What is the term for a vertical shaft turbine-type pump enclosed in a suction can used to raise water pressure in a pipeline?

• A. Can Pump
• B. End Suction Pump
• C. Submersible Pump
• D. Centrifugal Pump

Answer: (A)

A can pump refers to a vertical shaft turbine-type pump that is enclosed in a suction can, built to raise water pressure in a pipeline. The turbine stages sit on a vertical shaft inside the suction can, with suction feeding into the can and the discharge delivering water into the pipeline. This specific arrangement is what NFPA 20 identifies as a can pump, distinguishing it from other pump types by its enclosed suction housing and vertical turbine design.

End suction pumps are configured with the suction connection on the end of the pump and are not enclosed in a suction can. Submersible pumps are designed to operate while submerged and are not the vertical turbine-in-a-can arrangement. While turbine pumps are a type of centrifugal pump, the term can pump specifically points to the vertical turbine pump inside a suction can, which is the defining feature in this context.