an equivalent mass of vapor (as long as
the saturation pressure is maintained). Because no change in
volume occurs at the critical point, cavitation cannot take place.
Correction or reduction factors are available for reducing the
NPSHR for hydrocarbons and high temperature water; however,
API Standard 610 does not allow any reduction or correction of
NPSHR based on hydrocarbons or high water temperatures.

Pump Recirculation
When pump capacity is reduced by discharge throttling,

recirculation is a flow reversal that occurs at the suction and/or
at the discharge tips of the impeller vanes. All impellers have a
critical capacity at which recirculation occurs. The capacities at
which suction and discharge recirculation begins can be
modified by the impeller design, but recirculation cannot be
eliminated.
Suction recirculation is the reversal of fluid flow at the impeller
eye. As shown in Figure 9, a portion of the flow through the
impeller eye reverses direction and develops a vortex. If
pressure at the center of the vortex is lower than the vapor
pressure, cavitation will occur. The formation and collapse of the
vortices will cause a form of cavitation that can lead to impeller
damage.
Figure 9. Suction Recirculation

As shown in Figure 10, discharge recirculation is the reversal of

flow at the discharge tips of the impeller vanes. A portion of the
discharge flow reverses direction and forms vortices that can
cause cavitation.
Figure 10. Discharge Recirculation
Recirculation typically results in heavy pitting on the low-

pressure side (non-visible side) of the pump impeller vanes.
Recirculation can be prevented by maintaining a minimum flow
rate through the pump with minimum flow bypass systems.

DETERMINING PUMP SUCTION SPECIFIC SPEED

Suction specific speed was developed to describe the suction
conditions of centrifugal pumps. Suction specific speed is similar
to the pump specific speed described in MEX 211.01. Suction
specific speed is an index that relates flow, NPSHR, and rotative
speed for pumps of similar geometry. The difference between
suction specific speed and specific speed is the head used for
the calculation. Specific speed uses total pump differential head
in the calculation; suction specific speed uses NPSHR in the
calculation. Because suction specific speed is related to flow
and NPSHR, the dimensionless value of suction specific speed
can be used to evaluate suction conditions. By designating a
suction specific speed, a Mechanical Engineer can calculate an
estimate for NPSH for a given flow rate and pump speed.
Suction specific speed is used to determine whether a pump
impeller will experience recirculation based on its operating
speed, flow rate, and NPSHR. In accordance with Saudi Aramco
31-SAMSS-004, the suction specific speed, based on the NPSH
required for 3% first stage head drop at best efficiency capacity,
must not exceed 6,710 (11,000 in U.S. units).
Suction specific speed can be calculated using the following
equation:
N Q
Nss =
(NPSHR )0.75
Where:
Nss = Suction specific speed (non-
dimensional)
Q = Flow in gpm at BEP (for double-suction
impellers, Q = Q/2)
NPSHR = Net positive suction head required in
feet at BEP

Suction Specific Speed and Recirculation Nomagraph

Figure 11 shows a nomagraph that relates suction specific
speed to percent of BEP indicating the points that recirculation
will occur.
Figure 11. Suction Specific Speed Versus Percent BEP Nomagraph

DETERMINING ACCELERATION HEAD LOSSES FOR PISTON AND

PLUNGER PUMPS
The NPSHA for positive-displacement reciprocating power
pumps is determined by using the same equations previously
discussed for centrifugal pumps with the exception of the
acceleration head factor. Acceleration head is the pressure in
feet required to accelerate the fluid column on each stroke of
the pump without separation of the liquid from the piston or
plunger surface.
The following equation is used to determine the NPSHA for
reciprocating power pumps:
2.31
NPSH A = (p s p vp ) + h s h a h f
SG
Where:
NPSHA = Net positive suction head available
SG = Specific gravity of pumped fluid
Ps = Pressure acting on the liquid in psia
Pvp = Vapor pressure in psia
hs = Total suction static head in feet
ha = Acceleration head loss in feet

Acceleration Head Loss Calculation

The value of the acceleration head loss has a direct impact on
the NPSHA. The acceleration head can be determined from the
following equation:
(L )(V )(N )(C )
ha =
(K )(g )
Where:
ha = Acceleration head loss in psia
L = Equivalent length of the suction line
V = Average suction line fluid velocity in feet per
second
N = Pump speed in rpm
C = Pump type constant -
= 0.200 for duplex single acting
= 0.115 for duplex double acting
= 0.066 for triplex single or double acting
= 0.040 for quintuplex single or double acting
= 0.028 for septuplex single or double acting
= 0.022 for nonuplex single or double acting
K = Theoretical fluid factor for relative fluid
compressibility (ratio of theoretical head to
actual head)
= 2.5 for hot oil
= 2.0 for hydrocarbons
= 1.5 for amine, glycol, or water
= 1.4 for deaerated water
g = gravitational constant (32.2 ft/sec2)

