Suction lift describes which pump arrangement?

• A. A submersible pump
• B. A suction-lift configuration
• C. A flooded suction configuration
• D. A booster configuration

Answer: (B)

Suction lift describes a pump arrangement where the pump is positioned above the liquid source, so the fluid must be lifted up through the suction line to reach the pump inlet. The pump creates a negative pressure at the suction side to draw the liquid up, overcoming the vertical lift plus any friction losses. This differs from a flooded suction setup, where the suction inlet is at or below the liquid surface so the liquid already fills the suction pipe and doesn’t need to be lifted. A submersible pump is fully immersed in the liquid, so the suction lift concept isn’t involved. A booster configuration adds a pump downstream to increase discharge pressure, not the suction-side lifting.