Florida Wastewater Practice Test

What could be a reason for a pump failing to discharge properly?

1. Suction lift too low

2. Insufficient power supply

3. Suction lift too high

4. Clogged discharge line

The correct answer is: Suction lift too high

A pump failing to discharge properly can often be attributed to suction lift issues, particularly when the suction lift is too high. When the suction lift is excessive, it creates a situation where the pressure at the suction side of the pump is insufficient to allow fluid to enter the pump effectively. This can restrict the flow and lead to the pump being unable to function as designed, resulting in poor discharge performance or even complete failure to discharge any fluid at all. High suction lift can be caused by a variety of factors, including the physical location of the pump relative to the fluid source or the presence of restrictions in the piping that leads to the pump. If the pump is located too far above the liquid source, it can be unable to generate the necessary vacuum to draw the fluid into the system. Therefore, monitoring and maintaining an appropriate suction lift is critical for ensuring that pumps function properly. Understanding this concept is essential for troubleshooting pump performance issues within wastewater operations and ensuring efficient system design and maintenance.