NPSH

Net Positive Suction Head

Definition
NPSH is what the pump needs, the minimum requirement to perform its
duties.
Therefore, NPSH is what happens in the suction side of the pump, including
what goes on in the eye of the impeller.
Remember :
The unit of measure for NPSH is head in meters in the pump suction.

Inadequate NPSH establishes favorable conditions for cavitation in the

pump.
NPSH takes into consideration:

The suction piping and connections.

The elevation of the liquid in suction side.

The absolute pressure of the fluid in the suction

piping.

The velocity of the fluid.

The temperature of the fluid.

NPSHR
Net Positive Suction Head Required

NPSHA
Net Positive Suction Head Available
NPSHr
Net Positive Suction Head Required
Definition
It is the energy in the liquid required to overcome the friction losses from
the suction nozzle to the eye of the impeller without causing vaporization.
Remember :
It is a characteristic of the pump and is indicated on the pump's curve. It
varies by design, size, and the operating conditions.
An easy way to understand NPSHr is to call it the minimum suction
pressure
necessary
Accordingtotokeep the pumped
the Standards of fluid in a liquidInstitute,
the Hydraulic state. a suction lift test
is performed on the pump and the pressure in the suction vessel is
lowered to the point where the pump suffers a 3% loss in total head.
This point is called the NPSHr of the pump.
NPSHa
Net Positive Suction Head Available

Definition
This is the energy in the fluid at the suction connection of the pump over
and above the liquid’s vapor pressure.
It is a characteristic of the system.

Remember :
NPSHa only deals with the suction side of the pump.
 During pump operation,
NPSHa should be always greater than the NPSHr

NPSHa > NPSHr

As a general guide the NPSHa should be a
minimum 10% or 1 meter above the NPSHr,
whichever is greater.
 NPSHa is in your system
Therefore you have to calculate it

HOW ?
 Formula of NPSHa is
NPSHa = Ha +/- Hs - Hvp - Hf

Before we proceed keep in mind following:

Pressure can be converted into head with the following equation:

10,2 x Pressure ( bar )

H (mtr) = Specific gr

Head can be converted into pressure with the following equation:

H ( mtr ) x Specific gr
P (bar) = 10,2
 NPSHa = Ha +/- Hs - Hvp – Hf
Ha Atmospheric head at sea level
:
a ) Open tank to
atmosphere
Ha = 10,33 mtr

Tank Pressure
4,5 bar g

b ) FW Tank pressurized with

air
(4,5 + 1) x
Ha = 10,2 = 56,1
1 mtr
NPSHa = Ha +/- Hs - Hvp – Hf
Hs Static head in meters (positive or negative) of
: the fluid level in the suction vessel to the
pump centerline.

- Hs

+ Hs
 NPSHa = Ha +/- Hs - Hvp – Hf
Hvp : The Liquid Vapour Pressure head expressed in
meters.
It is a function of the temperature of the liquid.
Pvapour of any liquid can be found in
Example: thermodynamic properties tables.
a) Liquid: Water @ 35 0 C Pvapour = 0,056 bar
a
0,056 x 10,2
Hvp Hvp 0,57 mtr
1
= =

b) Liquid: Propane @ - 35 0 C Pvapour = 1,37

bar a
1,37 x 10,2
Hvp Hvp 24,39 mtr
0,573
= =
 NPSHa = Ha +/- Hs - Hvp – Hf
Hf : Friction head or friction losses expressed in
meters in the suction piping and connections.
The friction head can be calculated with the
friction
tables for pipe and fittings.
For submerged and deepwell pumps can be
ignored.
e.g Hf = 0

Hf = Suction line
piping losses
NPSHa calculation of a Ballast pump
NPSHa = Ha +/- Hs - Hvp - Hf

NPSHa = 10,33 + 1 – 0,49 – 1,1

NPSHa = 9,74 mtr
Ha = 10,33
mtr

Hs = 1 mtr FW @ 320 C

Hf = 1,1 mtr

Hvp = 0,048 x 10,2 = 0,49

mtr
 NPSHa calculation of LPG pump
NPSHa = Ha +/- Hs - Hvp - Hf
NPSHa = 107,5 + 1 – 107,5 – 0
P = 4,5 bar g NPSHa = 1 mtr

(4,5+1) x 10,2 107,5 mtr

Ha =
0,522
=
5,5 x 10,2 107,5 mtr
Hvp = =
0,522
Propane
@ 50 C
Hs = 1
mtr
NPSHa calculation of LPG pump

NPSHa = Hs

Propane
@ 50 C
Hs = 1
mtr

LPG pumps