The energy needed to fill the suction side of a centrifugal pump and overcome friction and flow losses is referred to as what type of head?

The energy needed to fill the suction side of a centrifugal pump and to overcome friction and flow losses is referred to as Net Positive Suction Head (NPSH). This is a critical parameter in pump operation, as it indicates the pressure available at the pump's suction port to prevent cavitation.

NPSH is essential because if the suction pressure falls below the vapor pressure of the fluid being pumped, vapor bubbles can form, leading to cavitation, which can damage the pump and reduce its efficiency. Therefore, understanding NPSH helps in ensuring that the pump operates effectively and avoids conditions that could lead to cavitation.

The other terms have distinct meanings in the context of pumping systems. Discharge head refers to the height of the fluid above the pump's discharge point and does not account for the suction side conditions. Static head pertains to the vertical distance the fluid must be lifted from the source to the discharge point and is typically considered in static conditions, not factoring in friction losses. Dynamic head encompasses both static and frictional losses but does not specifically target the conditions on the pump's suction side. Hence, Net Positive Suction Head is the most accurate term for describing the energy specifics related to the suction side of a centrifugal pump.