When testing and observed that nozzle flow matches expected, what criterion confirms alignment?

When testing and observed that nozzle flow matches expected, what criterion confirms alignment?

• A. Measured discharge pressure matches the expected PDP
• B. Pump RPM reaches maximum
• C. Nozzle is clean
• D. Inlet valve is closed

Answer: (A)

In a pump run test, the signal that the system is aligned is that the measured discharge pressure matches the expected Pump Discharge Pressure (PDP) for the observed nozzle flow. The PDP is the target pressure the pump should deliver at the discharge for that specific flow through the nozzle, taking into account the system’s losses. When the actual discharge pressure equals the expected PDP within tolerance, it shows the pump, piping, and nozzle are working together as planned and delivering the correct pressure for that flow. If the pressure doesn’t match, you’d look for issues like incorrect nozzle flow assumptions, leaks, gauge calibration errors, or unexpected system losses. The other options don’t indicate alignment: reaching maximum RPM shows capability, not the actual pressure-for-flow match; a clean nozzle isn’t a measure of the pressure being correct; closing the inlet valve stops flow and doesn’t confirm the discharge pressure relationship.

In a pump run test, the signal that the system is aligned is that the measured discharge pressure matches the expected Pump Discharge Pressure (PDP) for the observed nozzle flow. The PDP is the target pressure the pump should deliver at the discharge for that specific flow through the nozzle, taking into account the system’s losses. When the actual discharge pressure equals the expected PDP within tolerance, it shows the pump, piping, and nozzle are working together as planned and delivering the correct pressure for that flow.

If the pressure doesn’t match, you’d look for issues like incorrect nozzle flow assumptions, leaks, gauge calibration errors, or unexpected system losses. The other options don’t indicate alignment: reaching maximum RPM shows capability, not the actual pressure-for-flow match; a clean nozzle isn’t a measure of the pressure being correct; closing the inlet valve stops flow and doesn’t confirm the discharge pressure relationship.