The average suction line fluid velocity can be calculated using

the following equations:
For English units:
gpm 0.321
V=
internal area of suction pipe, in2
For SI units:
3
m 278
V = h
2
internal area of suction pipe, mm
The equation for the acceleration head loss does not take
changes in the size of suction line piping into consideration. The
acceleration head loss must be calculated separately for each
section of piping size, and the values must be added to obtain a
total acceleration head loss for the effective length of suction
piping.
The following example illustrates the calculations for
acceleration head loss:
A 2.8 6 triplex single-acting power pump runs at 300 rpm
and displaces 115 gpm of water at 70F (specific gravity =
1.00). The suction piping consists of 6 feet of 4-inch pipe and 15
equivalent feet of 3-inch pipe.
Calculate the average velocity for the 4-inch pipe:
gpm 0.321
V=
area of suction pipe, in 2
115 0.321
=
(2) 2
= 2.93 ft/s
Calculate the average velocity for the 3-inch pipe:

gpm 0.321
V=
area of suction pipe, in2
115 0.321
=
(1.5) 2
= 5.22 ft/s
Calculate the acceleration head for the 4-inch pipe:

(L )(V )(N)(C)
ha =
(K )(g)
=
(6)(2.93 )(300 )(0.066 )
(1.5 )(32.2 )
= 7.2 feet
Calculate the acceleration head for the 6-inch pipe:

(L )(V )(N)(C)
ha =
(K )(g)
=
(15 )(5.22)(300 )(0.066 )
(1.5 )(32.2)
= 32.1feet
Calculate the total acceleration head:

ha = ha4 + ha3
= 7.2 + 32.1
= 39.3 feet
As shown in the acceleration head loss equation, the value of

the acceleration head loss will decrease with slower fluid
velocity in the pipe, shorter suction pipe lengths, or lowering
pump speed. The fluid velocity in the pipe can be reduced by
increasing the pipe diameter or by slowing the pump speed to
reduce flow rate. Slowing the pump speed is typically difficult to
do and results in an undesirable reduction in pumping rate. If
excessive acceleration rate is causing cavitation, an increase of
the suction pipe diameter is recommended.

WORK AIDS
WORK AID 1: FORMULAS TO DETERMINE NET POSITIVE SUCTION

HEAD AVAILABLE (NPSHA)
Feet-to-Pressure Conversion
Head in Feet SG
Pressure =
2.31
Where:
P = Pressure in psia
SG = Specific gravity of the fluid pumped
Velocity Head
0.00259(gp m) 2
hv =
d4
Where:
hv = Velocity head in feet of liquid
d = Inside diameter of the piping in inches
gpm = Fluid flow rate in gallons per minute
Pressure at the Pump Suction
psuction = pvessel + pfriction - pfriction + pvelocity head
NPSHA
2.31
NPSH A = (p s - p vp ) + h s h f
SG
Where:
NPSHA = Net positive suction head available in feet
ps = Pressure at pump suction in psia
pvp = Vapor pressure of pumped fluid in psia
SG = Specific gravity of pumped fluid

WORK AID 2: FORMULA TO DETERMINE SUCTION SPECIFIC

SPEED
N Q
Nss =
( NPSHR )
0.75
Where:
Nss = Suction specific speed
N = Rotative speed in revolutions per minute (rpm)
Q = Flow at optimum efficiency in gallons per minute (gpm) or

cubic meters per second (m3/sec). The value for flow for a
double suction pump is one-half of the total flow rate.
NPSHR = Net positive suction head required in feet

WORK AID 3: FORMULAS TO DETERMINE ACCELERATION HEAD

LOSSES
Fluid Velocity in a Pipe
gpm 0.321
V=
area of suction pipe,in2
Acceleration Head Loss
(L )(V )(N)(C)
ha =
(K )(g)
Where:
ha = Acceleration head in feet

