🔍 Key Concepts

• Centrifugal pump volute and how it converts velocity head to pressure head • Difference between single volute and double volute casings • Forces acting on an impeller: radial thrust vs axial (end) thrust

💭 Think About

• Think about what happens to the pressure distribution around the impeller in a single volute versus a double volute casing. • Which type of thrust (radial or axial) comes from unequal pressure around the circumference of the impeller rather than along the shaft line? • Does adding a second volute passage inherently increase velocity, reduce axial thrust, or mainly balance forces on the impeller?

✅ Before You Answer

• Identify which answer choice is related to radial forces around the impeller rather than along the shaft. • Decide whether multi-staging and doubling velocity actually describe casing design, or if they describe a different pump feature. • Be clear on the difference between radial thrust (side load on impeller) and hydraulic end thrust (axial load along the shaft) before choosing.