Basic Wastewater Operator Practice Exam

What is suction lift?

1. A team approach to lifting heavy objects

2. The pressure on the suction side of the pump

3. The measurement of liquid pressure at the pump

4. The measure of how bad your workers lift heavy objects

The correct answer is: The pressure on the suction side of the pump

Suction lift refers to the pressure on the suction side of a pump, which is essential in allowing the pump to effectively draw fluid into it. In the context of pump operation, suction lift is typically defined as the vertical distance between the liquid source and the centerline of the pump, combined with the atmospheric pressure acting on the liquid's surface. Understanding suction lift is crucial for wastewater operators because it directly influences the performance and efficiency of the pumping system. If the suction lift is too high, it can lead to cavitation, where vapor bubbles form and collapse within the pump, potentially damaging it and impairing its ability to move fluid. The other options do not accurately describe suction lift. A team approach to lifting heavy objects does not pertain to pumping operations. The measurement of liquid pressure at the pump does not specifically address the concept of lift itself, as this term primarily deals with the dynamics involved in how the pump draws fluid rather than just measuring pressure. Lastly, assessing how workers lift heavy objects is unrelated to the mechanical principles of suction lift in pumping systems.