If the impeller of an end suction centrifugal pump is damaged, what is reduced?

When the impeller of an end suction centrifugal pump is damaged, it directly affects the pump's ability to move fluid effectively. The impeller is a critical component responsible for imparting kinetic energy to the fluid, allowing it to be discharged at the required flow rate or capacity. A damaged impeller typically results in physical distortions or wear that disrupts its ability to create the necessary flow pattern, leading to a significant reduction in the volume of fluid that can be pumped.

As a consequence, the capacity of the pump, which is defined as the maximum flow rate it can achieve under specific operational conditions, is reduced because the damaged impeller cannot displace the same amount of fluid. While efficiency, pressure, and speed may also be impacted due to the compromised state of the impeller, the most direct and immediate effect is the decrease in the pumped capacity. This makes it vital to maintain the integrity of the impeller to ensure optimal performance of the pump in various applications.