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Suction Capacity

The suction capacity describes a pump's ability to draw a medium from a certain depth or distance. It is a central property in pump technology and usually specified as the maximum negative pressure the pump can generate. 

Various factors are decisive for the suction capacity. These include the design of the pump, the viscosity of the pumped medium and external influences such as ambient temperature and air pressure. The suction capacity is vital for self-priming pumps, as it determines the depth from which a medium can be pumped without external support. Insufficient suction capacity can result in the pump not drawing in the medium reliably or impairing the flow rate. When selecting a pump, it is essential to match the suction capacity to the respective operating conditions.