🔍 Key Concepts

• Relationship between vacuum readings and flow restrictions on the suction side of a pump • Flow path through an oily-water separator from suction, through the separator, to discharge • Difference between a problem upstream of the pump (suction side) and inside the separator (coalescer beds)

💭 Think About

• Trace the liquid path from the bilge or source, through the inlet strainer, pump, and into the separator. At what point is item "1" measuring vacuum? • Ask yourself: does a very high vacuum indicate that fluid is moving freely, or that something is making it harder for the pump to pull liquid? • For each choice, decide whether it would increase resistance on the suction side, increase resistance on the discharge side, or be a normal condition.

✅ Before You Answer

• Identify exactly where item "1" is connected in the system (suction line, separator shell, or discharge line). • For each answer choice, decide whether it would cause more difficulty pulling liquid into the pump or more difficulty pushing liquid out. • Eliminate any option that describes a condition which should be normal for correct operation (not a fault) of the oily-water separator.