When selecting a centrifugal pump, what is crucial to check alongside the required head at the design capacity?

When selecting a centrifugal pump, it is essential to check the system head/capacity curve because this curve helps to visualize the relationship between the flow rate and the corresponding head developed by the pump in the system. This relationship is critical in ensuring that the selected pump will operate efficiently at the desired capacity without encountering issues such as cavitation, excessive energy consumption, or insufficient flow.

Understanding the system head/capacity curve allows designers to match the pump’s performance characteristics with the specific needs of the system. If the selected pump does not align with this curve, it can lead to operational inefficiencies and potential damage to the pump or system components over time. Therefore, evaluating the system head/capacity curve is a crucial step in the pump selection process to ensure reliable operation and long-term performance.