What is a key characteristic of a centrifugal pump?

What is a key characteristic of a centrifugal pump?

• A. It uses positive displacement
• B. It relies on gravity only
• C. It converts rotational energy into fluid energy
• D. It operates without a mechanical seal

Answer: (C)

A key characteristic of a centrifugal pump is that it converts rotational energy into fluid energy. This process occurs because the pump uses a rotating impeller to accelerate the fluid outward from the center of the pump. As the impeller spins, it adds kinetic energy to the fluid, which then translates into useful flow and pressure energy as the fluid is expelled from the pump. This mechanism enables centrifugal pumps to efficiently move large volumes of liquids and is particularly effective for applications requiring a consistent flow rate. The design is beneficial in various industries due to its simplicity, durability, and ability to handle fluids at different viscosities. The other options do not accurately describe the fundamental operational principle of a centrifugal pump. Positive displacement pumps work by trapping a fixed volume of fluid and moving it mechanically, while gravity is not the primary force employed in centrifugal pumps, as they depend on the kinetic energy produced by the rotating impeller. Furthermore, centrifugal pumps often utilize mechanical seals or other sealing methods to prevent leaks, making the statement about operating without one misleading.

A key characteristic of a centrifugal pump is that it converts rotational energy into fluid energy. This process occurs because the pump uses a rotating impeller to accelerate the fluid outward from the center of the pump. As the impeller spins, it adds kinetic energy to the fluid, which then translates into useful flow and pressure energy as the fluid is expelled from the pump.

This mechanism enables centrifugal pumps to efficiently move large volumes of liquids and is particularly effective for applications requiring a consistent flow rate. The design is beneficial in various industries due to its simplicity, durability, and ability to handle fluids at different viscosities.

The other options do not accurately describe the fundamental operational principle of a centrifugal pump. Positive displacement pumps work by trapping a fixed volume of fluid and moving it mechanically, while gravity is not the primary force employed in centrifugal pumps, as they depend on the kinetic energy produced by the rotating impeller. Furthermore, centrifugal pumps often utilize mechanical seals or other sealing methods to prevent leaks, making the statement about operating without one misleading.