How to Identify the Cause of Sudden Increase in Discharge Pressure and Decrease in Discharge Quantity at a Pumping Station

Question:

At a pumping station equipped with a centrifugal pump, which of the following can cause the discharge pressure to suddenly increase and the discharge quantity to suddenly decrease?

A) Pump cavitation

B) Impeller damage

C) Pipe blockage

D) Volute casing leak

Final answer: Pipe blockage

Answer:

Option C: Pipe blockage at a pumping station can lead to an increased discharge pressure and a decreased discharge quantity due to the resistance it creates against water flow.

At a pumping station equipped with a centrifugal pump, the scenario that can cause the discharge pressure to suddenly increase and the discharge quantity to suddenly decrease is C) Pipe blockage. This happens because a blockage creates a resistance to flow, reducing the volume of water that can pass through the pipe while simultaneously increasing the pressure behind the blockage.

Other options such as pump cavitation, impeller damage, and volute casing leak would typically lead to a decrease in discharge pressure, rather than an increase.