The anti-vortex plate must be installed at least how many inches above the bottom of the tank?

The anti-vortex plate must be installed at least how many inches above the bottom of the tank?

• A. 4 inches
• B. 6 inches
• C. 2 inches
• D. 8 inches

Answer: (B)

Anti-vortex plates act as flow straighteners at the suction inlet to reduce swirling and air entrainment as water leaves the tank. If the plate sits too close to the bottom, sediment can be drawn into the suction and vortices can form near the plate, degrading pump performance and risking cavitation. Placing the plate at a minimum distance from the bottom keeps the intake in a relatively stable, cleaner portion of water and gives room for the flow to straighten before entering the pump. Six inches is the standard minimum distance, providing effective vortex suppression while avoiding sediment-related issues. Distances smaller than that increase the risk of sediment uptake and vortex formation, while a larger gap isn’t required for typical installations.

Anti-vortex plates act as flow straighteners at the suction inlet to reduce swirling and air entrainment as water leaves the tank. If the plate sits too close to the bottom, sediment can be drawn into the suction and vortices can form near the plate, degrading pump performance and risking cavitation. Placing the plate at a minimum distance from the bottom keeps the intake in a relatively stable, cleaner portion of water and gives room for the flow to straighten before entering the pump. Six inches is the standard minimum distance, providing effective vortex suppression while avoiding sediment-related issues. Distances smaller than that increase the risk of sediment uptake and vortex formation, while a larger gap isn’t required for typical installations.