What component is essential in a centrifugal pump for creating flow?

The impeller is the critical component in a centrifugal pump responsible for creating flow. It is designed to impart kinetic energy to the fluid, drawing it into the pump and accelerating it radially outward. This rapid motion generates a difference in pressure, which facilitates the movement of the liquid through the pump and into the discharge line.

When the impeller rotates, it pushes the fluid away from its center, transforming the energy from the motor driving the impeller into hydraulic energy in the form of flow. The efficiency and performance of a centrifugal pump largely depend on the design and size of the impeller, making it the focal point for flow generation.

While the casing, motor, and diffuser play significant roles in the overall function of the pump—such as directing flow, providing structural integrity, and further transforming kinetic energy into pressure—the actual flow initiation is fundamentally reliant on the action of the impeller. This specialized function makes the impeller essential for flow creation within the system.