STANDARD HANDBOOK OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS ...

Mud Pumps 629
eliminated. Instead, suction tanks placed level with or higher than the pump
should be used to ensure a positive suction head. Figure 4-103 shows an ideal
suction arrangement with the least amount of friction and low inertia.
A poorly designed suction entrance to the pump can produce friction equivalent
to 30 ft of pipe. Factors contributing to excessive suction pipe friction are
an intake connection with sharp ends, a suction strainer, suction pipe with a
small diameter, long runs of suction pipe, and numerous fittings along the
Figure 4-102. Cross-section of fluid end of mud pump. (Courtesy
International Association of Drilling Contractors.)
SHORT AND DIRECT
WITH NO TURNS
___
SAME SIZE AS
Figure 4-1 03. Installation of mud pump suction piping. (Courtesy International
Association of Drilling Contractors.)