What is a limitation of centrifugal pumps?

Centrifugal pumps are designed to move fluids by converting rotational energy to hydrodynamic energy. They are particularly efficient for transferring liquids at relatively low pressure and high flow rates, making them ideal for many applications. However, one of their limitations lies in their performance at high-pressure systems. While they can generate certain levels of pressure, their efficiency diminishes as the pressure requirements increase significantly.

Specifically, centrifugal pumps can struggle to maintain performance in systems that require very high pressure. This is due to the fundamental design of the pump, which relies on the creation of a vortex or a flow of liquid that can become unstable as pressure rises. Other types of pumps, such as positive displacement pumps, are better suited for high-pressure situations as they can generate a consistent output even under high resistance.

The other options highlight different aspects of pump performance and characteristics. Piston pumps can be more suitable for high-pressure applications, and while centrifugal pumps can indeed handle some thick fluids depending on their design, they are generally less effective with highly viscous materials. Additionally, maintenance requirements can vary greatly between pump types, but centrifugal pumps are not typically noted for needing frequent servicing compared to some other systems.