![[How to read a positive displacement pump curve.jpg]]
## Slip
slip = internal recirculation of low viscosity fluid from the discharge side of the pump back to the suction side of the pump
> Once viscosity is over 1000 cPs, slip basically doesn’t occur in liquid sanitary pumps. If slip is not a factor, use the 0 PSI line to determine flow rate.
> ![[_Users_isabelburgos_Documents_Obsidian_Notes_bin_Linked Files_How-to-read-a-positive-displacement-pump-curve-Figure-2.jpg]]
## Power
Brake horsepower (BHP): power to overcome discharge pressure
Work horsepower (WHP): power to achieve desired flow rate
considering pressure drop from system componenets (valves, heat exchanges, filters, etc.)
Viscous/internal horsepower (VHP): power to force internal parts of pump to turn, given fluid viscosities
![[_Users_isabelburgos_Documents_Obsidian_Notes_bin_Linked Files_How-to-read-a-positive-displacement-pump-curve-Figure-4.jpg]]
## NPSH
Net Positive Suction Head required (NPSHr): miniminum pressure required on suction side to avoid cavitation
Net Positive Suction Head available (NPSHa) is determined by process piping
make sure **NPSHa > NPSHr** !