The discharge head of a vertical turbine pump is usually made of what material?

The discharge head of a vertical turbine pump is typically made of fabricated or cast steel due to the material's strength, durability, and ability to withstand high pressures and temperatures that are prevalent in pump operations. Steel is an ideal choice for this application because it provides structural integrity and long-term durability against the harsh conditions often encountered in various pumping systems, such as those found in water supply, irrigation, and industrial applications.

Other materials, such as aluminum, might be lighter but lack the necessary strength for high-performance pump applications, limiting their suitability for the discharge head. Plastic could be used in some lower-pressure or less demanding applications, but it generally does not provide the robust performance required for vertical turbine pumps. Similarly, carbon fiber, while strong and lightweight, is typically too expensive for such applications and not as commonly utilized in pump construction compared to steel. Therefore, the choice of fabricated or cast steel aligns with the design requirements and performance expectations for vertical turbine pumps.