API RECOMMENDED PRACTICE 686

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3.1.2.2 The net positive suction head available (NPSHA) for the suction piping configuration shall be checked and
compared to the net positive suction head required (NPSHR) for all pumps. For centrifugal pumps, NPSHA shall be
greater than NPSHR in accordance with PIP RECP001, Design of Centrifugal Pump Applications. For pumps other
than centrifugal pumps, NPSHA shall be greater than NPSHR in accordance with API 674, Positive Displacement
Pumps Reciprocating, API 675, Positive Displacement Pumps Controlled Volume, or API 676, Positive
Displacement Pumps Rotary, as applicable.
3.1.2.3 Suction piping shall be designed without high points to collect gas or vapors. When the liquid source is
located above the pump centerline, the suction piping shall be sloped toward the pump. When the liquid source is
located below the pump centerline the suction piping shall be sloped away from the pump. The slope of the suction
piping shall be a minimum of 10 mm per m (1/8 in./ft) (see Figure B.10).
NOTE 1 Sloped toward the pump means that the pump is lower than the piping. Sloped away from the pump means that the
piping is lower than the pump.
NOTE 2 The objective of sloping the pump suction line is to prevent the accumulation of gas or vapor in pockets that can result in
pump cavitation. Sloping the pump suction line toward the pump is preferred as it allows any gas or vapor to escape back to the
suction tank or vessel. Sloping the suction line away from the pump allows gas or vapor to escape from the suction line into the
pump case. Gas or vapor may then require manual venting to prime the pump if the pump is not of a self-venting design.

3.1.2.4 Refer to ASME/H.I. 9.6.6.6 for piping configurations. Reducers used in horizontal suction lines shall be
eccentric and shall be installed to avoid pocketing of vapors in the suction line. The flat side of the eccentric reducer
shall be on top. Drain connections shall not be placed on the angle of the reducer. Reducer sections shall include
provision for draining.
NOTE 1 Orienting the eccentric reducer with the flat side on top prevents the creation of a pocket that can trap gas or vapor. To
be effective the drain from the reducer must be located at a low point and not in the angled portion of the reducer. The requirement
of a drain is to ensure that all liquid can be removed from the suction line prior to removing the pump for maintenance.
NOTE 2 When the piping must be completely drained to remove hazardous liquid or solids before performing maintenance the
eccentric reducer in the horizontal pump suction line may be oriented with the flat side on the bottom. For example, it is desirable
that hydrofluoric acid piping be completely drained to avoid pockets of material that may prove hazardous to maintenance
personnel (see Figure B.10).

3.1.2.5 The reducer shall be concentric for overhead piping into a top suction pump.
3.1.2.6 The pump suction line shall have a minimum straight run of five pipe diameters between the pump suction
flange and the first elbow, tee, valve, reducer, permanent strainer or other obstruction. The straight run shall be of the
same line size as the pump suction nozzle.
NOTE
The straight run length of five pipe diameters is usually sufficient to ensure stable and uniform flow at the pump impeller
for typical centrifugal pumps. This results in fewer pump failures over the life of the pump due to vibration caused by flow induced
turbulence. High speed or high energy centrifugal pumps may require greater suction line straight run lengths. The pump
manufacturer may be consulted for additional requirements for specific types of pumps.

3.1.2.7 The pump suction line straight run requirement of at least five pipe diameters may be reduced through the
utilization of appropriate engineered flow straightening devices when explicitly approved by the designated machinery
representative.
NOTE It is preferable for the piping designer to meet the straight run requirements without the use of flow straightening devices
to avoid introducing additional pressure drop in the suction line as well as minimizing the potential for plugging.

3.1.2.8 The last pipe elbow in the suction line to a pump shall be a long radius elbow.