On which type of pump would you typically find an impeller?

An impeller is a rotating component that transfers energy to the fluid, creating flow and pressure through the action of centrifugal force. This design feature is characteristic of centrifugal pumps. In these pumps, the impeller is typically housed within a casing, which helps direct the flow of liquid as it is drawn in at the pump inlet and discharged at the outlet. The speed at which the impeller rotates governs the efficiency and pressure capabilities of the pump.

Centrifugal pumps are widely used in various applications due to their ability to handle large volumes of fluid and maintain consistency in flow rates. They are particularly effective when dealing with low-viscosity liquids, common in tanker operations where crude oil, refined products, or chemicals are involved.

In contrast, positive displacement pumps, gear pumps, and piston pumps operate using different mechanisms. Positive displacement pumps push fluid by trapping a fixed amount and forcing it downstream, and while some types may have rotating components, they do not use impellers. Gear pumps utilize meshing gears to promote fluid flow, whereas piston pumps operate through reciprocating motion to create pressure. Thus, the presence of an impeller specifically identifies the centrifugal pump as the correct option.