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Boiling Fluids - Max Suction Flow Velocities

Recommended max suction flow velocity when pumping boiling fluids.

Capacity problems, cavitation and higher power consumption in pumps, are often the result of the conditions on the suction side of the pumps.

In general - as a rule of thumb - keep the suction fluid flow speed in boiling liquids below the following values:

Boiling Fluids - Max Suction Flow Velocities
Pipe boreBoiling Liquid
Max Velocity
inchesmmm/sft/s
1 25 0.3 1
2 50 0.3 1
3 75 0.3 1
4 100 0.3 1
6 150 0.35 1.1
8 200 0.38 1.2
10 250 0.45 1.5
12 300 0.45 1.5

Boiling liquids - due to cavitation - may be extremely difficult to pump. If the pressure at any point within a pump falls below the vapor pressure of the liquid being pumped, vaporization or cavitation will occur. For example, water at 100oF (38oC) boils or vaporizes if exposed to a vacuum of 28 in Hg. The problem with cavitation increases with higher temperatures.

More about boiling water or condensate pumping in steam systems:

More about NPSH suction problems:

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