What is the result of an excessive suction lift?

Excessive suction lift refers to the situation where a pump is required to lift liquid from a source that is too far below its own position, resulting in a reduced ability to maintain adequate pressure at the pump's intake. In this scenario, the atmospheric pressure acting on the liquid surface is not sufficient to overcome the effects of gravitational pull and friction losses within the system.

When suction lift is excessive, the result is often insufficient atmospheric pressure at the pump's intake. This insufficient pressure can lead to cavitation, where vapor bubbles form in the liquid due to the reduction in pressure. Cavitation can severely damage the pump and reduce its efficiency. The ability of the pump to draw liquid becomes compromised, as it cannot achieve the necessary pressure to move the liquid effectively through the system.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately capture the implications of excessive suction lift. For example, stating there is excessive atmospheric pressure available or around the discharge of the pump does not address the critical lower suction pressure situation caused by high lift conditions. Similarly, excessive pump pressure is unrelated to the suction lift issue, which is concerned with the intake side of the system. Consequently, insufficient atmospheric pressure at the intake is the correct interpretation of the implications of excessive suction lift.