Question 408General Subjects - Assistant Engineer

The correct answer is B) Excessive suction lift. Excessive suction lift can prevent a steam reciprocating pump from delivering its rated capacity. If the suction lift is too high, the pump may not be able to draw in enough fluid, resulting in a reduced flow rate and output. This is because excessive suction lift can cause cavitation, which is the formation of vapor bubbles in the fluid that can disrupt the pump's performance. The other answer choices are incorrect because A) a leaking snifter valve allowing air to enter the suction side, and C) air trapped in the discharge expansion chamber, would not directly prevent the pump from delivering its rated capacity, but could contribute to other performance issues.