🔍 Key Concepts

• Operation of centrifugal pumps in parallel (on suction side vs. discharge side) • Effects of different pump speeds on pressure and flow within shared piping • Risks of cavitation, vapor pockets, or reverse flow when handling flammable liquids

💭 Think About

• Ask yourself: When two pumps are connected together, where is it more dangerous for one pump to "rob" flow or create suction problems – on the common suction side or on the common discharge side? • Consider what happens if one pump is stronger (higher speed) than the other. Could it pull liquid or vapor through the weaker pump and create abnormal conditions? • Think about how pressure behaves on a suction line versus a discharge line. Which side is more sensitive to low pressure, vapor lock, or cavitation, especially with flammable liquids?

✅ Before You Answer

• Identify which options involve a common suction line versus a common discharge line. • For the common suction options, compare what happens if pumps are at same speed vs. different speeds. • Before choosing, be sure you can explain to yourself whether any scenario could lead to cavitation, vapor formation, or one pump forcing flow through the other, which is hazardous with flammable liquids.