Water Distribution Grade 1 Certification Practice Exam

Which type of pump relies on rotational energy to move fluids?

1. Centrifugal Pump

2. Diaphragm Pump

3. Positive Displacement Pump

4. Vortex Pump

The correct answer is: Centrifugal Pump

A centrifugal pump relies on rotational energy to move fluids, which is the reason it is the correct choice for this question. This type of pump operates by converting mechanical energy from a rotating impeller to kinetic energy in the fluid, effectively drawing the fluid into the pump and then discharging it at a higher pressure. The impeller spins, creating a centrifugal force that pushes the fluid outward to the pump's discharge. In contrast, diaphragm pumps function based on a different principle, using a flexible diaphragm to create a pumping action without relying on rotational motion. Positive displacement pumps operate by trapping a fixed amount of fluid and forcing that volume into the discharge, which does not fundamentally involve rotational energy. Vortex pumps utilize a spinning action to create a vortex, but their primary mechanism differs from the straightforward rotational energy application found in centrifugal pumps. Thus, the distinctive characteristic of centrifugal pumps lies in their direct dependence on the rotational motion of the impeller to facilitate fluid movement.