The designing of sizing of the suction and discharge piping plays an important role in pump performance and running. The suction piping of a centrifugal pump is larger in diameter than the discharge piping.
A pump uses an impeller to add velocity to a liquid, which is then converted into flow. The liquid enters the pump through the suction inlet, where it is accelerated by the impeller and then discharged through the outlet.
The suction piping is responsible for delivering the liquid to the pump. The main aim is to ensure that the liquid reaches the pump with minimal resistance and without causing cavitation, which is the formation of vapor cavities in a liquid due to low pressure. Cavitation can cause significant damage to the pump and reduce its efficiency.
A larger diameter pipe results in lower fluid velocity, which in turn reduces friction losses. Lower friction losses mean that the liquid can flow more easily into the pump, reducing the energy required to move the liquid and minimizing the risk of cavitation.
As liquid flows through a pipe, there is a natural drop in pressure due to friction and other factors. A larger diameter pipe helps to minimize this pressure
