If the head of a centrifugal pump is insufficient, could this result in a severely low outlet flow rate?
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As the title suggests, if a low-pressure (low head) centrifugal pump is used to transfer a fluid to a high-pressure area, could there be a severe shortage in flow rate, with the fluid flowing back in the opposite direction?:)
The system curve will definitely deviate toward the high-pressure side, and as a result the pump flow rate will gradually decrease. The pressure in the pipeline network is generated by pumping; of course, if the pump’s pressure is not sufficient, backflow will occur.
This situation can occur, so it needs to be carefully considered when selecting a pump.
It’s definitely going to reverse; the pressure is extremely high.
If that really happens, it’s due to an error in the process calculations. Under normal circumstances, if the pressure in the discharge section suddenly increases abnormally, the pump’s operating point shifts to the left, resulting in a decrease in flow rate, until the pump starts to vibrate and cavitation occurs. Centrifugal pump outlets are equipped with check valves, and an abnormally high outlet pressure can also cause the valve to close.
On the contrary, if the pressure at the pump outlet is lower than the designed value, could the flow rate increase?