To ensure a pump installation maintains a positive suction head, what is a key design consideration?

Maintaining a positive suction head is crucial for the efficient operation of a pump. A key design consideration in ensuring this is preventing loss of prime. When a pump loses its prime, it can no longer effectively move water, leading to cavitation and potential damage. Protecting against loss of prime involves designing the system to keep the pump submerged and ensuring that the inlet conditions remain favorable for fluid flow.

By carefully considering factors such as pipe elevation, fluid temperature, and the pump's location relative to the water source, operators can minimize the chances of the pump losing prime. This is particularly important in systems where operational stability is critical, and any disruption in fluid movement can lead to significant issues in the overall system performance.