L = Equivalent length of the suction line in feet
V = Average suction line fluid velocity in feet per second
N = Pump speed in rpm
C = Pump type constant -
= 0.200 for duplex single acting
= 0.115 for duplex double acting
= 0.066 for triplex single or double acting
= 0.040 for quintuplex single or double acting
= 0.028 for septuplex single or double acting
= 0.022 for nonuplex single or double acting
K = Theoretical fluid factor for relative fluid compressibility (ratio of
theoretical head to actual head)
= 2.5 for hot oil
= 2.0 for hydrocarbons
= 1.5 for amine, glycol, or water
= 1.4 for deaerated water
g = gravitational constant (32.2 ft/sec2)

GLOSSARY
acceleration head The head required to accelerate a fluid column.
cavitation The formation of vapor bubbles in a low-pressure
area of a pump followed by the collapse of the
bubbles in a high-pressure area of the pump.
datum elevation An arbitrary point on a pump from which the fluid
column above or below the pump is measured.
Net Positive Suction Head The excess pressure in feet or meters absolute over the
Available (NPSHA) pumped fluid vapor pressure as the fluid arrives at the
pump suction.
Net Positive Suction Head The positive head in feet or meters absolute required at
Required (NPSHR) the pump suction to overcome pressure drops in the
suction of the pump and to maintain the pumped fluid
above its vapor pressure.
recirculation A reversal of fluid flow at the suction or discharge of a
pump impeller due to low flow conditions.
specific gravity The property of a liquid; ratio of the liquids density to
that of water at 60F (15.5C).
specific speed An index relating flow, total head, and rotative speed for
pumps of similar geometry, calculated for the pumps
performance at the best efficiency point.
suction head The vertical distance in feet or meters from the datum
elevation to the free level of the fluid located above the
pump suction.
suction lift The vertical distance in feet or meters from the datum
elevation to the free level of the fluid located below the
pump suction. Expressed as a negative value of suction
head.
suction specific speed An index relating flow, NPSH, and rotative speed for
pumps of similar geometry, calculated for the pumps
performance at the best efficiency point.
vapor pressure The pressure exerted by a liquid and gas when in
equilibrium.
velocity head The energy of a liquid as a result of its motion at some
velocity, equivalent to the head in feet or meters which
the fluid would have to fall to acquire the same velocity.

Determing Net Positive Suction Head and Suction Specific Speed

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Engineering Encyclopedia

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

DETERMINING NET POSITIVE SUCTION

Chapter : Mechanical For additional information on this subject, contact

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards i

FLUID VELOCITY IN A PIPE ............................................................................. 32

Figure 1. Pump Datum Elevations.................................................................................. 5

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards ii

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 3

DETERMINING PUMP NET POSITIVE SUCTION HEAD AVAILABLE

For horizontal pumps, the datum elevation is the centerline

For vertical, single-suction pumps (both volute and diffusion

For vertical, double-suction pumps, the datum elevation is

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 4

Figure 1 shows the datum elevation for the different pump

Figure 1. Pump Datum Elevations

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 5

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 6

Figure 2 illustrates suction head. In this operating condition, the

Figure 2. Suction Head

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 7

Figure 3 illustrates suction lift. The pump is pumping a liquid

Figure 3. Suction Lift

Vacuum in inches of Hg 1.13

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 8

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 9

Total System Head

The total dynamic suction head (hs) is defined by the following

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 10

The total dynamic discharge head (hd) is defined by the

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 11

As shown in Figure 4, water is pumped by a centrifugal pump

Figure 4. Example System for TSH Calculation

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 12

Calculate the velocity head at the pump suction:

Calculate the suction head (hs):

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 13

Net Positive Suction Head (NPSH)

Impeller Vane Inlet

Figure 5. Pressure Reduction at a Pump Suction

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 14

If the pressure drop is large enough, or if the fluid temperature is

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 15

Fluid with a low vapor pressure.

Fluid with a high vapor pressure.

Boiling fluids assuming constant flow.

Figure 6. Example System for NPSHA Calculation

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 16

Low Vapor Pressure

The water temperature is 70 F. The vapor pressure of the

High Vapor Pressure

The water temperature is 200 F. The vapor pressure of the

The water temperature is 212 F. The vapor pressure of water

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 17

Figure 7. Example Curve from a Pump Cavitation Test at a

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 18

An alternate cavitation test can be used to identify the NPSHR

Figure 8. Typical NPSHR Test Plot for Four Capacities

Figure 8a. Typical NPSHR / Capacity Curve

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 19

31-SAMSS-004 also requires a NPSHR curve based on 40,000-

As previously defined, pump cavitation is the formation of vapor

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 20

In addition to the major component of the pumped liquid,