Which term describes the total pressure at the discharge side of a pump?

• A. Suction Pressure
• B. Discharge Pressure
• C. Net Pressure
• D. Rated Pressure

Answer: (B)

The total pressure on the outlet of a pump is called discharge pressure because it is the pressure that appears at the pump’s outlet as fluid leaves into the piping system. This represents the pump’s pressure development on the discharge side, taking into account the static head and any losses the fluid must overcome as it moves through the system. Suction pressure is the pressure on the inlet side, while net pressure is the difference between discharge and suction pressures (the actual gain the pump provides). Rated pressure is simply the pump’s specified design pressure, not the actual pressure at the discharge.