Prime centrifugal pump: if head exists on the suction side, the valve on the suction line should be

Prime centrifugal pump: if head exists on the suction side, the valve on the suction line should be

• A. Removed
• B. Open
• C. Closed
• D. Partially open

Answer: (B)

When priming a centrifugal pump, you need an unobstructed path for water to fill the suction side and push out any trapped air. If there is head (pressure) on the suction side, keeping the suction line valve open allows water to flow into the pump and purge air, helping establish a complete prime. Closing or partially opening the valve can trap air or restrict flow, preventing proper priming, and removing the valve would break the suction line altogether. Therefore, the suction line valve should be kept open.

When priming a centrifugal pump, you need an unobstructed path for water to fill the suction side and push out any trapped air. If there is head (pressure) on the suction side, keeping the suction line valve open allows water to flow into the pump and purge air, helping establish a complete prime. Closing or partially opening the valve can trap air or restrict flow, preventing proper priming, and removing the valve would break the suction line altogether. Therefore, the suction line valve should be kept open.