Total suction head is defined as the gauge reading at suction converted to feet of liquid plus velocity head.

Total suction head is defined as the gauge reading at suction converted to feet of liquid plus velocity head.

• A. Gauge reading at discharge
• B. Static head
• C. Total head
• D. Gauge reading at suction converted to feet of liquid plus velocity head

Answer: (D)

Total suction head captures the energy available on the pump’s suction side. Energy per unit weight there comes from two parts: the pressure energy, represented by the suction gauge pressure converted to an equivalent height of liquid, and the kinetic energy from the moving fluid, shown as the velocity head (v^2/2g) in the suction line. Adding these two gives the total suction head, which is exactly the quantity described. The other concepts don’t fit because gauge reading on the discharge side relates to the discharge energy, static head is only elevation and static pressure without velocity energy, and total head is the overall energy in the system (including elevation) rather than specifically the suction-side energy.

Total suction head captures the energy available on the pump’s suction side. Energy per unit weight there comes from two parts: the pressure energy, represented by the suction gauge pressure converted to an equivalent height of liquid, and the kinetic energy from the moving fluid, shown as the velocity head (v^2/2g) in the suction line. Adding these two gives the total suction head, which is exactly the quantity described. The other concepts don’t fit because gauge reading on the discharge side relates to the discharge energy, static head is only elevation and static pressure without velocity energy, and total head is the overall energy in the system (including elevation) rather than specifically the suction-side energy.