7
INSTALLATION
PIPING HINTS
GENERAL
This section provides some do’s and don’ts of piping which will aid in obtaining the maximum
efficiency and service from your pump.
Piping should be independently supported at both the suction inlet and discharge outlet. Care should
be taken that piping is properly aligned and does not put any strain on the pump casing. The piping
should have as few bends as possible.
SUCTION PIPING
The suction piping should be short and follow a direct route with a minimum number of elbows and
fittings. Elbows should be located as far as possible from the suction inlet to prevent head loss due to
increased friction. Excessive friction losses in the suction line could result in pump cavitation, causing
poor performance, noise, vibration, damage to equipment, and possible damage to product.
Whenever practical the diameter of the piping at the suction inlet should be increased in size. An
eccentric tapered reducer should be used in lieu of a concentric tapered reducer to prevent air
pockets from forming and impairing pump efficiency. In turn, the eccentric reducer may be placed at
the inlet of the pump and should be positioned so the straight side is up.
A horizontal suction pipe must have a gradual rise to the pump. A high point in the suction line will
form an air pocket and prevent proper pump operation. All joints in the suction line should be air tight,
to prevent air leakage which can reduce pump capacity and efficiency.
DISCHARGE PIPING
Position of the pump discharge is preferably either vertical or top horizontal. The discharge piping
should be short and direct with a minimum number of elbows and fittings. Elbows should not be used
at the discharge outlet as the friction encountered would be increased, resulting in head loss. It is
advisable to increase the pipe diameter at the discharge outlet to prevent head loss. However, use
of a larger discharge pipe than recommended may reduce the total pump head, but increase the
pump volume, which can cause pump vibration due to overload. Use of a discharge pipe smaller
than the pump discharge outlet increases the total pump head but decreases the volume. If a
reducer is required on the outlet port of the pump and the discharge is vertical a concentric reducer
should be used. If the discharge is horizontal an eccentric reducer should be used and should be
positioned so the straight side is down.
LOCATING VALVES
In suction lift applications where the lift is not very high, it may be desirable to install a foot valve, to
facilitate priming, and to prevent draining off of the liquid back to the source.
A throttling valve should be installed in the discharge piping to provide a means of throttling pump
volume.
