A centrifugal pump is taking suction on an open storage tank that has been filled to a level of 40 feet with 10,000 gallons of 60°F water.
The pump is located at the base of the tank, takes a suction from the bottom of the tank, and discharges to a lake.
Given:
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The pump is currently operating at its design flow rate of 200 gpm and a total developed head of 150 feet.
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The pump requires 4 feet of net positive suction head.
How will the centrifugal pump flow rate be affected as the water storage tank level decreases?
A. Flow rate will remain constant until the pump begins to cavitate at a tank level of about 4 feet.
B. Flow rate will remain constant until the pump becomes air bound when the tank empties.
C. Flow rate will gradually decrease until the pump begins to cavitate at a tank level of about 4 feet.
D. Flow rate will gradually decrease until the pump becomes air bound when the tank empties.
Show Answer
Answer: D
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