What does a steep characteristic curve indicate for pump operation?

A steep characteristic curve in pump operation indicates that there is a significant change in head as the flow rate approaches shutoff compared to the design capacity. This steeper slope reflects the behavior of the pump where a small variation in flow rate results in a relatively large change in the head produced by the pump. In practical terms, this means that as you reduce the flow towards shutoff, the head produced by the pump increases markedly.

This characteristic is vital for understanding how a pump will perform under different load conditions. In applications where a pump must operate close to its shutoff point, the implications of a steep curve become critical, as it may lead to issues such as excessive pressure build-up or cavitation if not properly managed. Thus, knowing that a steep curve signifies a large head increase at shutoff is essential for ensuring the pump is appropriately sized and selected for the intended application.