10 Most-Read NPSH Articles

Understanding net positive suction head (NPSH) in all of its forms is one of the most-requested topics we get from readers at Pumps & Systems. Here are some of the post popular articles on this subject.

1. NPSH Calculation: A Step-by-Step Guide: Allegedly, the most misunderstood concept in the pump world is net positive suction head (NPSH). This article is the first of a five-part NPSH primer series. Author: Jim Elsey
2. Calculate NPSHa for a Suction Lift Condition: Learn the difference between suction lift and flooded suction. Author: Jim Elsey
3. How to Solve NPSHa Problems: If there is insufficient NPSHa, the pump will cavitate. Cavitation causes pump damage and a reduction in performance. Author: Jim Elsey
4. How to Calculate NPSHa for Systems Under Vacuum: The equivalent suction lift is equal to the difference between the “vacuum effect” and the net submergence. Author: Jim Elsey
5. Calculate NPSHa for a Closed & Pressurized System: Why you don’t want to mistake suction pressure for NPSHa. Author: Jim Elsey
6. How To Determine NPSH3: What it is and methods for determining it for a rotodynamic submersible pump. Author: Hydraulic Institute
7. Differences Between NPSHa & NPSHr: Supplying a pump with insufficient net positive suction head available (NPSHa) compared to the NPSH required (NPSHr) will result in cavitation. Author: Hydraulic Institute
8. Calculating NPSHa When the Liquid Is Above Ambient Temperature: Important Tip: Don’t forget to take vapor pressure into consideration. Author: Jim Elsey
9. NPSH: One Way or Another, It Will Change: Both the system’s NPSH available (NPSHa) and the pump’s NPSH required (NPSHr) are continually changing over time. Author: Jim Elsey
10. NPSH Problem Corrected to Optimize Pump System: Cold weather caused the viscosity of the fuel oil in the outdoor suction line to increase until the net positive suction head required (NPSHr) by the pump could no longer be met. Author: Kristo Naude