What is a primary characteristic of centrifugal pumps?

A primary characteristic of centrifugal pumps is their ability to deliver high flow rates under low pressure. This is due to their design, which utilizes a rotating impeller to create kinetic energy in the fluid being pumped. As the impeller spins, it imparts velocity to the fluid, which is then converted to pressure energy as the fluid exits the pump. This mechanism allows centrifugal pumps to effectively move large volumes of liquid quickly, making them suitable for applications where high flow rates are necessary, such as irrigation, water supply, and various industrial processes.

Centrifugal pumps are not typically used for high viscosity fluids, which can lead to performance issues; they're better suited for low to medium viscosity fluids. Additionally, while they can generate moderate pressure, they are not specifically designed for high-pressure applications compared to positive displacement pumps, which are often preferred for those scenarios. While centrifugal pumps can operate at various pressures, they generally do not excel at providing low flow rates at high pressure. Hence, the characteristic of delivering high flow rates under low pressure is what fundamentally defines their operational capability.