🔍 Key Concepts

• Behavior of centrifugal cargo pumps when the liquid level approaches the suction bell or eductor intake • What happens when a pump begins to entrain air instead of solid column of liquid • Audible and pressure indications of abnormal suction conditions in cargo tanks

💭 Think About

• Think about what would physically cause a gurgling or sucking sound inside the tank during discharge—does that relate more to liquid properties, pressure, air, or blockage? • Which condition would change the flow from a steady, solid stream of liquid to an intermittent, bubbly flow? • Which option would most likely show up first as a noise in the tank itself, rather than only on gauges in the pump room?

✅ Before You Answer

• Ask yourself: does excessive discharge pressure create noise inside the tank or mainly in the pump/lines? • Consider whether high viscosity by itself would sound like gurgling, or more like slow, smooth flow • Verify which condition would cause air to be drawn into the suction, changing the sound and possibly the pressure readings