What is a key functional characteristic of a centrifugal pump?

A centrifugal pump is designed to move fluids through the application of rotational energy. The heart of its operation lies in the rotating impellers, which impart kinetic energy to the fluid. As the impeller spins, it accelerates the fluid outward from the center towards the discharge, utilizing centrifugal force to generate flow. This mechanism is highly efficient for transferring liquids and is commonly used in various applications ranging from industrial to domestic uses.

The reliance on rotating impellers makes centrifugal pumps well-suited for pumping large volumes of liquids. This differs significantly from other types of pumps, such as positive displacement pumps, which operate differently and do not incorporate a rotating impeller in their design. Understanding this characteristic is crucial for grasping how centrifugal pumps work and why they are widely utilized in fluid transfer processes.