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Pumping Systems & Pump Selection Flashcards

6 cards from real IA practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

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  1. Total Dynamic Head (TDH) in a pump system is the sum of which components?

    Answer: Static head + friction losses + velocity head + pressure head at discharge

    TDH = static head + friction head losses + velocity head + any pressure required at the point of delivery, representing total energy the pump must supply.

  2. On a centrifugal pump curve, what is the 'best efficiency point' (BEP)?

    Answer: The point on the pump curve where the pump operates at its highest efficiency

    The BEP is the flow and head combination where the centrifugal pump converts the most shaft power into hydraulic energy with minimal losses.

  3. Cavitation in a centrifugal pump is caused by:

    Answer: Low suction pressure causing liquid to vaporize inside the pump

    When suction pressure drops below the liquid's vapor pressure, bubbles form and collapse violently inside the pump, causing noise, vibration, and impeller damage.

  4. Net Positive Suction Head Available (NPSHa) must always be:

    Answer: Greater than NPSHr (required) to prevent cavitation

    NPSHa must exceed NPSHr by at least 2–3 feet of safety margin to ensure the pump does not cavitate.

  5. Which type of pump is most commonly used in municipal and agricultural irrigation mainline applications?

    Answer: Centrifugal pump

    Centrifugal pumps are the most widely used irrigation pump type due to their high flow capacity, reliability, and suitability for clean water service.

  6. Brake horsepower (BHP) of a pump is calculated using which formula?

    Answer: BHP = Flow (GPM) × TDH / 3,960 × pump efficiency

    BHP = (GPM × TDH) / (3,960 × Ep), where 3,960 converts GPM and feet of head to horsepower and Ep is pump efficiency.

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  1. irrigation.org — Exam format, time limit, eligibility, test delivery, passing score, registration deadline, retake policy, exam information · verified Oct 2026