According to Cameron Hydraulic Data - 16th Edition,
Page 1-21 "Pumps handling hydrocarbons may operate satisfactorily with values of S (suction specific speed) ranging up to 15,000 or higher."
However, you should check with the pump manufacturer as there are many variables to be considered.
. . ."Setting limits for the preferred operating region and the location of rated flow is not intended to lead to the
development of additional sizes of small pumps or preclude the use of high specific-speed pumps. Small pumps, which are known to operate satisfactorily at flows outside the specified limits, and high specific-speed pumps, which may have a narrower preferred operating region than specified, should be offered where appropriate, and their preferred operating region clearly shown on the proposal curve. The pump specific speed shall be calculated in accordance with Annex A."
"Annex A
(informative)
Specific speed and suction-specific speed
Specific speed is calculated for the pump’s performance at best efficiency point with the maximum diameter impeller. Specific speed is expressed mathematically by the following equation:
ns=n(q)^0.5/H^0.75 (A.1)
ns is the specific speed, dimensionless;
n is the rotational speed, expressed in revolutions per minute;
q is the total pump flowrate, expressed in cubic metres per second;
H is the head per stage, expressed in metres.
NOTE 1 Specific speed derived using SI units multiplied by a factor of 51,64 is equal to specific speed in USC units.
An alternative definition of specific speed is sometimes used (flowrate per impeller eye rather than total flowrate). The purchaser is cautioned to understand what is being referred to when comparing data.
Suction-specific speed is calculated for the pump’s performance at best efficiency point with the maximum
diameter impeller and provides an assessment of a pump’s susceptibility to internal recirculation. It is
expressed mathematically by the following equation:
S=n(q)^0.5/NPSHR^0.75 (A.2)
S is the suction-specific speed, dimensionless;
n is the rotational speed, expressed in revolutions per minute;
q is the flowrate per impeller eye, expressed in cubic metres per second;
equals the total flowrate for single-suction impellers,
equals one-half the total flowrate for double-suction impellers.
NPSHR is the net positive suction head required, expressed in metres.
NOTE 2 Suction-specific speed derived using SI units multiplied by a factor of 51.64 is equal to suction-specific speed in USC units. The USC symbol Nss is sometimes used to designate suction-specific speed."
