Centrifugal Pump,  Design,  M,  Piping & Supports

Minimum Water Level

A severe vortex entrains air, which can result in pumping problems. In sump and basin applications, vortexing can occur at the water surface directly above pump suctions. For this reason, cooling pump intakes should follow the Hydraulic Institute Standards for pump basin dimensions, which cover minimum submergence requirements and maximum approach velocity requirements to prevent unacceptable free-surface and subsurface vortexes.

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