
Rev. A 14/10/2019 13
9. Installation and Putting into Service.
Inlet Piping (Suction Feed)
If there is a possibility of freezing conditions, install drain cocks at any low points of the suction line, to permit
draining in freezing conditions.
Provide for permanent or temporary installation of a vacuum gauge to monitor the inlet suction. To maintain
maximum flow, NPSHA must exceed NPSHR (See chart in Specifications Section). Do not supply more than one
pump from the same inlet line if possible. Where this is unavoidable, give due consideration to the use of suction
stabilisers.
Hose and Routing
Size the suction line so that the velocity will be no more than 0.9 m/s:
For pipe in mm: Velocity (m/sec) = 21.2 x LPM/Pipe ID2
Keep the suction line as short and direct as possible.
Where possible, use flexible hose and/or expansion joints to absorb vibration, expansion, or contraction.
If possible, keep suction line level. If possible, avoid any high points collecting vapor unless high points are vented.
To reduce turbulence and resistance, avoid the use of 90° elbows where possible. If turns are necessary in the
suction line, use 45° elbows or arrange sweeping curves in the flexible inlet hose.
If a block valve is used, be sure it is fully opened so that the flow to the pump is not restricted. The opening should be at
least the same diameter as the inlet plumbing ID.
Do not use a line strainer or filter in the suction line unless regular maintenance is assured. If used, choose a top
loading basket. It should have a free-flow area of at least three times the free-flow area of the inlet.
Install piping supports where necessary to relieve strain on the inlet line and to minimize vibration.
Inlet Piping (Pressure Feed)
Provide for permanent or temporary installation of a vacuum/ pressure gauge to monitor the inlet vacuum or
pressure. Pressure at the pump inlet should not exceed 500 psi (34.5 bar); if it could get higher, install an inlet
pressure reducing regulator. Where possible, avoid supplying more than one pump from the same inlet line. Where
multiple pumps must be installed from the same line give due consideration to ensuring the fluid velocity does not
exceed 0.9m/s at any point in the suction line and install suction stabilisers to minimise suction line pulsation.
Inlet Calculations
Acceleration Head
Calculating the Acceleration Head
Use the following formula to calculate acceleration head losses. Subtract this figure from the NPSHa, and compare
the result to the NPSHr of the Hydra-Cell pump.
Ha = (L x V x N x C) ÷ (K x G)
where:
Ha = Acceleration head (ft of liquid)
L = Actual length of suction line (m) — not equivalent length
V = Velocity of liquid in suction line (m/sec) [V = LPM x (21.2 ÷ pipe ID2)]
N = rpm of crank shaft
C = Constant determined by type of pump — use 0.066 for the T100 Hydra-Cell pumps, use 0.04 for the
Q155 Hydra-Cell pumps.
K = Constant to compensate for compressibility of the fluid — use: 1.4 for de-aerated or hot water; 1.5 for
most liquids; 2.5 for hydrocarbons with high compressibility
G = Gravitational constant (9.81m/s2)
Friction Losses
Calculating Friction Losses in Suction Piping
When following the above recommendations (under “Inlet Piping”) for minimum hose/pipe I. D. and maximum
length, frictional losses in the suction piping are negligible (i.e., Hf = 0) if you are pumping a water-like fluid.
When pumping more-viscous fluids such as lubricating oils, sealants, adhesives, syrups, varnishes, etc.; frictional
losses in the suction piping may become significant. As Hf increases, the available NPSH (NPSHa) will decrease,
and cavitation will occur.
In general, frictional losses increase with increasing viscosity, increasing suction-line length, increasing pump flow
rate, and decreasing suction-line diameter. Changes in suction-line diameter have the greatest impact on frictional