Centrifugal pump operation

A computer implemented method for controlling a hydraulic pumping system, the system comprising a centrifugal pump operating at a functional point, the method comprising:

• estimating a suction pressure of the centrifugal pump representing a pressure at an entry point of the centrifugal pump;
• estimating a discharge pressure of the centrifugal pump representing a pressure at an exit point of the centrifugal pump;
• computing a current head of the centrifugal pump based on the suction pressure and on the discharge pressure;
• determining a theoretical head based on a value of a specific functional parameter linked to the functional point of the centrifugal pump in the system and on end of line characteristics of the centrifugal pump;
• computing a head difference between the current head and the theoretical head by subtracting a current head value from a theoretical head value, or vice versa;
• and
• determining, for the functional point, an adapted Net Positive Suction Head Required valve aNPSHr value, of the centrifugal pump, based on the head difference and on the end of-line characteristics;
• wherein the adapted aNPSHr is determined and used in place of a new condition or manufacturer provided Net Positive Suction Head Required value (NPSHr) in real time for controlling the hydraulic pumping system comprising the centrifugal pump operating at the functional point.