Suctionsidefeed

Suctionsidefeed, often written as suction-side feed or suction side feed, is a term used in process and hydraulic engineering to describe the introduction of a process fluid into a system on the suction side of a pump or suction-controlled equipment. The exact meaning can vary by industry, but it generally refers to injecting or adding makeup fluid, reagents, or blending streams before the fluid reaches the pump or other suction devices.

In practice, suction-side feeding is used to introduce additives or secondary streams into the suction line or a reservoir connected to the pump. It can serve purposes such as maintaining adequate liquid levels, pre-mixing additives with the main feed, or supplying a secondary fluid without routing it through the discharge side. This approach can be helpful for chemical reactions, conditioning of the feed, or maintaining process continuity when pump suction could otherwise be starved or unstable.

Design and operational considerations for suction-side feeds include ensuring sufficient net positive suction head (NPSH) to avoid cavitation, controlling backflow with check valves or dedicated isolation, and managing potential changes in flow regime or backpressure that could affect pump performance. Proper metering, isolation, and compatibility of materials are also important to prevent contamination or adverse reactions with the main feed.

Terminology for this concept is not standardized across all industries; some engineers may refer to it as suction-side injection or simply suction-side addition. When dealing with a specific system, it is best to consult project documents or local practice to confirm the intended meaning.