How does the viscosity of a fluid impact pump selection?

The viscosity of a fluid plays a significant role in pump selection because it directly affects how the fluid moves and how the pump will perform. For higher viscosity fluids, such as oils or some slurries, pumps must be specifically designed to handle these thicker liquids. These pumps are usually engineered to exert greater pressure and provide higher torque to overcome the resistance to flow that thicker fluids present.

If a pump designed for lower viscosity fluids were used on a high-viscosity application, it might not be able to move the fluid effectively, leading to poor performance or potential damage to the pump. Selecting a pump that matches the viscosity of the fluid ensures efficient operation and longevity of the equipment. Therefore, understanding the viscosity is critical in determining the right pump configuration to achieve the desired flow and pressure characteristics.