New York Low Pressure Boiler COF Practice

Which characteristic is associated with centrifugal pumps?

1. Only radial flow

2. Only axial flow

3. Only mixed flow

4. Radial flow, mixed flow, axial flow

The correct answer is: Radial flow, mixed flow, axial flow

Centrifugal pumps are designed to handle fluid movement through the application of rotational energy, which is produced by a rotating impeller. A key characteristic of these pumps is their ability to generate flow in different patterns depending on their design. Radial flow describes the movement of fluid perpendicular to the axis of the pump, where the impeller forces the fluid outward and pushes it through the discharge pipe. Mixed flow integrates both radial and axial flow, where the fluid moves both radially outward and along the axis of the pump, allowing for flexibility in handling varying flow applications. Axial flow characteristics involve the movement of fluid parallel to the pump's axis, driving the fluid straight through the pump casing. Thus, centrifugal pumps can exhibit any of these flow types—radial, axial, or mixed flow—depending on their construction and intended use. This versatility is essential in many industrial applications, as different operational conditions may demand different flow characteristics to optimize efficiency and performance. Therefore, the characteristic associated with centrifugal pumps encompasses all three flow types.