I would agree that NOL power and run out power are confusing terms and are best avoided, however they are used and you need to review the term each time it is used.
So my thoughts as an explanation - not all pumps behave the same at the far right hand end of their curve.
On some units the power input starts to droop as you reach the far right hand side of the curve - therefore you can nominate a NOL power(particular motor selection) for the pump which the pump cannot exceed. On other units the power curve shows an ever increasing rise - therefore you need to nominate a power (runout power)which will be sufficient to cover any point of operation beyond its selected duty point as it "runs out" along its curve.
Runout power is an informed decision following a study of the pump system - it can be based on NPSHr, total head across the pump or a control system that will monitor potential over load or over capacity. "Runout" power to my thinking does not ensure NOL operation.
Naresuan University
Phitsanulok
Thailand