A centrifugal pump is limited to a lift of how many feet?

A centrifugal pump is typically limited to a maximum lift of about 15 feet due to the principles of fluid dynamics and the design of the pump itself. This limitation arises because the pump relies on centrifugal force to move water. As the lift increases beyond this point, the pressure within the pump decreases, which can lead to a phenomenon known as cavitation.

Cavitation occurs when the pressure in the pump drops below the vapor pressure of the liquid, causing vapor bubbles to form. When these bubbles collapse, they can cause damage to the pump components and reduce its efficiency. Therefore, while some centrifugal pumps can be designed for higher lifts, standard models generally adhere to the 15-foot limit to avoid these operational issues.

Understanding this limitation is crucial for effective pump selection and operational efficiency in water treatment applications, ensuring that the selected pump is suitable for the specific hydraulic conditions it will encounter.