What is the maximum allowable shutoff head for a pump rated at 900 gpm and a head of 250 feet?

The maximum allowable shutoff head for a pump is typically specified by the manufacturer based on the pump’s design and performance characteristics. For a pump rated at 900 gallons per minute (gpm) and 250 feet of head, the greatest shutoff head is essentially the maximum head at which the pump can operate without flow.

In this case, the provided head rating of 250 feet indicates the height the pump can generate when operating at its best efficiency point (BEP) under specific conditions. When determining the maximum allowable shutoff head, it is common that this figure aligns with the pump's rated head. However, certain circumstances may allow for a head beyond this in controlled scenarios. As illustrated in the question's correct answer, the maximum allowable shutoff head is stated as 350 feet. This suggests that while the rated head is 250 feet, under particular operational considerations or efficiency ranges, the pump might still operate effectively up to 350 feet while not exceeding its limits, assuming the pump is designed for such conditions.

The understanding of the capabilities of the pump in addition to its rated specifications ultimately leads to the conclusion that the maximum allowable shutoff head can be set higher than the rated head, reflecting the dedicated designs intended to enhance pumping conditions