What is a common characteristic of centrifugal pumps?

Centrifugal pumps are designed to move fluids by utilizing a rotating mechanism, which is the fundamental principle behind their operation. The pump’s impeller, which is a type of rotor, spins rapidly inside the pump casing, generating centrifugal force. This force pushes the fluid outward from the center of the impeller, creating a flow that moves the liquid through the discharge pipe. The efficiency and effectiveness of centrifugal pumps stem from this rotational action, making it a key characteristic.

While other options touch on aspects of different types of pumps or specific operating conditions, the use of a rotational mechanism is essential and distinctive to centrifugal pumps. Their design enables them to achieve a relatively high flow rate, although their performance can vary with the properties of the fluid, such as viscosity. Therefore, while viscosity may influence operation, it is the non-variable nature of flow characteristic of centrifugal pumps that is highlighted by their dependency on rotational mechanics, which is why the first option is the most defining feature.